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Over the last 20 years amazing strides have been made in heart surgery. But surgery is only about repair and for most people, recovery typically requires 10 to 14 days of cardiac rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility.
It’s critical to understand what an effective cardiac rehab program should include. A cardiac event is traumatic and recovery should be multi-faceted, taking into account everything from a patient’s physical condition to his or her emotional and psychological response.
Cardiac programs based on a “one size fits all” plan should be avoided. No two patients are alike. Initial assessment factors that must be considered by medical professionals include a patient’s previous lifestyle, the nature of the cardiac event that occurred, what is required to help the patient return to an optimal lifestyle, and the patient’s motivation to get involved in the recovery process.
Program plans ought to incorporate a strong focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy and therapeutic recreation — all balanced to ensure that patients advance at a pace appropriate to their unique situation. However, a program that addresses fear and anxiety is also important. Both can trigger stresses that might impact recovery. The best cardiac rehab programs include visits from a psychologist and continual contact with a social worker.
Finally, cardiac events have lifelong consequences that call for rethinking on nutrition, menu planning, exercise, stress management, and medication management. Any cardiac program should include continuing education on those elements and encourage follow-up support, such as community support groups.
South Florida’s preferred free bilingual senior magazine offers a full directory by county. Information includes community resource organization addresses and phone numbers, as well as hospital and hospices, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, home care, adult day care and other services.
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