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.

Top 13 Assisted Living Communities in Fort Myers, FloridaMarch 24, 2023Is Fort Myers, Florida a good place for assisted living?Making the decision to move to assisted living is not always easy. But, it may be the best choice for your senior loved ones safety, health, and quality of life.  When considering assisted living communities, a good place to start is deciding what geographical area you would prefer. And with its famous beaches, vibrant downtown, and tropical feel, Fort Myers, Florida is a great city to consider!Fort Myers, Florida is a very popular area for seniors. In fact, about 22% of the citys population is 65 years old or above. Many seniors choose to retire in Fort Myers because of its relatively low cost of living and beachy atmosphere. Along with that, the state of Florida does not tax Social Security benefits and pension income, making it a wise financial choice for some.The 2023 average monthly cost of assisted living in the Fort Myers, Florida area is $4,598. While slightly more than the average monthly cost of assisted living in the state of Florida, $4,200, it is still less than the national average cost of assisted living, which is about $4,700 per month. From visiting the ocean, shelling, dining, shopping, fishing, and many more activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Fort Myers. Explore 13 of the best assisted living communities in Fort Myers, Florida below:  Amavida Senior Living - Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: AmavidaSituated on 32 beautiful acres, Amavida is a resort-style senior living community in Fort Myers, Florida intended for people who love life. Residents choose from four different types of maintenance-free lodging: cottages, residences, apartments, and suites. With a variety of different care types available, residents can easily get the appropriate level of support as their healthcare needs change. This community boasts a large number of amenities, including various pools, restaurants, outdoor areas, lounges, tennis courts and many more. Amavida Senior Living aims to help seniors live an active, carefree, and meaningful life in a convenient, social setting. Services offered: Independent living, assisted living, memory carePet friendly: Yes (30 lb. limit)For more information, call (941) 661-6196!  The Palms of Fort Myers, Florida Credit: Five Star Senior LivingVoted Best of the Best Retirement Community in Lee County 13 years in a row, The Palms of Fort Myers is a sunny retreat that prioritizes joy, purpose, freedom, and stress-free living. Residents can enjoy resort-style amenities such as a heated pool, cocktail lounge, movie theater, fitness center, bowling alley, and many more. As an added touch, The Palms of Fort Myers appoints 11 of their friendliest residents as ambassadors who give all new residents a warm welcome and help them get acquainted with the community.Services offered: Assisted living, independent living, memory care, respite stays, outpatient rehabilitationPet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! The Preserve in Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: The PreserveThe Preserve is an intimate, boutique-style senior living community in Fort Myers, Florida that keeps transitions in mind with their continuum of care offerings. This community aims to deliver progressive, comprehensive care and personalized services with outstanding hospitality. The Preserve prides itself on being amenity-rich, with an art studio, activity center, enclosed courtyard, library, convenience market, elegant dining room, and more. Additionally, this community is part of Hope Preserve, a newly-developed health care network that specializes in senior healthcare. As an added benefit, The Preserve is located just one mile from Gulf Coast Medical Center. Services offered: Assisted living, memory care, long-term skilled nursing care, rehabilitationPet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! The Rose Garden of Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: LCP MediaThe Rose Garden of Fort Myers is a continuing care community located on expansive grounds surrounded by a number of parks and restaurants. This community prioritizes family involvement, privacy, dignity, and independence for seniors. With different levels of care available, residents of The Rose Garden of Fort Myers can stay in their familiar settings even as their care needs change. This community offers a calendar of regularly-scheduled events as well as opportunities to attend local events and activities in the city of Fort Myers, Florida.Services offered: Assisted living, memory carePet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! Calusa Harbour - Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: Five Star Senior LivingWith magnificent views of the Caloosahatchee River, Calusa Harbour offers high-rise senior living with a cruise-like feel in Fort Myers, Florida. This community offers a high-energy environment with different activities on every floor, including dinner, dancing, happy hour, billiards, and a pool with a view. Calusa Harbour appoints 11 of their friendliest residents as ambassadors to help new residents feel welcome and get acquainted with the community. From watching dolphins from the boat dock to enjoying the sunset over the waterfront, Calusa Harbour has something for everyone.Services offered: Assisted living, independent living, respite stays, outpatient rehabilitationPet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! American House: Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: American House Senior Living CommunitiesAmerican House Fort Myers prides itself on providing senior living at its finest in a warm, welcoming environment. This vibrant community offers numerous amenities such as beautifully-landscaped grounds, a swimming pool, game lounge, spa, theater, and many more offerings. Living options include well-appointed studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, some overlooking the pool. An added benefit of American House Fort Myers is its convenient location adjacent to Lee Healths Gulf Coast Medical Center. Services offered: Assisted living, memory carePet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! Brookdale: Fort Myers, Florida - Cypress Lake, Lakes Park, The Colony, and College ParkwayCredit: Brookdale Fort Myers Cypress LakeWith 4 locations in the city of Fort Myers, Florida (College Parkway, Cypress Lake, The Colony, Lakes Park), Brookdale Senior Living is the number one most recognized senior living community in the country, according to US News & World Report. Some of the Brookdale Senior Living communities are larger and more extravagant, and some are smaller with a cozier feel. Whether you want a more active community or a slower-paced lifestyle, there is a Brookdale Senior Living community for everyone.Services Offered: Assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), at-home carePet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196!Discovery Commons Cypress Point - Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: Discovery Commons Cypress PointDiscovery Commons Cypress Point is an affordable, person-centered senior living community near the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. This community prioritizes quality, comfort, and exceptional value for residents. They offer trademarked amenities and lifestyle programs along with individualized care and services from a professional team. Residents of Discovery Commons Cypress Point can enjoy regionally-inspired meals made from scratch, daily activities and events, full-service housekeeping and maintenance, and 24-hour personal support and nursing care.Services offered: Assisted living, memory care, respite carePet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place - Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: Merrill Gardens at Barkley PlaceMerrill Gardens at Barkley Place is a beautiful senior living community located in a quiet, charming neighborhood of Fort Myers, Florida. This community offers premium amenities such as sun porches, courtyards, walking paths, a library, fitness center, pool and spaces for social gatherings. Dedicated, compassionate staff members of Merrill Gardens at Barkley provide varying levels of care, so residents can easily transition when the need arises. Services offered: Independent retirement living, assisted livingPet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196! Springwood Court - Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: Springwood CourtDesigned in a neighborhood-like setting, Springwood Court of Fort Myers, Florida provides a senior living experience that feels like home. Residents can receive the right amount of assistance for them while still remaining independent and active. This vibrant community offers daily life-enrichment programs, convenient care services, activities, and social outings, allowing residents to live a fulfilling life. They pride themselves on their unique commitment to enhancing the human spirit. Springwood Court even offers short-term stays for snowbirds looking to spend a few weeks to a full season in their welcoming community. Services offered: Assisted living, seasonal stays for snowbirdsPet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196!Pacifica Senior Living - Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: Pacifica Senior Living Fort MyersPacifica Senior Living lies in the center of the Health Park District of Fort Myers, Florida. Offering dedicated memory care and respite care, this inviting community creates personal care plans for each resident. Living arrangements include small cottages set up neighborhood-style, each with certain features and programs depending on the needs of the residents. Pacifica Senior Living residents do not need to worry about cleaning or cooking, and instead can focus on remaining active and taking advantage of various life-enriching amenities. This community aims to help seniors age with comfort, confidence, joy, and ease. Services offered: Memory care, respite carePet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196!Canterfield of Fort Myers, FloridaCredit: Canterfield Senior LivingAiming to provide luxury you can afford, Canterfield of Fort Myers, Florida is an elegant senior living community that can provide a continuum of care services. This country club-style community is focused on offering residents carefree living. Residents can lead an active, healthy, independent lifestyle and design each day as they desire. This community also prioritizes lifelong learning and wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. With weekly outings, daily activities, and many more amenities, Canterfield of Fort Myers gives residents confidence in their care as they grow older.Services offered: Independent living, assisted living, memory carePet friendly: Yes (case-by-case basis)For more information, call (941) 661-6196!Arden Courts - Promedica Memory Care Community: Fort Myers, Florida  Credit: Arden CourtsMemory care is the sole focus of Arden Courts: A Promedica Memory Care Community in Fort Myers, Florida. With specially-trained staff and safe living and common areas, this community caters to the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimers disease and other related dementias. Each resident has a personalized care plan for their individual needs, routines, and capabilities. The community offers specially-planned programming tailored to dementia, which includes individual pursuits, Engagement Therapy Treatment (ETT), life skills, and Namaste Care. Staff members focus on what residents can do by honing in on familiar routines and lifelong experiences. Arden Courts prioritizes safety and security along with a sense of home and independence for residents.Services offered: Memory carePet friendly: YesFor more information, call (941) 661-6196!

If your loved one is hospitalized after surgery or treatment for a serious illness or injury, the decisions about medical care dont stop when theyre discharged from the hospital. Families are faced with decisions about where their loved one will go for post-hospital care and recovery, and whether they can recover at home or in a community setting where short-term rehabilitation services are provided on-site. THE KEY TO A QUICK RECOVERYShort-term rehabilitation services help reduce pain and improve function so your loved one can rebuild strength and abilities, and get back to living as independently as possible. The following services are typically offered in a senior rehabilitation center:Physical therapy can help improve mobility, build strength and improve balance.Occupational therapy is tailored to help each person perform activities of daily living and learn to use adaptive equipment, if needed.Speech therapy can help with conditions affecting communication, swallowing, cognitive skills and memory loss. When its time for hospital discharge planning, you want to be confident that your loved one has the support they need for post-hospital care. The length of time needed to recover varies for every person and situation. Whether your loved ones recovery may last a few weeks or several months, learning about the options for rehabilitation can help support your decision-making process and ultimately help your loved one have a successful recovery in a safe environment.AT-HOME RECOVERY OPTIONSAt-home recovery may be a good option for those who are able to move around the home safely and handle everyday tasks independently, or with a little extra help from family and friends. In some cases, you may realize after returning to the home environment that your loved one needs more help than originally anticipated. Thats why its important to follow the advice of the doctors and also follow your own instincts when assessing how well your loved one will be able to navigate their recovery at home.When planning for at-home recovery, you may need to coordinate physical, occupational and/or speech therapy appointments for your loved one. You may also need to bring in home health care providers to help with medication management and activities of daily living. If family members plan to provide care at home, keep in mind the costs associated with taking time away from their work and family life.SHORT-TERM REHABILITATIONSenior rehabilitation centers provide therapy and services designed to help with recovery after an illness or medical event. Lets explore some more of the benefits of a short-term rehabilitation stay in a senior living community: Time to focus on your recovery. Staying in a rehabilitation center allows your loved one to focus on their recovery without the burdens or distractions of being at home. Everything is taken care of so they can put their energy toward making progress for a smooth transition back home. A treatment plan for recovery. Your loved ones care plan will be coordinated by a team of doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation therapists to make sure all their needs are met.  Convenient access to rehabilitation therapy. A short-term rehabilitation stay provides the opportunity to recover in a safe setting with regularly scheduled sessions for physical, occupational and/or speech therapies. Without the hassle of traveling for therapy appointments, your loved one can maximize their time in therapy without missing any appointments. Some costs possibly covered by Medicare. A short-term rehabilitation stay may be covered by Medicare if certain criteria are met, including having spent at least three nights as an inpatient in a hospital within the last 30 days. In some cases, Medicare may cover a short-term rehabilitation stay up to 100 days if deemed necessary. Youll meet with a care coordinator who can walk through the costs. Peace of mind for family. Knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for can reduce stress and relieve the burden of caregiving for family and friends.CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON At Freedom Village of Bradenton, our senior rehabilitation services are provided in a welcoming residential setting with all the comforts of home. A rehabilitation stay with us can help your loved one achieve their recovery goals faster, so they can get back to the activities they love as soon as possible.Contact us, at 941-219-5294 to learn more about short-term rehabilitation services at Freedom Village of Bradenton.