Need Rehab After Joint Replacement?

(ARA) - It's the new trend in short-term rehabilitative care. And while still highly competitive with the typical skilled nursing facility, the cost ($500 to $700 per day) -- even with all the added amenities -- is about half of what one would normally pay at the hospital ($1500 to $1800 per day).

Imagine it. You've just had your hip replaced and can hardly move. The doctor tells you it's necessary to have physical therapy, which the hospital offers. So, you're looking at spending seven to 14 more days in the hospital; with hospital food, hospital smells and overall hospital hospitality. Not very inviting is it?

To serve the growing number of people having joint replacements who are in need of physical therapy, there are now in-house patient care facilities popping up in select markets including greater Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and one near you may come with a special twist. Gardens, day rooms, fancy menu -- you'd think you went to a hotel and spa, with the added bonus of physical and occupational therapy.

"The Genesis Progression Rehab Units focus on rehabilitation services with specially trained nurses and therapists providing excellent care. And the facilities match the care. These units have combined services and amenities that most patients can't find in post acute care settings," says Lou Ann Soika, vice president of customer relations and strategic development for Genesis HealthCare. "It's like a hotel or a spa, where you'd expect there to be a concierge, with unbelievable restaurant style menus and snacks."

"Clinically, Progression Rehab Units offer the care that our competitors can't. This sets us apart from the competitors who don't have a whole team playing for them. Our team includes orthopedic surgeons, medical directors, nurses, case managers and dieticians as well as full time, permanent physical therapists, and occupational and speech therapists. It's integrated for a holistic healing experience," says Soika.

Patient care lasts anywhere from seven to 21 days for a knee or hip replacement and, from a surgeon's perspective, the treatment is customized to suit their care preferences. The Progression Rehab Unit staff follows the doctor's orders to achieve the highest level of functioning for a particular patient's recovery so they can safely return home and enjoy the activities and lifestyle they love.

"Our therapists email the orthopedic surgeons with updates on the patient's progress as well as at the final discharge so the doctor has the latest information on the patient's range of motion, overall health status and an update of their medications," notes Peggy McGovern, senior administrator of Spa Creek Center in Annapolis, Md. "Even before their surgery, the Progression Rehab Unit's Director visits patients in the hospital before they come over to make sure they will have everything they need, including dietary requirements, scheduling family visits and to let them know what they should bring, like types of clothing and shoes so they're comfortable."

The list of additional amenities is long and includes an express café with table-side dining service for every meal, an all-new gym with specialized equipment for knee and hip replacements. Patient rooms may include private showers, flat-screen TVs, computers and VCRs, and wireless Internet service if you want to use a laptop in your room. There are also special visiting lounges so the patients can get to know each other or play cards or board games.

How successful are the clinical outcomes in these new Progression Rehab Units? According to the national benchmarks utilized by rehabilitation facilities, Progression Rehab patients' scores have met and exceeded scores of patients treated in rehab hospitals for measuring rehab outcomes.

"Genesis Progression Rehab Units are an option for younger joint replacement patients. The facility fills a niche that is really needed to service those individuals, and with a personalized, customer-service touch," says McGovern.

To learn more about Progression Rehab Units and to find the nearest facility, go to www.genesishcc.com or call 800-728-8808.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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