If your senior loved one is recovering from illness or surgery and is in rehab, it’s important to keep them engaged and their “spirits up.” Maintaining a positive attitude can help speed up recovery during this potentially difficult time. You can help your loved one during their rehab by:

  • Making sure they eat a healthy diet
  • Visiting them regularly
  • Making sure they participate in activities

Eating Healthy Foods Helps Enhance Recovery Time

When your loved one is recovering in rehab, you need to make sure that they are eating healthy foods. Adhering to a balanced diet will help speed up recovery time by ensuring that your loved one is getting the nutrition they need. Eating healthy also helps prevent some of the side effects of bed-rest (e.g., constipation).

In addition to good nutrition, it’s important to make sure that your loved one is staying properly hydrated. Dehydration will not only significantly hinder their recovery time, but may lead to:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Kidney problems

If you are unsure if your loved one is staying hydrated, urine color is a good indicator. If their urine is dark yellow, your loved one is not getting enough to drink.

Visit & Socialize with Your Loved One

Friendly faces can make the rehabilitation process much more bearable, so your presence will be sure to brighten your loved one’s day. Socialization makes seniors happier and healthier— receiving visits from family and friends while in rehab can have positive effects and help maintain a strong care support network.

During your visits, you can keep your loved one updated about the family and the news of the day. On days that you cannot visit, you should try to engage your loved one with a telephone call.

The Importance of Activities

Boredom is not just an annoyance—it can affect your loved one’s recovery. Remaining mentally stimulated helps give your loved one:

  • More control over their situation
  • More confidence about their recovery
  • A day-to-day purpose

In addition, participating in activities will help keep their minds sharp. Activities like puzzles and reading a favorite book can help stave off boredom, and even a little television viewing is okay. You will find that practically all rehab communities offer activities for their rehabilitation residents, so don’t be bashful about asking for the schedule of activities at your community of choice. Contact us today to learn more about Bethesda’s Rehab & Therapy Services.

With 133 years of experience, our non-profit has set the bar for quality and compassionate senior living in St. Louis. If you are considering assisted living, we encourage you to tour our communities, including Bethesda Hawthorne Place and Assisted Living at Charless Village. With our full spectrum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, rest assured that all of your care needs will be met by highly-trained nurses and aides.  
Rehab & Therapy
caregiver tips rehabilitation senior health socialization