A Guide to Healthcare in your 60s and beyond

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Encompass Health

Posted on

Jan 05, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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A Letter from Dr. Lisa Charbonneau, Encompass Health Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Lisa Charbonneau

Healthcare is complicated. At Encompass Health, we understand that and want to make it a little less complicated. In this guide we want to equip you with the information and tools you need to make the best decisions for your health as you or a loved one ages. While the title of this guide addresses those 60 and older, it is really designed for anyone who wants to take control of their healthcare.

Yes, healthcare can be complicated, and it tends to get more complicated as you age, but a little knowledge and some advanced planning can go a long way in navigating you or a loved one’s care in your 60s and beyond.



Cutting through the Medical Jargon: How to Talk to Your Doctor

Sometimes, interpreting a doctor’s medical jargon can feel like trying to understand a foreign language.

Most patients and families, don’t want to admit they don’t understand when a doctor begins explaining a complicated illness or condition, and instead sit quietly nodding in affirmation.

Jargon is pervasive in all professions, but it has its greatest impact when doctors try to communicate with patients. People’s lives are at stake. Healthcare professionals have their own verbal shorthand that may be highly effective when they speak to each other but causes confusion when used with laymen.

The use of jargon begins in medical school. A medical student can quickly rattle off that, “Mrs. Jones had a syncopal episode last night without any evidence of arrhythmia. I don’t think it was vagal but I ordered a 2D echo and holter. I still can’t rule out a vertebrobasilar event.” Everyone wearing a white coat understands this secret language, but as a patient lying in the bed, you may feel terrified and confused.

Medical Jargon is Everywhere

The average American reads and speaks at an eighth- or ninth-grade level, yet doctors assume that their patients will understand their obscure communication.

Multiple studies have looked at the use of jargon by doctors and the failure of patients to understand them. One study of 249 emergency room patients reported
that 79% did not know that the word hemorrhage was the same as bleeding and 78% did not know that a fracture was a broken bone. In case you think these were illiterate, underprivileged people, 45% of the people in the study were college educated. We cannot assume that the lawyer or English professor has any more understanding than someone with less education.

What Can You Do to Interpret the Medical Speak?

There are some steps that you and your families can take so you don’t fall into the same trap that so many do. One simple program is the “Ask Me 3” program that provides you with three questions to ask your doctor.

  • What is my main problem?
  • What do I need to do?
  • Why is it important for me to do this?

Unfortunately, you may still get jargon-packed answers. So, here are a few more tips to make sure you walk away with a clear understanding of your problems.

  • If you do not understand what your doctor is saying, immediately stop them and ask them to use simpler language. Don’t pretend that you understand when you do not.
  • Tell the doctor what you think they said to be certain that you understood them. This is called a “teach back.”
  • If you feel you need more time, ask to schedule another visit in the near future. This may be a telehealth visit and you will have the opportunity to have others listen in and help you.
  • If the doctor is busy, ask if there is a nurse or assistant who can answer your questions.
  • Take a trusted friend with you for another set of ears and even to take notes.
  • Ask who you can call if you still have questions when you get home.

Understanding Medicare

Couple selecting a Medicare plan

If you or a loved one are nearing the Medicare age but are unsure what this benefit provides or the plan that is best for you, we are here to help you understand your options. Medicare is the national insurance program for adults age 65 and older. It’s also a benefit most working adults pay for throughout their lifetime.

Throughout the years, Medicare has evolved and extended the amount of plans available. Understand your options now, so you can pick the best plan for you or your loved one when the time comes.

What to Consider When Picking a Plan

When it comes to deciding between a traditional Medicare plan and a Medicare Advantage plan, consider two things: your income and your freedom to choose your provider. As you add supplemental plans to traditional Medicare, it can cost more than Medicare Advantage plans. However, with traditional plans, you have the freedom to choose any Medicare-approved, certified provider anywhere. Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to see a provider within their network and may require prior approval or a referral for certain procedures or healthcare services

If you’re still searching for answers on what the best plan is for you, Medicare offers these seven things to consider when selecting your Medicare coverage.

Medicare considerations chart

How Do You Enroll?

You are automatically signed up for Medicare at age 65. However, if you want to select a Medicare health or drug plan, you have a seven-month period around your 65th birthday to sign up for one. This is called the initial enrollment period, and it:

  • Starts three months before you turn 65; if a plan is selected during this period, it will go into effect the first day of the month you turn 65.
  • Includes the month you turn 65; if a plan is selected during this period, it will go into effect the first day of the month following your 65th birthday.
  • Ends three months after you turn 65; if a plan is selected during this period, it will go into effect the first day of the month after you enroll.

If you later decide to change your plan or join a plan after that seven-month period has closed, enrollment is open each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes or enrollment during this time period will go into effect the following January.

What are the Different Plans?

In general, there are two types of Medicare plans: traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

  • Traditional Medicare includes Parts A and B. Part A is automatic and includes hospital insurance, which covers hospital stays, as well as skilled nursing facilities and hospice. Part B is optional and is deducted from your Social Security should you enroll. It includes medical insurance, which covers outpatient services, as well as some physician visits and preventative care. Other supplemental plans can be added through private insurance companies; these are paid for out-of-pocket.
  • Also referred to as Medicare Part C or MA plans, Medicare Advantage is an all-inclusive plan that includes both parts A and B, as well other coverage such as prescription drugs, dental and more, depending on the plan. These plans are offered through private Medicare-approved companies. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you will likely be required to choose healthcare providers that participate in your plan’s network.

There are a variety of Medicare plans out there today, so as you near the Medicare age of 65, start researching your options to find the one that best meets your needs.


You Have a Choice in Your Care—Know Your Options

During a medical emergency, there might not be time to determine your options for care, but once that emergency is stabilized, your physician or case manager could recommend you transition to another care setting as part of your recovery. These settings—known as post-acute care—include home health, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing homes and long-term acute care hospitals.

Your care team could refer you to one of these settings based on your abilities and goals, but as a patient, you have a choice in selecting which facility you go to. In fact, it is your right as a patient. The Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services refers to this as patient choice.

What is Patient Choice

In 2019, the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services updated its discharge planning rules to require providers to inform you of your choices when it comes to your post-acute care options. Compare providers near you with this tool from Medicare.gov.

Your referring clinicians—typically a physician and/or a case manager—are required to inform you of the different care settings available in your area that are appropriate for the level of care you require. They also have to tell you if they or their organization have any financial ties to those listed and to share information from those providers, so you can make an educated choice.

The information they share should be related to your recovery goals. Depending on the setting of care, some of that information could include data surrounding rehospitalization (the need to transfer back to the acute care hospital) and patient satisfaction scores, as well as return to community rates.

While all this information can be empowering, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the different settings of post-acute care.

What are the Different Settings of Care and Which is Best for You

Encompass Health Hospital Gym
An Encompass Health inpatient rehabilitation gym

As defined by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, post-acute care is rehabilitation or palliative care that a patient receives after a stay in an acute care hospital, or in some instances, in lieu of a hospital stay. That care can take place in the home or in a facility, depending on the patient’s needs. Medicare recognizes four primary types of post-acute care:

  • Home health is care that is provided in the home to help you recover after an illness or injury. Your doctor or other provider can refer you to home health and work with you and the agency to determine how many visits you are eligible to receive each week. Home health is designed to meet you where you are. If you’re recovering from a surgery or a recent hospital stay or managing a disease or injury, home health provides care in the comfort of home. Home health services include nursing, therapy, nursing aides and social workers.
  • Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals provide a hospital level of care with intensive therapy to help you regain your independence and ultimately return to your community after an illness or injury. While at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, you will receive three hours of therapy a day, five days week. You will also have frequent visits from a rehabilitation physician and other physicians, depending on your needs. Nursing careis provided around the clock, and a multi-disciplinary team that includes rehabilitation physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, pharmacists and case managers will design a unique care plan to fit your goals. Conditions commonly treated at rehabilitation hospitals include stroke, head or spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, amputation and hip fractures.
  • At a skilled nursing facility, you will receive therapy and nursing care. However, unlike inpatient rehabilitation facilities, there are no legal requirements mandating the number of hours of care per day that must be provided. Physician visits are not as frequent, either.
  • If you or your loved one has had a particularly extended and medically complex hospital stay, a long-term care hospital may be recommended. At a long-term care hospital, you will receive nursing and rehabilitation care for an extended period of time. Many patients referred for this level of care are not yet able to participate actively in rehabilitation and may require assistance breathing.

Will Insurance Cover My Care?

That depends on your insurance and your coverage. You do have to meet certain medical requirements for the different settings of care to receive Medicare coverage. Also, some Medicare plans, such as Medicare Advantage ones, limit you to providers within their network. Work with your care team or primary care physician to determine if you meet the requirements of a particular setting. Make sure to discuss your goals, so they can fully understand your long-term needs and the setting that will best help you meet them. In some circumstances, you can consult with your preferred provider to see if they can work with your insurance to help you receive coverage.

Do Your Research

Your care team is required to provide you and your loved one with data regarding the quality of care of providers in your area, but take time to do a little research yourself. Look at patient reviews on websites. Ask family and friends with similar conditions who have had good outcomes and experiences. Where and who you receive care from matters, so take time to look around and find the best provider to help you reach your recovery goals. Perhaps a family member can tour a facility you are considering or take a virtual tour online. By understanding the different settings of care now, you are already taking a step in the right direction.

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Biological Aging Speeds Up in Your 40s and 60s

Your chronological age and your biological age dont necessarily match. Around the ages of 44 and 60 the aging process accelerates in what has been dubbed a biomolecular shift, which dramatically impacts health and internal aging. Researchers discovered these two bursts of aging during the human lifespan, singling out the mid-forties and early sixties as key periods. But the greater shift in biological aging happens during your early sixties.However, out of this seemingly bad news is some hope. Now that science has pinpointed when these changes occur, it could help researchers uncover what is driving chronic disease as we age, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or even strategies for prevention. So exactly what is going on during these periods of rapid biological aging, how do they impact health, and what can you do to be proactive? Lets break it down.Aging Isnt Primarily GradualYou can no longer assume that aging happens gradually. Ever notice that some people seem to age overnight or are really showing their age? While there is obviously gradual decline, more dramatic changes happen quickly and during certain periods of life. It all comes down to the molecules that make up your physical body. These individual molecules are what age, and studies reveal that they undergo greater change at certain ages, making aging non-linear or not so much gradual over time.How Periods of Rapid Biological Aging Impact HealthIn both your mid-forties and early sixties most people experience molecular level changes related to skin and muscle aging, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolizing of caffeine. This is why people tend to start or increase cholesterol or blood pressure medications during these times of life.Researchers also noted differences between the two periods of biological aging. People in their forties had a greater shift in relation to fat and alcohol metabolism, while those in their sixties underwent shifts related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.These facts seem to correlate with experience as many people in their sixties are less able to fight off sickness and are even more prone to weight gain and kidney trouble or even kidney failure. Cancer rates tend to spike around this time as the immune system is less able to fend off the invasive cancer cells. Cases of heart disease also rise during this time as people struggle more with their weight and rising cholesterol levels.Less expected, however, was the evidence of rapid aging during the mid-forties. But it becomes more understandable as you consider what characterizes the lives of most people during this life stage. Lifestyle makes a difference and life moves at a rapid pace during your forties. Often this is a time of busy family and work schedules, high work stress, divorce, and weight gain. You often have less time for self-care during these frantic years, and all combined, this shifts your body into a period of rapid molecular aging.Combat Biological Aging with Proactive StepsYou obviously cant stop the aging process but its possible to slow it down. The steps to achieve this arent all new or innovative. In fact, it involves putting common knowledge into practice which many people resist, at least until later life. Here are some unsurprising practical tips for slowing biological aging: Avoid weight gainEat more fruits and vegetablesControl diabetes and high blood pressureStay physically activeDont smoke And the way to prevent or avoid diabetes and high blood pressure is to limit sugar, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If youre in your 40s, in addition to the above, its also beneficial to monitor and minimize your cholesterol levels, exercise to build muscle mass, and limit or avoid alcohol. For additional ways to combat aging, read our article, How to Live Longer: 12 Life-Boosting Habits to Start NowThe best rule of thumb is not to wait until your health begins to decline before making these changes. Adjust your lifestyle while youre still healthy, and you will see the biggest payoff. However, its never too late to start living with your health in mind, because changes at any stage will make a positive difference.Key Takeaways About Biological Aging in Your 40s and 60sScience previously thought that the human body aged gradually in linear fashion, but recent studies show that aging on a molecular level occurs rapidly during the mid-forties and early sixties. During your forties, this change is often due to lifestyle changes that can be altered for better outcomes. You can slow the aging process during midlife with regular exercise and a diet rich in produce and low in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates. 

A Vegan Diet Can Help Reduce Biological Age

You know a vegan diet is touted for its plethora of health benefits, but now research suggests it can even make you younger at the cellular level, reducing your biological age. After just eight weeks of a vegan diet, one study found that biomarkers for biological aging decreased. How well your body functions is the focus of your biological age, which means it can be different from your chronological age, or age in years. A vegan diet is one of the specific lifestyle changes you can make to help you function like someone younger. When you slow your biological age, it can help you live longer and add healthier years to life without chronic disease.Understanding the Link Between a Vegan Diet and Biological AgeEven though civilization has made huge strides in prolonging life expectancy, much of the population still battles with age-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease. But if we can slow biological aging, the prevalence of those chronic conditions will diminish further. This means we would not only extend our quantity of life by adding years but also our quality of life as these years would be healthier ones.Medical professionals can assess biological age in different ways. One way is through DNA methylation, involving molecular changes over time that flip genes on and off. Sometimes changes age the body faster and others may slow the aging process down. For this study, shifts in DNA were monitored in 21 pairs of adult identical twins. In each pair, one twin switched to a vegan diet and the other followed a healthy diet that included meats and animal products. Often confused with vegetarianism, a vegan diet is stricter and prohibits eating not only meats and fish but all animal byproducts as well. This means vegans must forgo eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, and other foods that vegetarians consume.Study Reveals Vegan Diet Reduces Biological AgeThe study found a reduction in biological age markers for the twins who went vegan. But for the twins who continued eating meat and animal products, these same markers remained the same. Specifically, the study linked going vegan to reductions in biological age markers of the heart and liver as well as for the endocrine, immune, and metabolic systems. However, scientists cant be sure how much of the observed changes were solely due to the vegan diet and how much could be attributed to calorie reduction and weight loss. And since the study is small and not extensive, which means a broad conclusion cant be drawn about whether everyone should reduce biological age by going vegan. Furthermore, researchers cant be sure which aspect of the vegan diet is so beneficiallike eating less meat or eating more vegetables.How a Vegan Diet May Improve Molecular AgeOf all the modifiable factors, experts believe diet has the most impact on biological age. Plant-based diets have enormous anti-inflammatory benefits and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber which go a long way toward slowing biological aging. Vegan diets are also extremely low in saturated fats, a major contributor to chronic conditions like high cholesterol and heart disease. But before you jump on the vegan train, consider your approach. Its best to do your research and be sure a vegan diet is sustainable over time, even if youre not a strict vegan. Its better to be mostly vegan or largely vegan than to be strict for the short term. The benefits accumulate over time, which means a vegan diet must be a long-term commitment to have any lasting impact upon your health.Different Types of VeganismAs with any diet or eating plan, the health benefits depend on the specifics of what youre eating. Even a vegan can eat bad or unhealthy plant-based foods. Here are a few common types of vegan diets:Dietary vegans:Also called plant-based eaters, this is the most strict type of vegan. Adherents to this brand of veganism avoid consuming all animal products but still use non-vegan products in other forms such as clothing and cosmetics. Whole-food vegans:These veganites eat only vegan-whole foods, omitting any processed vegan products. The focus of this diet is vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Junk-food vegans:These are the opposite of whole-food vegans. A large part of their diet contains processed vegan foods like fries, frozen dinners, vegan meats, and desserts like vegan cookies and non-dairy ice cream.Raw-food vegans:Although safer than meat-eating raw food fans, those who follow a vegan raw-food diet eat only foods that are either completely raw or cooked at temperatures below 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).Low fat raw-food vegans:This type of vegan diet avoids high fat vegan foods like avocados, nuts, and coconuts. They eat a lot of fruit in addition to raw vegetables. Because they dont eat nuts or processed soy, it can be difficult for this type of vegan to get the proper amount of protein or healthy fats.Of the many types of vegan diets, a whole-food vegan diet offers the most health benefits, allowing you to eat the most variety and gain the most nutritional benefit. If you want to try a vegan diet, consult with your doctor about what is most appropriate for you and to ensure youre able to gain all the nutrients you need.More Health Reasons for Going VeganSince diets high in red meats have been linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, more people are considering a vegan diet as a healthy and safer alternative. Plant-based diets are closely associated with a lower risk of developing these diseases and dying prematurely.Many people also experience better digestion when eating primarily plant-based, and additional research has linked it with a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease.Additionally, some research suggests that if you eat a vegan diet youre more protected from the side effects linked to the antibiotics and hormones in modern animal products.Another major factor in reducing the risk of chronic disease is weight loss that is often inherent with a vegan diet. When you cut out the calories found in higher fat meats, highly processed foods, dairy, and other animal-based foods, its much easier to maintain a calorie deficit or the right amount of calories for a stable weight.However, you may be surprised to find that going vegan, though beneficial for reducing biological age, might also leave you short in certain nutrients. As a vegan, you must be mindful of consuming the proper amount of protein, healthy fats, iron, B12, calcium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D. These nutrients are specifically found in animal products and little to none exist in plant-based foods. A vegan diet can be perfectly healthy as you are aware of some of the deficiencies and intentionally plan for them, whether by intentionally incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or taking supplements to account for them.Common Vegan Foods for Healthy AgingHere are some of the plant-based replacements vegans use to replace animal products.Tofu, tempeh, and seitanThese foods offer a protein-rich alternative to meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. You can use them in recipes or prepare them as you would a meaty main dish.LegumesThese include beans, lentils, and peas, which are excellent sources of nutrients and can be prepared in many ways or added to a variety of recipes. Lentils are also an important source of vegan protein while also containing complex carbs.Nuts and nut butterIf you eat these unblanched and unroasted, youll get a larger dose of fiber, iron magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.SeedsHemp, chia, and flaxseeds provide a healthy amount of protein and those necessary healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.Calcium-fortified plant milk and yogurtVegans get some of the necessary calcium, B12, and vitamin D from fortified vegan dairy products.AlgaeThis is an excellent source of complete plant protein, specifically if you buy spirulina and chlorella varieties. Nutritional yeastThis is another way for vegans to get more protein. Its often in a flaky form and can be shaken onto or into vegan dishes. It has a mild cheesy flavor. You can usually buy brands fortified with B12.Whole grains, cereals, and pseudocerealsThese are excellent sources of complex carbs, fiver, B vitamins, iron, and minerals. Some high-protein examples include teff, spelt, amaranth, and quinoa. You could also include steel-cut oats and even the more processed oat varieties.Sprouted and fermented plant foodsVegans regularly eat tempeh, miso, natto, sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and kombucha which contain probiotics and vitamin K2. You can also improve mineral absorption by eating sprouted and fermented foods.Fruits and vegetablesA foundational element of a vegan diet is fruits and vegetables. Both are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, watercress, bok choy, and mustard greens boosts iron and calcium. Is Going Vegan Worth It?A growing body of research suggests there are real and impactful health benefits linked to a vegan diet. So if its overall health and nutrition youre concerned about, a vegan diet may be worth the inevitable sacrifices. This is especially true if youre interested in slowing the biological aging process. Just keep it in mind that you dont have to adopt a vegan diet in the strictest sense to see health benefits. Drastically reducing the consumption of saturated fats or animal products will have a positive impact and reduce health risk.

Blog Post: How to Avoid Feeling Like a Fool When Selling a Loved Ones Home

Losing a loved one is never easy, and neither is handling the sale of their home. Emotions run high, decisions feel overwhelming, and its easy to make mistakes that could cost time, money, or unnecessary stress. On April Fools Day, lets take a lighthearted yet informative approach to highlight some common missteps families make when selling an estate and how to avoid them.Foolish Mistake #1: Letting Emotions Control the ProcessIts natural to feel sentimental about a family home filled with cherished memories. However, pricing a home based on emotional value rather than market reality is a common mistake. Setting an unrealistic price can lead to months of frustration with no offers or lowball bids that feel insulting.Smart Move: Work with a real estate professional who understands the market and can provide an objective pricing strategy. Its okay to honor memories, but the best tribute is making a smooth transition that benefits the family.Foolish Mistake #2: Holding Onto Everything "Just in Case"When going through a loved ones belongings, its tempting to keep everything for sentimental reasons. Before you know it, every closet, shelf, and storage space is filled with "important" items that delay the sale.Smart Move: Set clear guidelines for what to keep, donate, or sell. Professional organizers and estate sale services can be a huge help. Remember, the true value of a loved ones legacy isnt in the objects but in the memories you carry forward.Foolish Mistake #3: Skipping Necessary UpdatesMany families assume they should sell the home "as-is" to avoid the hassle of repairs. While this sometimes makes sense, ignoring necessary updates can significantly reduce the homes market value.Smart Move: Identify which improvements provide the best return on investment. A fresh coat of paint, updated fixtures, and minor landscaping can make a home feel more inviting without breaking the bank. A trusted real estate agent can guide you on which updates are truly worth it.Foolish Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to List the PropertyGrief is a process, and its understandable to need time before making big decisions. However, waiting too long to list the home can lead to maintenance issues, higher carrying costs, and market shifts that affect the sale price.Smart Move: Set a reasonable timeline for the selling process. If emotions make it difficult to move forward, enlist the help of professionals who can shoulder some of the burden while keeping things moving efficiently.Foolish Mistake #5: Trying to Do Everything AloneHandling an estate sale is a complex task, and many families try to manage it all by themselves. From legal matters to staging and marketing, the process is overwhelming without the right guidance.Smart Move: Lean on experienced professionals who specialize in estate sales. A knowledgeable real estate agent can coordinate the necessary steps, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.The Bottom LineSelling a loved ones home is never just a transactionits a deeply personal journey. Avoiding these common missteps can save time, reduce stress, and help you make informed decisions during a challenging time. If youre facing the sale of a senior's home or an estate, you dont have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping families navigate this transition with care, expertise, and efficiency. Reach out today, and lets make the process as smooth as possible.

Local Services By This Author

Encompass Health

Rehabilitation Services 6400 Edgelake Dr., Sarasota, Florida, 34240

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, we are dedicated to two fundamental principles: the progress our patients make and the outcomes they achieve. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our industry-leading performance scores, which demonstrate our unwavering focus on your recovery and well-being.When you arrive at our hospital, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment known as Functional Outcome Measures to determine the level of assistance you require for basic tasks. This assessment serves as a baseline to measure your progress throughout your rehabilitation journey. Based on this evaluation, your rehabilitation team will collaborate with you to establish challenging yet achievable goals and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.Throughout your stay, we will closely monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to optimize your outcomes. Before you discharge from our hospital, we will conduct a follow-up assessment to evaluate the extent of your improvement and ensure that you have the knowledge and resources necessary to continue your recovery journey beyond our walls.Our commitment to quality care is further underscored by our accreditation from the Joint Commission, symbolized by our prestigious Gold Seal of Approval. This accreditation serves as a testament to our adherence to rigorous standards of safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered care.At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, your well-being is our top priority, and we are honored to be your partner in achieving your rehabilitation goals.

Encompass Health

Stroke Rehabilitation 6400 Edgelake Dr., Sarasota, Florida, 34240

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, we are dedicated to two fundamental principles: the progress our patients make and the outcomes they achieve. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our industry-leading performance scores, which demonstrate our unwavering focus on your recovery and well-being.When you arrive at our hospital, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment known as Functional Outcome Measures to determine the level of assistance you require for basic tasks. This assessment serves as a baseline to measure your progress throughout your rehabilitation journey. Based on this evaluation, your rehabilitation team will collaborate with you to establish challenging yet achievable goals and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.Throughout your stay, we will closely monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to optimize your outcomes. Before you discharge from our hospital, we will conduct a follow-up assessment to evaluate the extent of your improvement and ensure that you have the knowledge and resources necessary to continue your recovery journey beyond our walls.Our commitment to quality care is further underscored by our accreditation from the Joint Commission, symbolized by our prestigious Gold Seal of Approval. This accreditation serves as a testament to our adherence to rigorous standards of safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered care.At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, your well-being is our top priority, and we are honored to be your partner in achieving your rehabilitation goals.

Encompass Health

Rehabilitation Facilities 6400 Edgelake Dr., Sarasota, Florida, 34240

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, we are dedicated to two fundamental principles: the progress our patients make and the outcomes they achieve. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our industry-leading performance scores, which demonstrate our unwavering focus on your recovery and well-being.When you arrive at our hospital, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment known as Functional Outcome Measures to determine the level of assistance you require for basic tasks. This assessment serves as a baseline to measure your progress throughout your rehabilitation journey. Based on this evaluation, your rehabilitation team will collaborate with you to establish challenging yet achievable goals and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.Throughout your stay, we will closely monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to optimize your outcomes. Before you discharge from our hospital, we will conduct a follow-up assessment to evaluate the extent of your improvement and ensure that you have the knowledge and resources necessary to continue your recovery journey beyond our walls.Our commitment to quality care is further underscored by our accreditation from the Joint Commission, symbolized by our prestigious Gold Seal of Approval. This accreditation serves as a testament to our adherence to rigorous standards of safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered care.At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, your well-being is our top priority, and we are honored to be your partner in achieving your rehabilitation goals.