Phases of Rehab Restorative Programs in Long-Term Care

Chronic conditions and age-related illnesses create specific challenges for long-term care patients. Targeted strategies provide less intensive therapy over a longer period of time. Elderly patients lose functional ability due to illness or injury, but need strength and stamina to maintain their independence. According to the American Geriatric Society, the ability to function is the key to maintaining independence and quality of life. Consider the various phases of rehab restorative programs in long-term care.

Ambulation

• A physician should perform a physical examination before beginning any ambulation program. According to PubMed.gov, long-term care residents improved their ambulatory status after participating in a walking program and experienced less falls. Ambulation programs are the foundation of rehab, restorative therapy. Walking is the most popular form of physical activity for adults, and it reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and the chance for future falls. Because walking reduces the risk of falls, it also reduces the risk of death due to hip fractures.

Range of Motion

• The Merck Manual of Geriatrics states that decreased range of motion causes pain, reduces functional ability and predisposes patients to pressure sores. Heart attack, stroke and immobilization are a particular threat to long-term care patient's range of motion. Maneuvers include active range of motion exercises for patients that can participate without assistance, active-assistance exercises and passive exercises for elderly patients who require a lot of support from medical personnel.

Muscle Strengthening

• Walking requires strong muscles, coordination and balance.

  For long-term care patients, muscle strengthening exercises increase flexibility and muscle endurance for performing everyday tasks. When muscles become weak, bathing, brushing your teeth, getting dressed and eating can become very difficult. This greatly decreases the individual's quality of living and increases the risk for depression. As muscle strength increases, resistance is gradually increased until the individual's therapy goal is reached.

Coordination Exercises

• This phase focuses on task-oriented exercises that improve coordination. Exercises involve repeating specific movements that work more than one joint or muscle at a time. Activities include picking up objects, touching extremities and turning controls on and off. Coordination exercises for older adults improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Difficulty levels are increased as balance improves, allowing patients to improve their coordination when walking, climbing stairs and rising from a seated position.

Transfer Training

• The exercises used for transfer training depend greatly on the individual's medical condition. Transfer training is particularly important after experiencing a hip fracture or stroke. Exercises are based on whether a patient can bear weight on one or both legs, has sound balance or has suffered any form of paralysis. Therapists teach patients to use assistive devices that help improve balance when changing positions. Medical supply stores also offer assistive devices for home-bound individuals. Only trained professionals should administer rehabilitative, restorative programs, especially when treating long-term care individuals with chronic illnesses and injuries.