It can be hard to bounce back after surgery. Though you may be eager to resume your normal routine right away, your body will need some time to rest and recover. Depending on the type of operation you’ve had, you may also need some rehab before you can get back on your feet. And while you may have your choice of post-surgery rehab settings, a short-term rehab facility can comfortably ease the transition from hospital to home – allowing you to fully focus on your recovery so you can quickly return to independent living.

The Goal of Short-Term Rehab

Whether you’re having a hip replacement, a heart operation, or cancer treatment, surgery will take a serious toll on your body. You may be dealing with pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion. Simple tasks, like getting dressed, may prove impossible to do on your own. In some cases, you may need to learn to walk all over again.

Short-term rehab in a skilled nursing facility provides a safe, supportive, and comfortable space for you to regain your strength and reclaim your health. At Bella Vista, each patient receives an intensive, personalized program lasting anywhere from a few days to a few months, supported by round-the-clock care from medical professionals. The end goal of short-term rehab is self-sufficiency, helping you get back to your normal life as soon as possible.

Services Offered in Short-Term Rehab

Short-term rehabilitation programs are highly customized depending on individual patient needs and goals. Most programs will include some combination of the following:

• Physical Therapy

To help patients regain full mobility, physical therapists engage them in strength training, resistance exercises, and activities to promote balance and stability. Pain management is also addressed through stretching and therapeutic ultrasound.

• Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help patients identify meaningful activities in their day-to-day lives and ensure they can independently perform or participate in them. Using special training exercises and adaptive equipment, patients can learn to care for themselves and actively engage in their favorite hobbies and tasks.

• Speech Therapy

If surgery has impacted your speaking or swallowing abilities, speech therapists can help to resolve any difficulties you may have with eating or communication using one-on-one treatment and training sessions.

• Support Services

In addition to therapy, after-surgery care facilities seek to maximize your comfort and recovery through nutritious meals, recreational activities, and opportunities for relaxation.

When to Consider Short-Term Post-Surgery Rehab

Sometimes, it can be difficult to decide between outpatient rehab services or an inpatient short-term rehab facility. Here a few questions to ask yourself when making the choice:

• Can you safely get around without assistance?

If you’re having difficulty standing or walking on your own after surgery, it will take some time for you to learn how to get back on your feet. Having 24/7 care available at a short-term rehab facility can provide you with the stability and security you need until you regain your mobility.

• Do you feel comfortable taking care of your daily responsibilities?

When you’re recovering from surgery, doing chores or running errands can be a big burden to take on. In short-term rehab, you don’t have to worry about household obligations. All you have to think about is your own recuperation.

• Do you have a support network at home to help you out?

After surgery, simple tasks can suddenly become overwhelming – and sometimes, impossible. Without people around to lend a helping hand, you may not be able to live independently – and you may put yourself at risk of getting seriously injured.

After surgery, Bella Vista can help you get back on your feet

Bella Vista Health Center is the best short-term rehab facility San Diego has to offer. We combine the comforts of home with the individualized care and attention of a skilled nursing facility. Above all, we aim to empower our patients and help them get back to independent living as quickly as possible.

Call us at (619) 644-1000 to find out more about our short-term rehab program.