Five ways to support a loved one recovering at a post-hospital rehab center

Following surgery or a hospital stay, a short-term stay at a rehabilitation center can help a person return to an active lifestyle more quickly than going directly home. If you have a friend or loved one staying at a post-hospital rehabilitation center, there are several ways you can be supportive. Here are five ways you can be an effective partner in your loved one’s recovery.

Be a good listener
It’s helpful to show that you care. Simply ask how the person how he or she is feeling. It is not your role to dispense medical advice. Instead, be encouraging and praise any progress. Ask about everything from the exercises in therapy to what was for dinner last night. Encourage conversation and listen more than talk. The important thing is to let your friend or family member know you care and are rooting for a speedy recovery.

Be part of the care team
Be in contact with the medical staff and offer information as needed. If there are care conferences, be sure to attend and find out if there are ways you can take part in the recovery process now and in the future. Attending these meeting sends a message that you’re interested in the person’s condition and want to help as needed.

Be dependable
Try to set up a regular time to make contact with your loved one. If distance is a problem, try to pick a time to call every evening or morning just to connect. If possible, plan to visit on the same days each week. Visits do not need to be lengthy. Remember that the person is recovering and needs rest. A reasonable amount of time for a visit is about 20 minutes. Be sure to check the daily schedule so you are not trying to visit during therapy, meal time or other planned activity since disruptions can affect progress.

Be happy
Believe it or not, laughter is the best medicine. Researchers at the University of Maryland have found that laughter increased a healthy blood flow in people. They also found that laughter has also been shown to raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies in some people and to lower blood sugar levels. Finally, laughing relieves stress and allows for relaxation. So when visiting someone who is struggling with recovery, do your best to get the person to laugh or at least smile.

Be generous
Consider bringing in a favorite sweet or fruit that you know the person enjoys (be sure to check for dietary restrictions). Don’t overdo it. Keep it small and simple.

Choose the best
When a loved one needs to recover at a rehabilitation center following a medical event, help choose a place where the best and most comfortable care is delivered. Glenview Terrace offers health care expertise combined with an unrelenting commitment to comfort, dignity and guest satisfaction, making it one of the area’s finest choices for rehabilitation. This family-owned facility is dedicated to the highest standards of customer service and clinical care in elegant accommodations.

Glenview Terrace has earned a reputation for offering one of the best post-hospital care programs in the area. They provide one-on-one physical, occupational and speech therapies up to seven days a week with the goal of returning the patient home as quickly as possible. The expert nursing team and support staff are ready with round-the-clock care for every need that arises, from wound care to pain management.

This specialized care is offered in an elegant environment. The well-appointed rooms and suites are filled with custom-designed furnishings and include a deluxe bathroom with a private shower. Guests are pampered with a variety of amenities including attentive concierge service, morning coffee and newspaper delivered daily to the room, diverse menu selections and much more. The attractive grounds and tranquil fountain are just some of the extras that go into creating an inviting environment for recovery.

When looking for compassionate care with elegance, consider Glenview Terrace where the goal is to quickly and safely get you back to your independent lifestyle. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.