After experiencing a life-changing stroke or other illness, your doctor may recommend rehabilitation as the next step in your journey to recovery but what does that mean, and where should rehabilitation take place? These settings known as post-acute care include home health, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing homes and long-term acute care hospitals. Should you need additional care, your care team could refer you to one of these settings based on your abilities and goals; but as a patient, you have the right to choose where you go for post-acute care.Your doctor said you need rehabilitation. What next?Independent studies show that inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are a better setting for stroke, hip fracture, and hip replacement patients. Unlike skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are required to provide at least three hours of therapy five days a week and will allow access to trained physicians and rehabilitation equipment and technology that may not be available elsewhere.On average, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals have a lower length of stay and discharge more patients home than skilled nursing facilities. This means inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are able to help individuals return to their families, their jobs and their communities more effectively and more quickly.The services delivered at inpatient rehabilitation hospitals serve as a next step for many patients who are ready to leave the acute care hospital, but need extra rehabilitation and recovery before returning home.Doing your research and selecting the right inpatient rehabilitation hospital is a critical step for a successful recovery.Your local inpatient rehabilitation hospital of choiceAt Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville and Sewickley, we are committed to helping you regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury.Serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, we are a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.  Editors Note:  This article was written by Richard C. Senelick, MD., Encompass Health. To learn more, visit encompasshealth.com.

If you have a spouse or parent in a nursing home, youre probably aware of the expensive costs involved.But did you know there are strategies available to help protect your familys savings? Even if you think you have too much money to be eligible for Medicaid, a Certified Elder Law Attorney can explore new options for you.Heres an example: Lets say Fred and Wilma are a married couple and Fred has entered a nursing home. They have $200,000 in total assets, and at first glance, it seems as though roughly half of that will need to be spent on care. However, after consulting with a Certified Elder Law Attorney, Wilma learns that she can protect the $100,000 by purchasing something called a Medicaid Compliant Annuity - a landmark court case made this possible in 2015.With the right investment device, Wilma can turn the asset into an income stream that will last the rest of her life, all while not putting that money at risk. Medicaid wont count the healthy spouses income, so this money is protected. Its important to note that this is just one example of a more complicated process.When it comes to protecting your familys savings, its best to consult with a Certified Elder Law Attorney who can find the most appropriate solution for your unique situation.Editors Note: This article was written by Certified Elder Law Attorney* Tim Sechler, Esq., Sechler Law Firm, LLC.  Contact our office at 724-564-6615 or visit www.SechlerLawFirm.com.  *Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation as accredited by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Warm weather is the perfect time to explore nearby museums, parks, and film festivals. Here are some fun activities for seniors in the Pittsburgh area.  Here are five suggestions:ENJOY THE PHIPPS CONSERVATORY SPRING FLOWER SHOWDescribed as a green oasis in the middle of Pittsburghs vibrant Oakland neighborhood, the Phipps Conservatory is home to 23 gardens and 14 glasshouses which showcase dozens of floral beauties. The conservatory also hosts numerous events and exhibits throughout the year, including the popular Spring Flower Show, which features seasonal favorites like alluring lilies, cheerful daffodils, bright tulips, and gorgeous hyacinths.EXPLORE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FORESTThe mighty Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is the states premier nature preserve. There are many activities you can enjoy. Add these to your ANF itinerary:  Explore over 200 hiking trails and more than 150 biking trails. Camp at one of the 15 campgrounds featuring different cabin amenities and styles. You can book a premium cabin with electricity or unplug in a rustic, non-electric cabin. Fish in Buzzard Swamp, Twin Lakes or go for a swim in the Allegheny Reservoir This list just scratches the surface of the things you can do in the ANF.VISIT THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUMThis museum is dedicated to celebrating the prolific artists humble origins and unique rise to pop culture fame. This institution is known for having the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world.STOP AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ARTDiscover artistic masterpieces at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This historic institution is the one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh which includes the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. ATTEND A FILM FESTIVAL Pittsburgh, a city with rich film history, is home to many famous film festivals.  Attend the Three Rivers Film Festival which has screened thought-provoking independent films for 41 years; explore Japanese culture at the Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival which has screened poignant live-action and anime movies like Your Name; and celebrate Jewish culture at the JFilm Festival which shows current and past films for fans of all ages. Editors Note:  Article submitted by Friendship Village of South Hills.  We love to introduce our residents to all of the great activities and attractions of Pittsburgh.  Join a vibrant retirement community that will enhance your social lifestyle.  Learn more at www.friendshipvillagepa.com.