What should a
caregiver expect when their loved one is facing a long regimen of
rehabilitation? The whole process can be a mystery and often it is
unclear as to what role the caregiver should play in the process. The
more progress your loved one makes in rehab, the better you both will
feel. The process of rehabilitation is not an easy one but with your
help and support, your loved one will gain back the most capability
possible.
How do you get the
most out of your love one’s rehabilitation? It’s just a matter of
getting INVOLVED. Make sure you read about your loved one’s condition
and educate yourself so you can ask the right questions. Try to
understand what your loved one is going through medically. Be familiar
with of your loved one’s insurance benefits. For example, the “length of
stay” in a facility should be discussed with the staff. If your loved
one dislikes hospital food ask dietary staff if you could bring the
patient’s favorite foods. In rehab, it’s the doctor that orders and
discharges the therapy or nursing services. Be aware that nurse
practitioners, chiropractors and physician assistants can also give some
orders. Getting involved may mean a lot of different things depending
on your particular situation but there are certain basic guidelines you
should try to follow.
Usually there is
patient conference scheduled that family members can attend. Make sure
you can be there. If one is not scheduled, ask that one be arranged. At
the conference you will be informed about your loved one’s overall
medical, physical, emotional and psychological status. The goals for the
patient are established and the expectations of the patient, family,
medical professionals, including case managers, are also discussed.
When therapy has
started, you should frequently discuss the progress that your loved one
is making with the physical therapist, occupational therapist, in house
doctor and nurses. Ask any questions that you have and make certain
your perception of how your loved one is doing is the similar to theirs.
Ask permission to and read the medical charts. Do not be intimidated by
the medical setting or your lack of a medical education. Go over every
page and ask about anything you don’t understand. Remember that
everything is written in the medical charts including changes in
medication. The patient has the right to go over her/his chart as does
the primary caregiver with proper authorization. You can ask the case
manager for details.
Attend every activity
including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
appointments. Talk with each of the different therapists about your
loved one’s routine. Family members with appropriate training can learn
and easily do some of the exercises. Ask if you could help do the
exercises with your loved in their free time. You should also encourage
your loved one to attend every scheduled activity. Rehabilitation is
never easy and your loved one will need your support to get the most out
of it. It also helps the patient battle depression. A great deal of
success is dependent upon the patient’s willingness to get better, but
always keep in mind that your loved one has the right to have a bad day
or even refuse entirely.
When your loved one
has shown sufficient progress to think about going home, you should
inquire about the discharge date and get yourself involved with the
planning in plenty of time. Ask about the necessary equipment that
Medicare or insurances can purchase. If the equipment cannot be
purchased through insurance, go to the nearest second hand shop or look
in the classified section of your local paper. I have seen brand new
walkers, bedside commodes, canes and wheelchair for sale in a fraction
of the new price. If you do find second hand equipment, make sure you
have it checked with the PT, OT, and NSG staff. Medical equipment shops
also can offer second hand equipment, as do some charitable
institutions.
As the primary
caregiver, you are an important member of a team working together to
improve your loved ones health. Your understanding and participation is
just as important as the medical professionals who are working very hard
to help your loved one’s physical and mental outlook. Work with us and
ask questions and we will all see the best results.
Christian Andaya RPT
is a professional
caregiver and physical therapist. He has worked in
outpatient services, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, and home
health agencies. He currently employed as physical therapist in the
South Florida area.
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