At Prestige Care, we understand a stay at a post-acute care center is intended to be a transitional period to help patients recover and return to their everyday lives. Once a patient has successfully recovered and is ready to return home our healthcare team works with them to build a discharge plan with the resources and tools they need to maintain their recovery goals and prevent future complications.
Although there are many steps a person can take to avoid rehospitalization, it is especially important to consider staying as active as possible following your rehabilitation journey. Studies have shown that inactivity can negatively impact a person’s recovery progress after they have returned home from a post-acute care stay. Inactivity may increase your risk of health complications and can lead to additional muscle loss, weakness, and mobility issues.
Daily movement can help maintain muscle memory, increase strength, and even reduce risk of a fall by up to 40%. Here are a few ways you can stay active and maintain your health after recovering from a serious injury, surgery or illness.
At-Home Exercises
If you have successfully recovered from a hospitalization, your therapy team may suggest continuing therapy exercises in the comfort of your own home to help maintain your recovery progress.
At Prestige, our therapy teams work with each patient to develop a post-discharge plan that may include a variety of tips and exercises customized to each person’s physical ability. They may suggest practicing sitting down or standing up, performing light leg lifts, or walking on a treadmill. Continuing therapy exercises at home can help patients improve their endurance, maintain their independence, and continue living a stronger, healthier life.
Aquatic Exercises
Studies have shown that aquatic exercise can significantly reduce the risk of falling in older adults, help patients recover from a joint surgery, and can even help reduce disability after a stroke.
Water-based exercises can aid in increasing mobility through low impact movements and may reduce swelling in the joints which can help speed a person’s recovery. The resistance of the water can also improve balance and muscle strength without experiencing the weight bearing impact of land exercises.
Aquatic aerobic programs can be beneficial for those who may be experiencing residual joint pain from their injury, or for those with limited mobility. Consider contacting your local community pool to learn about their aquatic exercise programs.
Light Walking and Chores
Staying active after receiving care at a skilled nursing center can be as simple as accomplishing chores around the house or going for a light walk around the neighborhood. This can be a great way to stay active and improve your independence if you are using an assistive device, such as a walker or cane.
Take your activity at your own pace and be mindful not to push yourself beyond your physical abilities. Although you or your loved one may have successfully recovered from an injury or surgery, it is still important to listen to your body and avoid overworking yourself too soon.
Daily exercise and movement can help improve a person’s mobility, quality of life, and overall independence. It is especially important for those who have returned home after recovering from a hospitalization to prevent future health complications. Whether you are walking a couple miles every day, or doing some light chores around the house, it is important to stay active to maintain your health.
At Prestige, our team of healthcare professionals are there with you every step of the way to ensure you are receiving the tools, education, and highest quality of care necessary to create a seamless return home to your everyday activities.