What Specialized Cardiac Care in Rehabilitation Means for Older Adults

For older adults recovering from hospitalization, specialized cardiac care is a vital aspect of the multidisciplinary approach necessary to facilitate a full recovery. At Bolger Short-Term Rehab, this care is delivered as an integrated, physician-led cardiac support program that complements rehabilitation, helping patients safely transition from hospital to home.

By combining the expertise of Dr. David Fridman’s team with our American Heart Association Heart Failure Certification, patients receive a level of evidence-based care typically found only in a hospital setting but in a comfortable, rehabilitation-focused environment. Our thoughtfully coordinated treatment plans balance medical stability, physical rehabilitation, and long-term risk management to prevent rehospitalization and promote good health.

Why Older Adults Need Specialized Cardiac Support

As we get older, our hearts respond differently to stress, illness, and medical procedures. Conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and post-surgical recovery can be more complex in older adults because of the following:

• The presence of multiple chronic conditions
• Medications
• Reduced physical resilience
• A higher risk of complications

Without structured oversight in post-acute care, small changes during recovery, such as fluid retention, medication side effects, or irregular heart rhythms, can quickly lead to setbacks or hospital readmissions.

“It’s a complementary layer of care,” said Dr. David Fridman, Cardiology Director at Christian Health. “We’re here to supplement or enhance what patients are already receiving for rehab.”

How Cardiac Care Improves Outcomes

A Coordinated, Interdisciplinary Approach
Our care team communicates consistently to recognize and address any early warning signs before they escalate. This includes dedicated cardiac oversight integrated into patients’ care plans through physician-led rounds and close collaboration with community providers.

Cardiac care may include the following:

• Regular physician oversight
• Cardiology-informed care plans
• Ongoing medication review and adjustment
• Monitoring of vital signs, weight, oxygen levels, and cardiac symptoms

And at Bolger Short-Term Rehab, our highly coordinated, interdisciplinary approach extends beyond clinical care. “It really does take a village,” says Dr. Fridman. “It’s the nursing staff, the therapists, the social workers, the case managers, and the family involvement: everyone is on the same page.”

Structured Cardiac Monitoring
To ensure patients with cardiac issues stay stable, structured cardiac monitoring is essential. Instead of waiting for symptoms, Dr. Fridman and his team take preemptive measures to detect changes early and prevent complications.

The team rounds weekly on cardiac patients, providing a high-level clinical perspective that improves overall care quality and allows for immediate, expert adjustments to medications, such as diuretics or beta-blockers, based on the patient's bedside progress. If a patient shows signs of fluid retention or irregular heart rhythms, Dr. Fridman’s team can intervene early, often preventing a setback that could otherwise require a trip to the emergency room.

“Our weekly cardiac rounds are done with a high-level clinical perspective, looking laser-focused on the cardiac issues,” said Dr. Fridman.

Cardiac monitoring includes the following:

• Continuous telemetry when indicated
• Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Echocardiograms
• Regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
• Laboratory testing
• Structured symptom reporting
• Pacemaker assessment and monitoring
• Anti-coagulation checks

Medication Management and Education
Cardiac medications, such as blood thinners, beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors, require precise dosing, monitoring for side effects, and ongoing adjustment. Rehab patients taking these medications may experience dizziness, electrolyte imbalances, or blood pressure fluctuations if not carefully managed.

Our specialized cardiac care includes patient and caregiver education on the following:

• What each medication does
• When to take it
• What side effects to watch for
• When to call a provider

Advanced Cardiac Capabilities
Bolger Short-Term Rehab is equipped to manage more complex cardiac conditions than many traditional post-acute settings, with advanced cardiac capabilities to help rehab patients with cardiac issues stay stable, healthy, and on the road to recovery.

“We bring the care to the patient: that’s a game changer,” said Dr. Fridman.

These capabilities include:

• IV Milrinone therapy for advanced heart failure patients
• LifeVest wearable defibrillator monitoring
• On-site pacemaker and defibrillator evaluations
• On-site diagnostics including EKGs, lab work, and ultrasounds

Reducing Hospital Readmissions
One of the most important outcomes of specialized cardiac care is reducing avoidable hospital readmissions. For older adults, repeated hospital stays can lead to increased infection risk, loss of independence, functional and mobility struggles, and emotional distress. When in post-acute care, a multidisciplinary approach, including cardiac care, is essential in preventing further issues that could cause rehospitalization.

“Nationally, readmission rates can be around 25%,” said Dr. Fridman. “That’s what we’re actively trying to reduce.”

Certified Cardiac Support Across the Continuum

Our cardiac program also supports residents in long-term care, assisted living, and our other communities to reduce health risks and maintain health and wellness. In addition to Bolger Short-Term Rehab, our skilled nursing community Heritage Manor, and our behavior management community, Southgate Special Care, hold the American Heart Association Heart Failure Certification, which recognizes our commitment to evidence-based heart failure management, strengthened transitions of care, and improved outcomes for medically complex patients.

Learn More About Post-Acute Cardiac Care at Bolger Short-Term Rehab

Our specialized cardiac program is designed to support rehabilitation patients with complex cardiac needs, helping them recover safely, maintain independence, and reduce the risk of hospital readmission. With advanced on-site capabilities and a coordinated care approach, we provide the expert oversight and support our patients need during the healing process. To learn more, please call (201) 848-5855 or visit Bolger Short-Term Rehab.