The term “restorative care” is frequently mistaken for rehabilitation. Despite their complementary nature, restorative care and rehabilitation are actually two distinctly different approaches with their own unique objectives and benefits.
Rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, is more commonly known and is provided by trained professional therapists whose objective is to evaluate a patient’s level of function, designate goals and then design plans of care that meet those goals. Rehabilitation involves educating patients on new skills while progress is documented. It is usually on a short-term basis following a hospital stay.
Restorative Care is typically engaged after the completion of rehabilitation and its goal is to maximize and maintain a person’s level of function, enabling them to retain their skills and level of independence. Restorative care programs in long-term care communities encompass a range of restorative nursing techniques provided on an ongoing basis. Examples of restorative care range from assistance with mobility to management of daily activities like bathing and other self-care tasks.
If you have a loved one in long-term care, it’s important to know about restorative care and how it can maintain their vitality. Reach out to a trusted long-term senior care community nearby to explore how this approach could positively impact your loved one’s well-being.
