The Road Home: How Occupational Therapy Bridges the Gap

When recovering from a major surgery, an injury, or an illness, short-term rehabilitation can help you with your transition back home so that your journey to wellness is a successful one. During your rehab stay, you may be prescribed occupational therapy to help you adjust to changes in your abilities and daily routine as you recover. At Bolger Short-Term Rehab, our team of skilled occupational therapists plays a crucial role in supporting you from the moment you arrive until you are confidently settled back at home. Through personalized therapy plans, innovative techniques, and the use of our transitional care suite, we provide you with the tools, skills, and confidence you need for a successful, safe return to everyday life.

What Is a Transitional Care Suite?

One of the most unique features at Bolger Short-Term Rehab is our transitional care suite – an on-site, fully equipped apartment-like space designed to help you practice activities of daily living, or ADLs, during your rehabilitation in a safe and supportive setting.

The suite includes everyday household amenities such as:

• Washer and dryer
• Dishwasher
• Stove
• Microwave
• Tub
• Stall shower

The realistic environment helps bridge the gap between rehabilitation and real-world independence by allowing you to rehearse tasks like preparing meals, doing laundry, stepping into the shower, or navigating the bathroom, which you may find challenging while recovering. Not only does the suite help you regain your skills – it helps the occupational therapists assess how well you can manage these tasks and identify necessary adaptations or assistive devices to enhance your safety once you’re back home.

A Personalized Plan of Care

Our expert occupational therapists tailor each patient’s rehab plan to their individual needs and goals. Rather than simply discussing or demonstrating how to do tasks, you’ll engage in hands-on training in the care suite, guided by therapists who observe you closely and offer knowledgeable feedback.

This customized care helps your therapists effectively evaluate your mobility, problem-solving abilities, and safety awareness. For example, they may assess your range of motion or upper body strength and how it affects how you perform your ADLs. It also makes it easier for them to determine whether you’ll require equipment like grab bars or reachers, home modifications, or supportive services such as in-home care.

Building Confidence for a Successful Return Home

Even if you feel physically well to return home, confidence is also an important part of a successful and smooth transition. Occupational therapy is essential for helping you rebuild that self-assurance so you can adjust to your new routines and be safe after your discharge. By practicing activities of daily living in a home-like environment, you’ll reduce your risk of falls, injury, or setbacks. This familiarity will promote your independence, improve motivation, and empower you to take an active role in your recovery.

Continuing Your Care After You Return Home

After completing your rehab therapy and preparing your home for your return, it’s important to continue taking the proper steps and following the advice of your therapists on your journey to recovery. You may need to continue certain exercises at home or in outpatient rehab as you work toward your goals. These ongoing therapy sessions will ensure you continue your progress and can effectively address any challenges that arise as you adapt to your daily routines.

Our occupational therapists will also provide you with education on home exercise programs, safety strategies, and use of any prescribed adaptive equipment to support your long-term independence.

Learn More About Transitional Care at Bolger Short-Term Rehab

If you need healing transitional care following an injury, surgery, or a hospital stay, our expert team of therapists at Bolger Short-Term Rehab can help you get back to the vibrant, independent life you love. With our state-of-the-art gym, helpful transitional care suite, and welcoming environment, we are here to help you recover quickly and successfully. For more information, please call (201) 848-5855 or visit Bolger Short-Term Rehab.