There is still a significant opportunity to improve hospital lengths of stay (LoS) through improvements in internal processes and the development of alternative services.

Rehabilitation of older adults involves an active process, delivered through a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach, that aims to improve function and enable subjects to live their lives to the fullest potential. Frail, older adults are particularly vulnerable to functional decline as a result of illness, and rehabilitation is an essential part of medical care for this population.

Research confirms the benefits of comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and rehabilitation for frail or dependent older adults; when delivered in hospital, it improves physical function and reduces mortality, whereas in community settings it reduces the risk of care home or hospital admission.

Rehabilitation carries the basic aim of assisting people with disabilities to improve, recover or limit decline in physical, mental and social skills.

Our technology provides purposeful and meaningful activity that can have the effect of improving mood and well-being.  A recent study when used alongside DCM (Dementia Care Mapping) was able to demonstrate that the overall mood and well-being had significantly improved on the Older People’s Mental Health Wards and aided the discharge from hospital.

Further Reading

Principles of rehabilitation of older people (PDF)