Submitted by Colette Gourley, Community Relations Coordinator, Heritage Health
As the health care needs of seniors change and evolve, the health care environment grows more competitive as providers continue to improve the quality of services offered. When you or a loved one need therapy, it is important to know your options so you can best select the rehab program that is right for you.
When exploring your options for rehabilitative therapy, some questions to consider are:
- Do you need short-term or long-term therapy?
- What is your goal for successful therapy treatment?
- Do you need specialized therapy services that may require state-of-the-art equipment?
- Do you want a private room during your therapy program?
After talking with your doctor about your treatment, begin your research for rehab services in the Bloomington-Normal community. Do an online search for services available in the area or ask friends and family if they have any experiences locally. Visit some facilities and get a feel for each place so you know where you feel welcome, comfortable, and confident in the care you will receive.
In Bloomington-Normal there are rehabilitative therapy programs that offer a number of specialized services. There are results and outcomes of these programs which demonstrate the patient’s success in those given areas of rehab. Ask the facility to provide statistics regarding improvements in orthopedic and neurological therapy patients. There are also specialized areas of treatment for speech therapy where programs are exclusively available for treatment of Parkinson’s and post throat cancer recovery.
Additionally available are rehab services for those with cardiac-related conditions. If a patient has a condition such as COPD or congestive heart failure, rehab for chronic cardiac conditions would be appropriate. Or if a patient needs to prepare for a more comprehensive cardiac rehab program, a cardiac therapy regimen is the way to get ready.
There is also specialized therapy for patients diagnosed with dementia. A different approach to the rehabilitative therapy of someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia is something to consider.
Other considerations with regard to specialized therapy are the experience and rapport of the therapy team. Often, success is dependent on an interdisciplinary care plan approach that will involve other areas of care in addition to therapy. A well-rounded team of therapists who take a holistic approach to patient treatment is important.
Finally, therapy treatment programs often offer state-of-the-art equipment that no one else in the area can provide. Therapy equipment that greatly improves the overall treatment of a patient’s condition can be a deciding factor when choosing a therapy provider. Modern equipment has improved safety features as well as technology advantages. Today, equipment that provides an immediate printout of results that can be sent to the physician overseeing the patient’s care can be an advantage in the progression of treatment.
When looking for the right therapy provider for your needs, know what your goals are and what options are available to you. Do your research and visit your top choices. Do not be afraid to ask questions about outcomes and specialized programs. After all, you deserve to find the best rehab provider who will help you accomplish your rehab goals.
For more information about specialized rehab therapy services in Bloomington-Normal, please contact Colette Gourley, Community Relations Coordinator for Heritage Health, at 309-825-1409 or cgourley@hertiageofcare.com. Heritage Health is the program provider of RESTORE therapy services, including specialized rehab services in orthopedic, neurological and speech, in addition to rehab for those with chronic cardiac conditions and dementia.