After an illness or accident which requires your parent to be admitted into a short term rehab center, it is normal for you to feel a wide range of emotions. For example, you may feel immense amounts of stress, worry, confusion and uncertainty about how you can help your mother during her recovery.

There are things you can do to make your mother as comfortable as possible — and give yourself a small degree of control over the situation. Following these suggestions can help you and your mother make it through this difficult period.

Make sure your loved one has all the necessary items for her full recovery and comfort.

Take the time to gather your parent's personal toiletries, clothing, medication, and other items which will make their time during rehabilitation less unpleasant. Consider packing:

• Favorite toiletries, including preferred brands of toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. Consider packing some make-up items if you feel your loved one would appreciate them.
• Comfortable clothing and shoes for relaxing and sleeping. Try to include at least one nice outfit, if you think your parent would enjoy dressing up on occasion.
• All of your mother’s current medications, contact information for her doctors and family members, along with over-the-counter medication which she commonly uses.
• A few favorite books, photos, or hobby supplies to help pass the time.

What you don’t take is equally as important as what you choose to pack. You should leave excessive money, valuable watches, credit cards, jewelry, and irreplaceable sentimental items at home.

Take care of the financial issues.

While your parent is concentrating on her recovery, she should not have to worry about paying the bills or maintaining her home. Before your mother is admitted, you should:

• Make arrangements to help your mom pay the bills at home. Ask your mother about her mortgage payments, reoccurring bills, and other ongoing expenses.
• Speak with someone from the rehab center's billing department to figure out the payments for any expenses.
• Ask your parent how he or she wants to handle Social Security, or other income while she is being treated.
• Cancel subscriptions, arrange for yard and pet care, and ask the post office to temporary stop making deliveries.

Speak with the rehab team to plan for at-home aftercare.

You may feel uncomfortable speaking to your short-term rehab provider about the personal medical issues your parent is facing, but it is critical if you want to help him or her get better. Knowing the answers to these questions is an important step in helping her to heal once he or she leaves the short-term rehab:

• Will your parent need in-home, professional assistance once therapy is complete?
• Are there any physical or dietary restrictions that will help your parent’s continued recovery?
• Is there any special equipment which would make your parent's return home easier?
• When will your loved one need to see a doctor again?

Prepare for your parent's return.

Whether your mom or dad is returning to her own home or staying with you, it is critical that the living space is optimized for a complete recovery.

Before your parent comes home from the short-term rehab, think about:

• Renting or buying any necessary assistive devices.
• Planning for any professional assistance, if needed.
• Making it as easy as possible for him or her to get around the house. This may mean moving a bed onto the first floor or fitting the bathroom with safety bars.
• Scheduling time off from work when you can visit your parent to do any chores, drive her to any appointments, or just spend time together.

The more actively you can participate in your parent's recovery, the easier the process will be for both of you.

To learn more about short-term rehab at Marjorie P. Lee in Cincinnati, fill out our information request form.