Even in old age, not everything has to be downhill all the time. Those who move as much as possible within their capabilities can achieve noticeable improvements.
Strokes or falls resulting in broken bones rob many older people of their mobility, at least temporarily. Even a short period of inactivity has a negative effect on the body and mind, especially in old age. The elderly are at risk of becoming permanently dependent on support and care.
However, a sudden, serious illness does not have to mean the end of an independent life at home. Rehabilitation can help to find a way out of the dreaded one-way street from hospital straight into a care home. The aim is to live independently, possibly with the support of outpatient care services.
Maintaining independence
For people who are still working, rehabilitation should primarily enable them to return to their usual job. With increasing age, however, the goals shift. The aim is now to regain, improve or maintain independent living in one’s own home (everyday competence). The aim is to reduce or prevent the need for care.
Rehabilitation options
In addition, senior citizens must be able to reach the day clinic or an outpatient rehabilitation center near their home themselves, with the help of relatives or an organized pick-up and delivery service. Outpatient rehabilitation is usually limited to 20 treatment days. If the specified treatment goal is not achieved during this time, you can apply to the insurance company for an extension during rehabilitation.
The path to rehab
The earlier rehab begins, for example after a stroke, the more successful it promises to be. Before you choose a rehabilitation facility, you must obtain approval from your health insurance company. Normally, the doctor treating you in hospital will submit an application.
Rehabilitation applications can also be submitted by doctors in private practice or following an assessment by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK). In the case of private care insurance, this is done by Medicproof. The hospital’s social services, the health insurance company or special internet portals can help you choose a suitable rehabilitation facility.
Rehab is worthwhile:
- Eight weeks of training on fitness equipment can measurably increase muscle strength even in 65- to 95-year-olds*.
- Trained study participants also reacted less anxiously to new challenges.
Therapy team
The average age of patients in geriatric rehabilitation is around 80 years. In addition to their main illness, patients almost always have additional conditions that also require treatment. This colorful hodgepodge of different health disorders is matched by an equally colorful treatment team: Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social pedagogues, psychologists and nutritionists work hand in hand.
After the first few days of rehabilitation treatment, specific goals are set for each individual rehabilitation patient (geriatric assessment): This means that the treatment providers focus less on the diagnosis and more on the existing impairments. All members of the treatment team report which disabilities and problems they have discovered in their area. The rehabilitation potential is determined together and weekly meetings are held to check whether the goals can be achieved.
Motivation – the be-all and end-all
Preparation for home
During therapy, physiotherapists and occupational therapists provide patients with individually adapted aids as far as necessary. The therapists also familiarize relatives with the disabilities and aids such as a wheelchair or rollator.
Occupational therapists or social pedagogues accompany the patient once in their home. They check whether certain aids could make life in the home easier or whether conversion measures are necessary (home adaptation). However, this local appointment may also reveal that a return to the current home environment poses too high a safety risk.
An outpatient safety net is set up in good time before discharge to ensure sufficient medical, nursing and domestic care at home.
Do not let up
Relatives play a very important role. Recognition and encouragement strengthen motivation and self-confidence beyond the rehabilitation stay. To ensure that the rehabilitation goals achieved are sustainable in the long term, the exercises learned must also become an integral part of the daily routine afterwards.
Physiotherapists, for example, should review this independent follow-up therapy at longer intervals.
