What can I expect in an outpatient rehab?
The measures that are carried out during inpatient rehabilitation are also included in outpatient rehabilitation. This is therefore not a “slimmed-down” form of inpatient rehabilitation. With regard to the results it is not inferior to the stationary variant either.
A positive aspect is that the patient remains in his familiar environment and social surroundings. On the other hand, the daily arrival and departure has to be accepted, whereby it should be mentioned that the costs of the journeys are usually not borne by the patient. The advantages of outpatient rehabilitation are especially that the patient can go home every afternoon/evening to spend his free time and also the night.
He is therefore not torn from his family environment and can continue his social life as usual. Furthermore, a more flexible time management can be guaranteed. For example, a weekly therapy schedule of 2-3 days can be arranged.
This extends the total duration of the rehabilitation measures, but there are breaks in the weeks and the extended total duration results in a longer aftercare period. It is important to mention, however, that outpatient rehabilitation is not inferior to inpatient rehabilitation when used correctly and achieves equally good results. A further advantage is that with outpatient rehabilitation, the co-payment for overnight stays is not applicable.
Disadvantages of outpatient rehabilitation
The disadvantages of outpatient rehabilitation are primarily due to its limitations. It can only be used if certain conditions are met. On the one hand, the travel time from the place of residence to the rehabilitation facility must remain within a reasonable range (approx.
45 min). On the other hand, the patient must be mobile and independent in order to be able to manage the journey. In addition, outpatient rehab cannot guarantee day-night care, as an inpatient admission can.
Outpatient rehab is therefore only available to those who are physically and mentally fit. Besides also the own domestic supply must be ensured, in order to take up the ambulatory Reha.
