It’s common for people to confuse “restorative care” with rehabilitation, yet while they work well together, they are distinctly different approaches, each offering unique advantages and focusing on different goals. To understand the difference, let’s delve into what restorative care truly means, especially in the context of long-term care.
Rehabilitation, often involving physical, occupational, and speech therapy, is a familiar concept. It’s delivered by skilled therapists who assess a patient’s functional abilities, set specific goals, and create personalized care plans to achieve those goals. Rehabilitation focuses on teaching patients new skills and tracks progress, typically occurring over a shorter period, often after a hospital stay to help someone regain lost function after a specific event.
Restorative care, on the other hand, usually begins after rehabilitation is complete. Its primary aim is to help individuals maintain and improve their current level of function, allowing them to preserve their skills and independence for as long as possible. Restorative care programs in long-term care facilities include a variety of restorative nursing techniques delivered consistently over time. These techniques can range from assisting with mobility to supporting daily living activities like personal hygiene and other self-care tasks.
Knowing about restorative care and its benefits is particularly important if you have a loved one in long-term care. This type of program can significantly contribute to their continued vitality and quality of life. If you’re interested in learning more about how restorative care could benefit your loved one, consider reaching out to a reputable long-term senior care community in your area to explore their programs and services.
American Senior Communities is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every individual they serve. To discover more about restorative services, we invite you to visit one of our communities near you or explore ASCCare.com.
