Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading sources of injuries to seniors, causing over three million emergency room visits for older adults every year. While you can help a loved one avoid this hazard by installing various safety features, a rehabilitation specialist can help them recover physical independence and mobility if they experience an injury. Have a look at the guide below to learn more.

Why Should Your Senior Loved One Seek Rehabilitation?

1. Pain Management

Conditions like arthritis, which affects nearly half of all adults over age 65, can cause severe or debilitating pain. Rehab therapists help seniors strengthen the muscles and joints impacted by these disorders to minimize aches and build physical strength to reduce the severity of later discomfort. This can also make it possible for older adults to depend on lower and less frequent doses of prescribed and over-the-counter pain medication.

2. Mobility Restoration

Roughly 40% of seniors aged 65 and over have some form of mobility impairment, such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. This issue can impact their quality of life. A rehab therapist can help your older loved ones regain lost mobility through strength-building, stretching, and muscular reeducation exercises.

The workouts likely won’t completely restore limited or impaired mobility. However, they provide seniors with useful knowledge and the physical strength they need to carry out a wide array of essential daily and personal tasks, such as dressing and bathing.

3. Reduced Risk of Infection

Many seniors seek rehabilitation therapy following a major joint replacement operation, as they can require assistance to adapt to the change. Infections are common problems following any procedure in which a prosthetic or other medical device gets implanted in the body.

The risk of these issues is higher in older individuals with less responsive immune systems. Fortunately, along with restoring mobility, rehab therapy can help the body’s natural defense system fight off or limit infections. It works to encourage increased blood flow to the affected area.

If you’re looking for proven rehabilitation services to help a senior parent or relative, visit Mt. Washington Care Center in Cincinnati, OH. These skilled, compassionate rehab specialists and nurses offer extensive therapeutic services tailored to each resident’s needs and expectations. Call (513) 231-4561 to speak with a team member, or visit them online for more information about daily life at this care facility.