What to Know About Short Term Rehab vs. Going Straight Home After Hospital Discharge (Ontario Edition)

Hospitals can be overwhelming places, especially once an individual has been discharged from their care. For many families in Ontario, one of the first questions they think of when leaving the hospital is: “Are we going to send them to short term rehab or just bring them back to the house?”

This resource provides information about both options, providing a clear comparison of short term rehab and returning home immediately upon hospital discharge. We hope this will provide a more informed decision regarding your loved ones’ post hospital care.

What is Short Term Rehabilitation in Ontario?

Short term rehabilitation is a short term placement in a facility that offers care after an individual leaves the hospital.

At these facilities, individuals usually have access to:

• Therapy daily (physiotherapist/occupational therapist)
• Assistance with mobility/transfers/washing/bathing
• Medication assistance and wound care management
• 24 hour nursing supervision

There are several types of short term rehabilitation available, including:

• Rehabilitation hospitals/units
• Convalescent programs within Long Term Care Homes
• Complex Continuing Care Units for higher level of care requirements

Short term rehabilitation is often a better choice for individuals who do not have the ability to safely leave the hospital.

What Does It Mean To Go Home Immediately?

Going home does not necessarily mean that someone will be unattended. When you leave the hospital, the hospital team may contact you to refer you to Home and Community Care Support Services. They can then organize:

• Nurse Visits
• Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
• Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy in home
• Help with medication administration/dressing changes

Additionally, you can hire Private Care and Home Medical Equipment Companies.

Companies such as Hospital Bed Rental Inc., can provide equipment for use in homes including beds/lift chairs etc.

Short Term Rehabilitation vs. At Home: Key Differences

1. Supervision

Short term rehabilitation

Staffed 24 hours per day by registered nurses

People standing by if an individual falls/faints/gets confused

At home

By appointment only (nurses, PSWs, therapists)

Family/private caregivers must cover any remaining gaps in care

2. Therapy Intensity

Short term rehabilitation

Therapy occurs regularly on most weekdays

Focuses on ambulating, transferring and performing activities of daily living

At home

Less frequent therapy sessions

Perform exercises between sessions as directed by a healthcare professional. This method is best suited for individuals who have some existing physical ability/motivation prior to initiating exercise.

3. Environment

Short term rehabilitation

A clinical environment

All equipment needed is provided on site

Structured schedule/routine

At home

Comfortable familiar environment

Individual feels more at ease and energetic

However, you may need additional things to keep yourself safe indoors i.e. a home hospital bed or lift chair, etc.

4. Cost

Short term rehabilitation

Generally provincial health insurance covers the costs associated with rehab in hospitals when deemed medically necessary.

Individuals can pay extra for amenities such as a TV or private room in addition to standard care.

At home

Basic home care hours funded publicly. Additional hours of PSW, private nursing and the majority of equipment required are generally self funded or through private insurance. Although renting expensive pieces of equipment may offset high initial costs.

When Short Term Rehabilitation May Be Your Best Option

If you fit into any of the categories below, it would be best to consider entering a short term rehabilitation program:

• You lack the physical ability to stand/sit/get around.
• You are unable to move two people at a time for transfer/move purposes.
• You have a complicated wound or medical piece of equipment.
• You have limited support systems or live alone.
• You have a high risk of falling/confusing yourself.

Having more hands on supervision and therapy will greatly decrease the potential for readmission to the hospital.

When Returning Home Immediately May Be a Viable Option

Returning home may be suitable if:

• You are healthy enough to leave the hospital
• You can move independently with one person’s assistance or on your own.
• Your medications are uncomplicated and manageable.
• You have supportive family members/friends.
• Your home environment is safe for you and can be made so with appropriate equipment.

Being at home can improve morale and confidence for many people. With the proper support and equipment, a home can be both safe and enjoyable.

Important Questions to Ask the Hospital Staff

Prior to making an informed decision, ask your physician/nurse/discharge planner:

• Am I able to safely return to my home immediately or should I first attend short term rehabilitation?
• What are my largest risks at home? Falling? Wound infection? Getting lost/confused?
• Do I meet the criteria for short term rehabilitation/convalescence care?
• How many hours of home care will I receive each week?
• Will I receive physiotherapy in my home or in a clinic?
• What type(s) of equipment do I require in order to maintain my safety while at home?

Record your responses. Alternatively, record the answers using your smartphone.

This will allow you to develop clear plans with your family members.

Creating A Safe Home Environment Using Appropriate Equipment

Whether you are choosing to go home from the hospital, creating a safe environment begins with having the correct equipment.

Equipment can make caring for someone much simpler. Some common types of equipment include:

• Electric adjustable bed (usually equipped with multiple functions ie: massage, heat etc.)
• Mattress designed for pressure relief
• Side rails for bed
• Table over the bed
• Power Lift Chair
• Canes/Walker/Wheelchair
• Raised toilet seat/comode

Hospital Bed Rentals Inc. can supply and deliver equipment used in home environments throughout Ontario. Our company specializes in supplying hospital beds and associated equipment for families requiring home-care.

We can:

• Review discharge recommendations from the hospital
• Select the ideal bed and bedding for your bedroom
• Set up the equipment at your residence.
• Explain how to properly utilize all equipment safely.
• Call us Hospital Bed Rental Inc. If you’re still unsure about what equipment you’ll require after you’ve been discharged from the hospital).

That way we can lead you step by step through this process.

Ontario Specific Information (Practical/Simple)

Rehabilitation in a hospital setting for patients requiring further treatment is generally covered by public health insurance when that treatment is deemed medically necessary.

Coordinators of local services can facilitate governmentally funded home care services for you.

Services/devices commonly require payment privately or through extended health benefits.

Verify these details with your case manager/social worker as policies and programs continually evolve.

Final Thoughts — Making An Informed Decision Regarding Which Option Is Right for You

There isn’t always a single “correct” choice for every individual.

Choose short term rehabilitation if you require more intensive therapy and continuous 24 hour care. Choose returning home immediately if you are stable, have adequate support and are capable of establishing a safe home environment.

If you’re preparing to be discharged from the hospital and are unclear on the availability of beds/equipment at your residence, please contact us at Hospital Bed Rental Inc.

We can aid you in establishing a secure and comforting recovery area at your home.

Learn more about hospital beds, lift chairs and other home care equipment by visiting our website and reading more about various products in our blog section.