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Do You Need Help With Recovery?

Millions of surgeries or hospitalizations happen each year. For some injured or ill people, medical assistance is just the start. An excellent recovery is vital to get back into the groove of everyday living. Some persons, particularly seniors, can benefit from long-term care, but not just any care. In these cases, skilled nursing facilities can be a lifesaver.

What are skilled nursing facilities?

Due to age, some seniors cannot perform everyday activities without assistance. Assisted living facilities came into play to help take care of basic needs. Skilled nursing facilities take this level of care up a notch. These facilities have medical professionals like nurses, LPNs, and doctors on hand to help with recovery. There is also personnel to help with basic care. The goal of skilled nursing facilities is to help the patient recover as quickly as possible after the hospital. Here are 4 reasons why a skilled nursing facility makes sense.

1. Round the clock medical support

After a heart attack, fall, or severe illness, a patient may need added support beyond surgery. Skilled nursing facilities provide doctors, nurses, and support staff 24/7 to ensure the patient has a smooth recovery. It’s not uncommon for a patient to be transferred to a skilled nursing facility from a hospital. That way, the patient can start recovery almost immediately and benefit from support the family cannot provide.

2. Advanced levels of recovery

After a severe injury or illness, rest and medication are not enough to get back to normal. The patient may need advanced recovery care. For instance, a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) may call for speech and language therapy. Some persons may need advanced wound care or physical therapy. Skilled nursing facilities often have the staff and tools to perform these recovery techniques.

3. Support beyond recovery

The health and recovery of the patient are essential. But the facility helps beyond providing therapy services. Skilled nursing facilities also help with diet and nutrition, crucial for recovery. There is also social support, emotional support, and other physical activities. The family is welcomed to visit as often as possible, making recovery a holistic approach.

4. Peace of mind for everyone involved

Skilled nursing facilities are excellent for everyone involved, including family. Family members may not be available to meet the patient’s needs around the clock. If the patient lives alone, this increases the risk of a fall or another injury. The patient also has peace of mind receiving high-quality care, increasing the chances of an excellent recovery.

Choose the right facility for your loved one

For persons who need more support after illness or injury, choose a skilled nursing facility. With medical personnel available, there is an increased chance of a full recovery. With round-the-clock support and a holistic approach, these facilities can help many types of patients. Speak with a doctor or facility administration for more information today.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.