IN Mars Area Spring 2014 | Page 28

Sponsored Content Business Spotlight Sponsored Content Proven Therapies Lead to Faster Recovery Times at Lutheran SeniorLife Rehab A fter an injury or surgery, the goal for all patients is to return to normal activities as quickly as possible. Research shows that evidence-based therapy techniques used by Lutheran SeniorLife therapists during short-term rehab bring the most impressive results. The average stay for short-term rehab is two to three weeks. But a few days of inpatient rehabilitation can often mean the difference between a faster recovery and discomfort that lingers for months. “We routinely conduct clinical tests for patients to establish a baseline measure and then immediately begin an individualized therapy program which measures improvement,” explains Lyn Walker, director of rehab services for Lutheran SeniorLife. Short-term rehabilitation programs are offered at both St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars and Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. One example is a “get-up-and-go” score that measures the efficiency of how quickly a patient can get up, achieve an established gate speed and how far he/she moves. “These types of measures are the best methods to determine progress,” Walker says. “We use these clinically-based measures in all disciplines: physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy,” Walker adds. This ensures that therapy regimens are achieving results. “Sometimes, if these measures are not used, therapy can continue longer than necessary, which is not accomplishing a speedy recovery time for the patient,” says Walker. These types of advanced clinical measures are the hallmark of the state-of-the-art therapy at Lutheran SeniorLife. And while they are the core of program success, they are not the only elements that make short-term rehab at St. John and Passavant successful. Therapy is delivered in a caring, home-like environment. Meals are served in a spacious and comfortable dining area and a coffee shop 26 724.942.0940 to advertise | Mars Area is open for residents to enjoy. All rooms have televisions and wireless internet services, and social activities and worship services are offered on a regular basis. The beauty of the surrounding communities is also an amenity that sets St. John and Passavant apart, and patients often do therapy outdoors, weather permitting. Lutheran SeniorLife’s rehab services help with rebuilding strength and endurance following an injury or surgery. After the short-term stay is complete, the same therapist can provide superior care in the home setting or on an outpatient basis. While physicians often refer patients for short-term rehab, some patients may even be able to advance to outpatient or in-home care right away for a quicker retur