MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES
Look for a Healing Environment When Choosing a Rehabilitation If you or a loved one has been injured, had an operation or requires Community short-term rehabilitation, you will be interested in the services of a sub-acute rehabilitation community.
You have a myriad of options when choosing a rehabilitation community, but not all are the same. While many offer similar services, the right rehabilitation program is about more than just the services available. The overall healing environment should be considered, as well. What Comprises a Healing Environment? A rehabilitation community that looks at the whole patient and the connection between mind, body and spirit creates a healing environment that enhances well-being and encourages faster recovery and better outcomes. It should include: An experienced and compassionate team who can talk to the patient about their hopes and expectations and include them and their family in a personalized care plan. Positive relationships between the patient and the medical team. Ideally, the group takes a collaborative approach using integrative medicine to address the whole person. The use of physical design to enhance healing potential using color, light, sound and nature in a comfortable, soothing space.
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The combination of these components creates a positive environment, promotes healing and minimizes stress. Quality of Care Baked into the healing environment is the quality of care. Here are a few questions to ask when evaluating the care provided: n
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hat is the staff-to-patient ratio? W How does it compare to state requirements? How high is the staff turnover rate? What health measures are in place to ensure residents are safe and comfortable while mitigating threats, such as COVID-19? Does the medical team work with each resident individually to create a personalized care plan? What supplemental therapies are available? Speech? Physical? Occupational? What is the current Medicare rating? Is assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) offered?
Visit the community and observe how the staff interacts with patients and each other. Evaluate the community’s cleanliness and whether it is comfortable and welcoming.
142 SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT – FAIRFIELD, NEW HAVEN, AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES – WINTER 2021- SPRING 2022
