What Qualifies Seniors for Short-Term Rehab?

A nurse is helping a senior in a short-term rehabilitation facility

Seniors qualify for short-term rehab when they need medical care and therapy after a hospital stay, illness, or surgery. Common reasons include hip or knee replacement, stroke recovery, or injury from a fall.


A physician must typically recommend rehab, and the senior must be medically stable but still need skilled services like physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Most short-term rehab stays are covered by Medicare if they follow a qualifying hospital admission of at least three days.


The goal of short-term rehab is to help seniors regain strength, mobility, and independence so they can return safely to everyday life.


At Heisinger Bluffs, short-term rehab services are personalized to support seniors through a smooth, comfortable recovery process.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Medicare cover short-term rehab?

    Yes, after a qualifying hospital stay and with a physician's recommendation.

  • How long is a typical short-term rehab stay?

    Usually a few days to several weeks, depending on recovery progress.

  • Do you need to be fully independent before discharge?

    No, but you must reach a safe level of function for home care.


Sources:

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3848378/
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210833516300156
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