What you need to know about rehabilitation

Meaning and Definition of Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation refers to functional training, typically involving exercise and physical training.

The word "rehabilitation" originates from the Latin "re (again) + habilis (fit)," aiming not only medically but also socially to "return to the original state."

Medical rehabilitation can be broadly divided into three types: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These are handled by specialists: physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language-hearing therapists (STs), respectively, who determine the content based on the patient's physical condition and goals.

First, physical therapy primarily aims at restoring basic physical abilities and is handled by physical therapists. They train motor functions such as "getting up, standing, sitting" – everyday actions that were previously possible – and walking training. Rehabilitation equipment and tools may also be used.

Next, occupational therapy is rehabilitation that helps individuals with physical or mental disabilities achieve independent living. Occupational therapists assist with daily tasks and activities like "dressing, bathing, and cooking," and also specialize in providing emotional care for those with mental disabilities.

Finally, speech therapy is rehabilitation performed by speech-language-hearing therapists, aimed at "recovering language and hearing." Through specialized programs, they conduct training to improve speech, hearing, and swallowing, such as "listening," "speaking," and "swallowing food."

The purpose of rehabilitation varies from person to person, whether it's to recover from functional decline due to injury or illness, or to lead an independent life even in old age. We often hear the phrase "100-year life expectancy." Worries in old age are not only about money; health is also a crucial factor. In the future, the significance of rehabilitating parts that have declined due to aging will become even more important.

Medical Rehabilitation: The 3 Basic Types

Rehabilitation during the recovery phase is essential functional training for regaining independent living. Medical rehabilitation is broadly divided into three types: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

These are handled by specialists: physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language-hearing therapists (STs), respectively, who determine the content based on individual goals. Let's introduce these three types of medical rehabilitation.

Physical Therapists

First, physical therapy primarily aims at restoring basic physical abilities and is handled by physical therapists. They train motor functions such as "getting up, standing, sitting" – everyday actions that were previously possible – and walking training. Rehabilitation equipment and tools may also be used.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapy is rehabilitation that helps individuals with physical or mental disabilities achieve independent living. Occupational therapists assist with daily tasks and activities like "dressing, bathing, and cooking," and also specialize in providing emotional care for those with mental disabilities.

Speech-Language-Hearing Therapists

Furthermore, speech-language-hearing therapists are specialists who perform rehabilitation for the mouth and ears. Through specialized programs, they conduct training to improve speech, hearing, and swallowing, such as "listening," "speaking," and "swallowing food." While physical therapy and occupational therapy care for the mind and body as a whole, speech therapy is more specialized.

Is Rehabilitation Available in Nursing Homes and Day Care Centers?

While many people associate rehabilitation with medical settings, some forms of rehabilitation can also be received in nursing homes and day care centers.

For example, "daily life rehabilitation" is not medical, so nursing home staff can also provide support. Daily life rehabilitation is the idea of making daily life itself a form of rehabilitation. Since daily life is the core, everyday actions like dressing and eating are targets of daily life rehabilitation. Aiming for a life requiring no care, various supports are provided according to age, such as installing handrails or changing to easy-to-use tableware. Nursing home staff, who are not medical professionals, can also provide these services.

Outpatient rehabilitation, also known as day service, involves attending medical institutions or care facilities to receive rehabilitation. This requires certification for long-term care or support needs; individuals requiring long-term care can use day care, while those needing support can use preventative outpatient rehabilitation. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists provide guidance, and activities like painting and woodworking aimed at preventing dementia are also included.

Comparing Types of Care Facilities and the Rehabilitation They Offer!

We have discussed various types of rehabilitation available to the elderly.

Please note that not all nursing homes or day care centers offer the types of rehabilitation mentioned above, so it's essential to confirm beforehand. Also, the content of rehabilitation available varies depending on the type of care facility.

Long-term care health facilities are designed for individuals aiming to return home after discharge from a hospital. Eligible residents are elderly individuals who require care in their daily lives. Specialists like physical therapists and occupational therapists provide rehabilitation for functions that have declined during hospitalization, as well as training for daily activities such as bathing and eating.

Long-term care medical facilities offer both medical and care services. Rehabilitation is provided as needed. Residents are limited to those who require medical care but do not need long-term hospitalization. The difference from the long-term care health facilities mentioned above is that these facilities are for elderly individuals who find it difficult to return home.

Increasingly, fee-based nursing homes also offer rehabilitation. However, while some fee-based nursing homes provide specialized rehabilitation, the content varies by facility. It is advisable to check if the facility offers the type of rehabilitation you seek before considering admission.