Elderly Rehabilitation Center in Switzerland for Geriatric Rehabilitation
After surgery, an accident or serious illness, there is often nothing more important for the elderly than regaining their independence. Inpatient rehabilitation for the elderly supports you each step of the way as you win back strength, mobility and safety – and regain control over your daily life.
What is inpatient rehabilitation for the elderly?
Geriatric rehabilitation is a specialist medical program for older patients who suffer from multiple diseases and age-related syndromes. It combines medical care, nursing and therapy to achieve one key objective: to restore independence and the best possible quality of life so people can get back to enjoying their “golden years”.
Rehab is especially important in old age because disease, injuries, and surgery can have a significant impact on mobility, memory, and self-sufficiency.
One of the key benefits of an elderly rehabilitation center is the close collaboration of a professionally trained team: doctors, therapists and nurses work together to create a customized treatment plan based on the needs and goals of each individual.
At our specialist department of geriatric traumatology, we specialize in caring for elderly patients after falls resulting in bone fractures. We work in line with international standards for treating osteoporosis and fractures, and interdisciplinary collaboration is a key part of our approach to ensure that those affected receive the very best support. The FLS certification (Fracture Liaison Service) from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) guarantees this quality.
Geriatric rehabilitation: Symptoms and syndromes
Inpatient rehab for the elderly is an ideal option in cases where several problematic or active diseases present simultaneously and the patient also suffers from geriatric symptoms or syndromes (a group of specific symptoms). The goal is always to reduce limitations and promote everyday independence.
Possible geriatric symptoms/syndromes:
- Impaired mobility/immobility
- Risk of falling/increased risk of falling
- Cognitive limitations, especially delirium (temporary confusion or disorientation, which usually improves over time)
- Fecal and/or urinary incontinence
- Depression or anxiety
- Impaired sensory function (visual or hearing impairment)
- Pressure sores (decubitus)
- Multiple medication and/or incorrect use of medication
- Chronic pain
- Malnourishment and/or muscle wasting
- Social isolation
- Frailty
How we approach geriatric rehabilitation
Here at our elderly rehabilitation center in Switzerland, our inpatient rehab follows a clearly structured process. Within this framework, therapies are individually tailored to the needs of older patients.
Initial examination:
medical examination and personal consultation.
Goal-setting:
jointly determining the areas of focus for the rehab.
Individual therapy plan:
maximum daily treatment frequency, tailored to individual resilience.
Regular monitoring:
close collaboration of the interdisciplinary team, ongoing adjustment of the therapy.
Discharge examination:
evaluation of progress and preparation for daily life.
Aftercare recommendations:
targeted support so improvements are maintained at home and the risk of falls is minimized.
Quality of life after a stay at our elderly rehabilitation center
At the end of our geriatric rehab, we meet to assess the success of the treatment and identify the progress that has been made. We also look at how this progress can be integrated into everyday life – an aspect that is just as important as the progress that has been made to date, as it allows patients to consolidate their independence and once again actively participate in life.
Types of geriatric physiotherapy and treatments
Here at our elderly rehabilitation center, we combine a range of therapies designed to improve strength, mobility, everyday skills, and independence. There is a wide range of geriatric rehab therapies available:
Therapies for strength, mobility, and safety
- Respiratory therapy – stabilizes breathing and improves lung function.
- Pelvic floor exercises – strengthens continence and body control.
- Electrotherapy – activates muscles and alleviates pain.
- Hydrotherapy – movement that is gentle on the joints.
- Medical training therapy (MTT) – improves endurance and muscle strength.
- Motor-functional exercises – promote mobility and muscle coordination.
- Gait and walking training – walk safely and cover longer distances.
- Balance and coordination exercises – targeted fall prevention.
- Fall prevention and mobility exercises – to improve stability.
- Robotics-assisted exercises – using modern technology to support movement sequences and safe walking.
Promoting everyday skills
- Occupational therapy – relearn and practice everyday activities.
- Advice on aids – select and use appropriate assistive aids.
- Home assessment – check and adapt living space to increase safety.
- Additional promotion of everyday skills.
Language and swallowing therapy
- Speech therapy – manage language, speech and swallowing disorders.
- Dysphagia therapy – practice swallowing and make eating easier.
Cognitive training
- Cognition training – improves memory and concentration.
- Robotics-assisted cognition training – using modern technology for cognitive performance.
- Energy management training – consciously allocate energy and increase resilience.
Our specialists in geriatric rehabilitation
Dr. med. univ. (BiH) Alena Schütte
Chief Physician Geriatric Rehabilitation, Medical Director
Specialist in General Internal Medicine, specializing in Geriatric Medicine
German, English, Croatian, Serbian
Med. pract. Anita Örgen-Schulz
Head Physician Geriatric Traumatology Rehabilitation
Specialist in Surgery
German, English
Our specialist elderly rehabilitation clinic
"I spent two weeks at the Rehaklinik Dussnang and I am absolutely thrilled. It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility with a wonderful park and an original Kneipp garden. There is a very positive and cheerful atmosphere throughout the entire building. The therapists are very professional and the therapies are very diverse.
The food is extremely varied and always lovingly presented. The entire staff in all areas was very friendly and helpful. I felt very comfortable and I would recommend the clinic in Dussnang to anyone who needs it." (translated)
Evelyne M.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about geriatric rehabilitation
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What is geriatric rehabilitation and who is it suitable for?
Geriatric rehabilitation is aimed at older people following illness, accident, or surgery. The goal is to improve mobility, independence, and everyday functioning. A specialized team supports patients in actively participating in life again.
Are there any recreational opportunities in the surrounding area?
All of our clinics are beautifully located and offer many interesting excursion and wellness options for both patients and their relatives, depending on their state of health. The International Office will be happy to put together suitable excursion destinations for you when you are here.
Are there accommodation options for relatives?
Yes, there are various accommodation options available for relatives. Apartments are available nearby for an additional charge. We also work with selected hotels in the area and can arrange accommodation at discounted rates.
Please contact us in good time so that we can help you with your planning.
Are you interested in finding out more about rehabilitation for the elderly? We’re here for you.
