The journey through rehabilitation marks a hopeful turning point in recovery, it’s the phase where patients begin to heal and regain independence. However, for families, this process can feel overwhelming. The families (and patients) often deal with fear- of the unknown, of running out of funds, of taking on additional roles. They might feel scared, lonely and unsure of how to help. Let’s unpack some of the ways in which families can support their loved ones.
Advocacy and communication
This may seem obvious for some depending how close-knit your family is, but you would be surprised how many patients are left to their own devices in a time of need. If you are listed as someone’s next of kin, you are a valuable part of the process. Many patients, particularly those with cognitive impairments or who are disoriented from medication, rely heavily on others to speak and act on their behalf.
If you are listed as a next kin, ensure you are contactable by the rehabilitation facility. If you don’t have the mental capacity to be the patient’s advocate, reach out to the social worker who can help you to locate the person who is legally responsible for the patient.
The treatment team (mostly physiotherapists and occupational therapists) will reach out to you to understand the patient’s baseline functioning if the patient is unable to provide this. Baseline functioning refers to what they were able to do before they went to the hospital. This is a very important part of the process as they will consider the patient’s baseline, diagnosis and prognosis to set treatment goals. If the information on the baseline functioning is wrong, it can affect referrals to the appropriate service providers and affect patient outcomes negatively.
Finally, the triad between the patient, therapist and family is very important. Research by von Bosse et al, (2023) shows the attitudes of both patients and families, ranging from hopeful to skeptical, impact therapy outcomes. Families may have different expectations, hopes and desires in therapy. If the family is on board with the treatment plan and goal, it can have a positive impact on the patient’s outcomes.
Practical Assistance
Ensure all required paperwork is completed and signed. Patients or their next of kin need to sign a contract on admission. You can assist by ensuring you have read the terms and conditions and ensure the patient understands the implications of what they are signing. If you need to sign on their behalf, ask the facility to explain anything you are uncertain about.
Ensure your loved one has enough clothing and toiletries. Patients often arrived at the rehabilitation center after an unexpected hospital admission and didn’t have time to pack essential items. In the hospital they wear a hospital gown but at a rehabilitation facility patients need to mobilize to the gym where they need comfortable clothing.
Finally, find out if the patient is worried about anything at home and try to assist them by taking care of those stressors so that they can focus on their rehabilitation.
Emotional Support
Visitation during admission is so important, which is why Faircape Rehabilitation has visiting hours from 11:00- 19:00, ensuring the balance between therapy and informal emotional support is maintained. Visits from loved ones can help patients feel comforted, it reduces stress and feelings of loneliness and they can motivate patients to engage in their therapy sessions. It can also remind patients of the ‘outside’ life, motivating them and assisting them with a smoother transition back home.
Reintegration
Families can engage with the rehabilitation facility to understand their loved ones’ care needs after discharge and by assisting the patients to set up the necessary support before they arrive home. This will ensure that the progress that was made during their stay is maintained and that even further progress is made by being compliant with the team’s recommendations. This might include follow up appointments and out-patient therapy sessions. Adherence to treatment plans can also lower the chances of rehospitalization.
Self-care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Doing all of the above on an already full schedule will be demanding on your time and your funds. Families often take on multiple roles such as that of a caregiver, they can become a patient themselves due to the physical and emotional strain and finally, the role of another family member as the condition may affect interpersonal relationships in the household. When you are overwhelmed, start with checking in on your basic needs- are you sleeping, are you eating, are you moving? Providing yourself with the necessary nourishment is crucial and a lack in any of these areas can affect your resilience. Prioritize rest and recovery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help- whether it’s professional or informal support. Do something that recharges you. Sleep is not enough to recharge, try to add something that gives you spiritual, mental, emotional, sensory or creative rest.
Supporting a loved one in rehabilitation is a big responsibility and I’m hoping this article is a helpful guide. Maybe it gives you reassurance that you are already doing an amazing job at supporting your loved one and hopefully one day when you need it, someone will do all of this for you!
References
von Bosse, A., González Blum, C., & Richter, R. (2023). The therapeutic relationship within the patient-caregiver-physiotherapist triangle in the rehabilitation of neurological diseases. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 26(4), 220–230. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2023.2244989