DOCTOK

Rehabilitation Doesn’t Mean Abandonment

A rehabilitation center is equipped to help people recover effectively from a health condition or manage it efficiently. People opt for them to help their loved ones and not abandon them.

The most common misconception that people have about rehabilitation centers is that families use these centers to abandon their aged loved ones. They include patients, their families, and the society at large. 

Alina Hakim, a Head of the Therapy Department in a Bengaluru-based rehabilitation center, says that the first thing she notices is the hesitance of the family to admit their loved one to the facility. “Although the family agrees to visit the center after the doctor’s advice, they are very skeptical. Their prime concern is how will their loved one be treated,” she says.

“I see a lot of guilt in them and they keep asking if they can provide the same treatment at home.”

 Savli Mehra an occupational therapist points out that the guilt vibes inadvertently pass on to the person who is admitted who feels that they are being left at the facility because they are unwanted at home, which is not true.

Why Do Families Hesitate to Admit Loved Ones to Rehab Centers?

“We have been conditioned to love and care for our loved ones even if it means putting their needs before us all the time,” says Rohini Patil an entrepreneur from Pune. “Hence when my mother-in-law suffered from a stroke, my husband and his family refused to even consider the option of rehab.” Rohini’s mother-in-law had to be readmitted to the hospital twice due to a fall and relapse.

“This is what people don’t understand,” says Dr Ahmed Wasseef who is associated with a rehab center in Hyderabad. “Out of guilt, people don’t want to admit their loved ones and this leads to them missing out on the required medical treatment which is needed for complete recovery.” Dr Wassef further states that this can be fatal sometimes.

Dr Mohan Joshi a neurologist from Mumbai says that many families worry about the cost. But he asks them to calculate the cost if they were to hire a nurse, visit a physiotherapist, a nutritionist, a counselor, etc. individually. He also reminds them to factor in the travel time, the cost of fuel, and the strain on the patient.

“ But how do we know if our loved ones are taken care of adequately,” asks Rohini who says she keeps reading about negligence in hospitals often.

Alina the HOD from Bengaluru says that rehab centers allow family members to stay with their loved ones and are privy to the entire treatment.

She also agrees with Dr Joshi’s point about the cost. According to her many family members have shared with her that they ended up spending a fortune on individual treatments and the physical trauma it caused their loved ones was significant.

Choosing the Right Rehab Center

Dr Joshi acknowledges the fact that families are worried about the well-being of their ailing loved ones and one cannot ignore the fact that lapses do happen in terms of treatment. He however suggests families make informed choices about choosing the right rehab center for their loved ones.

According to him, a good rehabilitation (rehab) center should meet various criteria to effectively address the needs of individuals seeking recovery from, physical injuries, mental health issues, or other conditions. 

Here are some key requirements of a good rehab center:

Accreditation and Licensing: The facility should be accredited by relevant health authorities and hold necessary licenses to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations.

Qualified Staff: A reputable rehab center employs licensed and experienced healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, nurses, and other specialists, capable of providing comprehensive care.

Individualized Treatment Plans: Customized treatment plans tailored to each person’s specific needs and circumstances, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach, ensure better outcomes.

Evidence-Based Practices: The center should employ evidence-based therapies and treatments backed by scientific research and proven efficacy in addressing health conditions.

Continuum of Care: A good rehab center offers a continuum of care, including inpatient or outpatient treatment, therapy, aftercare planning, and support groups to ensure ongoing recovery.

Family Involvement: The involvement of family members in therapy sessions or family programs can aid in the recovery process and provide a supportive environment for the individual.

Relapse Prevention Strategies: Rehab centers should equip individuals with coping mechanisms, life skills, and strategies to prevent relapse and manage triggers effectively.

Amenities and Environment: A conducive and safe environment along with appropriate amenities and facilities contribute to the overall well-being of individuals during their recovery journey.

Proximity to hospitals: The center should be close to hospitals in case of any emergencies.

Supportive Community and Aftercare: Connection to support groups, alumni programs, or continued counseling after leaving the center is vital for ongoing support and relapse prevention.

Ethical Practices and Confidentiality: The rehab center should maintain high ethical standards, prioritize patient confidentiality, and operate transparently regarding treatment methods and costs.

Positive Reviews and Success Rates: Checking reviews, success rates, and testimonials from previous patients can provide insights into the effectiveness and quality of the rehab center’s services.

We sign off with a very insightful and truthful quote from Demi Lovato. “Recovery is something that you have to work on every single day, and it’s something that doesn’t get a day off.”  

So next time you are advised by a doctor to consider a rehab center for your loved one, don’t write it off completely. It may be exactly what they need to get back on their feet again.