Body
Adjusting to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital
Authors: Richard Trezona, PhD; Kenneth Lefebvre, PhD; Catherine Wilson, PsyD
The rehabilitation hospital is unique in that you probably came from another hospital where you experienced changes in your ability to perform your normal activities. As a result of these changes, there are several things that can help in managing this experience:
Take charge of the situation wherever you can. Patients who are active in their medical care and participate in treatment decisions are more likely to feel better emotionally. Ask questions as they arise and state your preferences about treatment. It is important to let your therapist know what you want to work on during your stay.
Look for ways to express your feelings. Everyone has different ways to express feelings, and with whom. Often individuals feel relieved if they discuss their situation, and how they feel about it, with another person. This may include talking to family or friends or with a mental health professional.
Seek support from family, friends, other patients, and staff. Separation from loved ones can make a hospital stay challenging. Connect with visitors at times when you are not in therapies and feel sufficiently rested to enjoy the time together.
Find ways to "get away" and relax. Although it is difficult to “relax” in the hospital in the same way that you would at home, it is important to find ways to occupy your time when you are not in therapies. This may what you have used in the past, such as reading, listening to music, and having quiet time to yourself. Rehabilitation hospitals often have recreational therapists on staff that can help you with activities, or help you adapt your previous interests.
Be mindful of your spiritual side. Spiritual belief and faith can be an important source of emotional strength and comfort while being in a hospital. Rehabilitation hospitals often have clergy on staff for visits with patients and scheduled religious services. Ask any staff member for details.
Rehabilitation Goals and Treatment
Goal setting is another way of deciding how you want to change. For example, your goal may be to walk and have a better memory. Each therapist also has goals for you. It is a good idea to talk about how your goals fit with the therapists’ goals. Each goal, no matter how simple it sounds, is more complex than it seems. Therapy may start out with goals that prepare you to move forward. Sometimes they seem silly, or too easy, or not what you want to do. Ask the therapist how their goal can help you achieve your goal. In some cases, it can take months, or even years, to achieve all goals, so some may be the focus later during outpatient therapies. In other cases, it will not be possible to reach all your goals. It is important to continue to work with your therapists and not give up hope or effort.
Role of Family
Family members certainly play an important role in the rehabilitation process. They are a source of emotional support. They provide news on family developments, and help you maintain your place in their family. Rehabilitation settings are unusual in that family members may be called upon to learn directly about how to care for you and support your independence once you leave the hospital. Family members meet with care managers before discharge to plan follow up care and appointments. Family members often watch during therapy to get a better idea of your progress, and how you might need assistance. Finally, it is important to recognize that being in a hospital can be stressful for your family and close friends as well as for you. They too need to take care of themselves by relying upon their own social networks and taking time away to rest and relax.
Communicating with the treatment team
Here are some pointers to communication:
The medical team comes by every morning. This is a good opportunity to ask whatever questions you have. It may help to make a list of questions in advance; otherwise, it can be easy to forget. If you feel uncomfortable talking about personal issues when others are present, ask the doctor or therapist to set aside a few minutes to speak with you privately.
Providers often use medical language and terms without realizing they are difficult to understand. Please ask your team to explain anything you need such as your condition, what you need to manage it and why. You may consider summarizing the points in your own words to confirm your understanding.
