Confidently Moving from Rehab to Home: Key Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Rehabilitation is a long-term process where an individual struggling with a mental health disorder recovers. The duration of recovery depends on the severity of the disorder, which can last from months to years. However, those individuals move back to their home or an assisted living facility to live a fulfilling life, but the transition can be challenging. While change is inevitable, one can implement some strategies to make a smooth and stress-free transition.

Understanding Post-Rehabilitation Care

Moving out of a rehabilitation center doesn’t mean that the person is not susceptible to relapse. Post-rehabilitation care is the ongoing support a person requires after completing a rehabilitation program. To maintain progress, achieve long-term recovery, and prevent relapse, post-rehab care is essential. This phase will include regular therapy sessions, medication management, and support groups. Therapy will help identify the triggers, develop coping mechanisms outside rehab, and improve overall well-being. Group therapy is also part of the care plan, which can provide support and a sense of belongingness.

Key Aspects of Long-Term Care Discharge Planning

Planning long-term care for discharged individuals is crucial for a smooth transition from rehabilitation to home. However, one needs to keep these key aspects of the discharge planning.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Before getting discharged from a rehabilitation facility, the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 mandates the institution to have a proper treatment plan post-discharge. The plan should be developed after conducting a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs and goals. The act also specifies the patients’ rights and strongly emphasizes the confidentiality and informed consent of patients. Discharge is only given when the patient has access to psychiatric treatment or attends regular sessions in the rehab after moving out.

Planning for Safe Transition to Home or Another Facility

Medication management: identifying medications, dosages, frequencies, and potential interactions.
Follow-up appointments: it is crucial to schedule follow-up appointments with the healthcare providers and make sure they make it to the session.
Home safety evaluations: an occupational therapist can assess the patient’s home environment for safety hazards and recommend some modifications.
Coordination with outpatient services: identifying necessary outpatient services like support groups is important to maintain progress.

These factors will ensure a safe and supportive environment post-discharge.

7 Tips for a Smooth Transition from Rehab to Home

While rehab facilities can help make the transition smooth, the individual or the caregiver can follow these 7 tips that will make the transition from rehab to home smooth and hassle-free.

Expect Changes

Living in rehab and living at home can be very different. One might set unrealistic expectations about living a normal life after the completion of a program. But there will be changes in routines, living spaces, and even relationships, so be prepared to adapt to those changes. Find healthier coping mechanisms if the changes are becoming a trigger. An individual must confide in those changes for their long-term recovery and well-being.

Start Planning Early

If your discharge process is in progress start planning early about how to make the transition hassle-free. If you are moving back home you might need some modification to remove potential hazards like installing grab bars in the bathroom, increasing lighting, and hiring extra assistance if required. Have an open discussion with your therapist about the living arrangements and potential challenges after discharge.

Keep Goals in Mind

Keeping the goals in mind helps you continue with your recovery journey post-rehab. To comply with your goals, break them down into smaller and achievable steps. Having a clear mind and setting goals can keep you motivated. Identify triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms for relapse prevention. Work with your therapist and other healthcare providers to set realistic goals and follow them after getting discharged.

Use Available Support

The transition will require a lot of work, but while the rehab facility can help you with important decisions like healthcare services, therapies, and support groups, you can also look for available support around you. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be a valuable source of motivation. Let your loved ones know what kind of support you need, whether it’s emotional or practical assistance with errands or simply someone to talk to.

Accept Help

Asking for help or accepting it is not a sign of weakness. While some individuals and caregivers might feel embarrassed about asking for help or they assume that they are enough to take care of themselves, it’s not always true. Certain situations can be challenging to handle on your own. Let others know what kind of help you need and how they can best support you. This will help you maintain your progress and move forward with the recovery journey.

Follow Through with Ongoing Therapy and Care

Schedule regular follow-up sessions with your therapist or counselor, which is necessary to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Ongoing therapy ensures that your triggers are under control and that you develop new coping mechanisms. Adhere to the medication schedule as directed by the doctor to maintain progress and prevent relapse. Maintain open communication with the healthcare provider for any queries or concerns between appointments.

Implement a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a healthy and balanced diet provides the nutrients the body needs to maintain good physical and mental health. Engage in regular physical activities which will improve the mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Follow an exercise routine that is best suited for you. Maintaining sleep hygiene is essential for physical and mental health. Developing healthy sleep habits like following a relaxing bedtime routine will help you sleep better.

The Last Mile: Ensuring a Confident Transition from Rehab to Home at Cadabam’s

Cadabam can ensure a smooth transition with the help of our professionals, their detailed discharge planning, and ongoing support. Our team of professionals includes psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and occupational therapists to ensure your transition to stress-free. Our ongoing support programs can help you move forward with your recovery journey and live a healthy life. Make Cadabams a part of your treatment journey and secure a healthy future for yourself.