Do you have a loved one who needs care?
Perhaps they need medical attention or are looking to enter a sobriety program. Whatever the case, you’ll have to choose between inpatient or outpatient care.
Inpatient care is when the patient stays for an extended period. Outpatient care is when the patient receives treatment and then goes home the same day. Both types of care have their benefits and drawbacks.
It’s essential to weigh all options before deciding, and this guide can help you do just that. Read on to learn the top reasons why inpatient is an intelligent move.
1. Cater to Specific Groups
When most people think of recovery programs, they envision a one-size-fits-all approach. But, there is a growing recognition that different groups have different needs. This is especially true when it comes to addiction recovery.
Inpatient facilities can cater to specific groups. Programs for women may place a greater emphasis on trauma counseling. Programs for LGBTQ individuals may focus on addressing the unique challenges they face.
By catering to the specific needs of different groups, programs can be more effective. This approach can help to reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
It allows people to see that there is no single “right” way to recover. Instead of seeing recovery as a cookie-cutter problem, customized options are available.
2. Modern Facility Access
Inpatient is ideal for patients with severe or complex conditions. The type of conditions that must close supervision.
These may be conditions that are life-threatening or require surgery. Conditions like these require the full attention of a medical team and access to 24/7 care.
You’ll have a lot of places to choose from. There are acute care facilities, rehabilitation, addiction treatment facilities, and long-term care facilities.
Acute care facilities are for patients who need immediate medical intervention. Examples include those who have suffered a heart attack or stroke. Rehabilitation centers provide care for patients recovering from an injury or illness.
Addiction treatment facilities help patients struggling with substance abuse issues. They can learn the science behind their addiction and emotional triggers.
Psychiatric hospitals provide care for patients with mental health disorders. Long-term care facilities provide care for patients with chronic conditions.
Each type of facility offers different levels of care and services. Choosing the correct type of facility for each patient’s needs is essential.
3. Intense Physical Therapy
Some inpatient facilities offer physical therapy services. Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of physical problems and injuries. By using a variety of techniques, physical therapists can help patients regain movement and function.
Common types of physical therapy include exercises, stretching, massages, and electrical stimulation. Physical therapists may also use special equipment to help patients rehabilitate from injuries.
Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, back pain, fractures, and amputations. In many cases, physical therapy can help patients avoid surgery or reduce their need for pain medication.
For example, recent studies have shown that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Having patients at a facility with these services can expedite their recovery.
4. Peer Support and Emotional Therapy
An inpatient addiction recovery center gives you the option of peer support. One of the critical components of success in patient recovery is peer support.
During treatment, individuals have the opportunity to meet and form relationships. Relationships with others who are facing similar challenges. These relationships provide social and emotional support, which is essential for maintaining sobriety.
Peer support helps individuals to learn new skills. They can also gain insight into their disorder. Recovery programs that include peer support are effective in sustaining sobriety.
What about individuals needing medical care not related to sobriety? Peer support helps here too. The most critical aspect of peer support is providing emotional help to patients.
Peer support is valuable if you are struggling with addiction or a medical condition. If you are considering inpatient, ask about each facility’s peer support services.
5. Intensive Care Resources
Inpatient facilities have medical equipment to treat patients with complex conditions. Some inpatient facilities have access to MRI machines or CAT scanning abilities.
Other inpatient facilities may have special care units. For instance, they might have intensive or neonatal intensive care units. These units provide care for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions.
6. Better Access Around the Clock
One of the main benefits of inpatient is that the patient has 24-hour access to medical staff. This can be particularly beneficial for those needing constant monitoring. It’s also great for those who need complex medical procedures.
Besides, inpatient generally provides a higher level of support than outpatient care. Patients staying in the hospital have access to on-site counselors and social workers. They can also talk to other professionals to help them cope with their illness or injury.
Alternatively, outpatient care patients may not have 24-hour access to medical resources. Some procedures or treatments may also not be available on an outpatient basis.
You also have to think long term. Patients receiving outpatient care may have trouble following through with their treatment plan. This is especially true if they have transportation or childcare issues.
7. Caregiver Relief
Inpatient care can be a game-changer for caregivers too. Caring for a loved one can be a demanding and draining experience. Taking a break from that responsibility can often be the best way to recharge.
Inpatient facilities allow caregivers to step back and focus on their well-being. They’ll also have instant access to quality information and resources. Sometimes small life changes, such as having 1 day a week to relax, can make a world of difference.
8. Customized Care Levels
Good news! You can interview inpatient facilities before deciding what one to go with. Take your time and call several locations so you can find the right fit. Variety is one of the biggest benefits of inpatient options.
Explore everything available to you. For instance, when selecting an inpatient facility, consider the level of care necessary.
Also, consider the facility’s ability to meet each patient’s unique needs. Work with a facility that provides comprehensive inpatient care. That way, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care.
Along with verifying the services, double-check different payment options. Some facilities might work with your insurance; others might offer payment plans. You won’t know if you don’t ask.
Just make sure that you go with quality over affordability. Before choosing a location, ensure they uphold the highest safety standards and accreditations.
9. Quality Safety standards
Inpatient facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes, follow particular standards. These standards ensure the safety and well-being of their patients.
You can rest easy knowing your loved one is in good hands. The Joint Commission sets the standards. This is a nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations.
To receive accreditation, an organization must undergo a rigorous evaluation process. This process includes on-site inspections. It also has a review of the organization’s policies and procedures.
Organizations even submit data on quality and patient safety measures. By meeting standards, facilities can provide patients with the highest level of care.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) set standards too. Facilities that do not meet these standards can receive fines or shut down.
Finally, there are private organizations that set accreditation standards. To receive accreditation, a facility must undergo a rigorous review process. They also have to meet specific criteria.
Accreditation is not required. But it can help show a facility’s commitment to quality care.
Best practice standards are those that produce the best outcomes for patients. These standards are evolving as new evidence emerges.
10. Differences in Therapy Options
Inpatient can be a lifechanging experience in terms of therapy journeys. Instead of staying stuck in old ways of being, new possibilities comes to light. To make matters even more exciting, there are many different therapy types, each with its own benefits.
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people to understand and change negative thought patterns. Similarly, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can effectively treat trauma.
Other types of therapy, such as art therapy or dance therapy, can also be helpful for some people. The key is to find a type of therapy that works for you.
If one type of therapy doesn’t seem to be helping, don’t give up; there are many other options available, and you may just need to find the right fit. Keep calling inpatient centers until you find one with a therapy you’re interested in.
11. Varying Therapy Schedules
Inpatient facilities help accommodate individuals who need a unique therapy schedule approach. Different individuals must different therapeutic strategies for a variety of reasons.
Some people may only need to see a therapist once a week. Others might need to see a therapist many times a week.
Another reason approaches differ is that people have different support systems. Some people have supportive family and friends, while others do not.
Finally, different approaches are necessary because people have different levels of motivation. Some people feel the drive to get better; others don’t.
The bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Therapists need to individualize their systems to be the most effective. An inpatient facility allows therapists to customize their approach this way.
12. Recovery Focus
Another benefit of inpatient treatment for substance abuse has to do with the focus on recovery. Inpatient programs provide intensive treatment for a set amount of time.
The entire focus during this time is solely on recovery. There are no distractions. This type of care is ideal for those struggling with severe addiction. It’s helpful for those unable to achieve success in outpatient treatment.
There is also usually a strong focus on education. Education can help individuals learn more about their addiction.
Patients discover how to cope with triggers and cravings. They’ll enjoy a comprehensive approach to treatment. The type that can help individuals achieve long-term recovery.
In some cases, inpatient centers also offer ongoing help after completing treatment. This is a tremendous help to individuals worried about relapse.
13. Emotional Safety
Are you concerned about emotional safety? You needn’t be.
Inpatient programs focus on providing a safe, structured environment. This is especially helpful for people experiencing severe mental health issues.
The goal of these programs is to stabilize patients. Professionals help them develop the skills they need to cope with their symptoms.
Inpatient programs involve a team of mental health professionals. The group usually includes psychiatrists, nurses, and counselors. These professionals have extensive training and expertise in handling situations .
Patients in these programs receive attentive care. They can often participate in group therapy and other therapeutic activities. While inpatient programs can be complex, they can also be effective.
14. Avoid Triggers
Triggers are one of the biggest hurdles for recovery programs. Well-thought-out inpatient programs can help individuals avoid triggers. This goes beyond drug and alcohol recovery.
For instance, consider inpatient treatment for eating disorders. These centers can be beneficial for individuals struggling in their natural environment.
Inpatient provides a safe environment where individuals can focus on their recovery. They won’t have to worry about triggers that may stimulate eating disorder behaviors.
Inpatient treatment also offers 24-hour access to care. This can be essential for individuals who are struggling with severe symptoms. It’s also helpful for those with a history of relapse.
Have a New Lease on Life With Inpatient Care
Inpatient care is the best choice in a lot of situations. When patients need around-the-clock monitoring and care, inpatient is the way to go. Modern facilities offer services and amenities to speed up the recovery process.
But, not all locations are the same. Remember to double-check what services are available before choosing a program. That way, your or your loved one’s recovery can be effective.
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