SHAH ALAM – Being discharged from the hospital does not always mean a patient is ready to return to normal life.
For those recovering from a stroke, serious illness, injury or surgery, even simple tasks such as walking to the bathroom, getting dressed or eating independently can be a challenge.
This is where rehabilitation comes in, helping patients rebuild their abilities through structured therapy, medical supervision and nursing care.
Columbia Asia Extended Care Hospital Shah Alam (CAECHSA) highlighted the importance of post-acute rehabilitation during a media roundtable themed "Beyond Discharge: Rebuilding Independence Through Continuous Care."
Unlike long-term residential care facilities, the hospital supports patients who no longer require acute treatment but need continued rehabilitation before they can return home safely.
Asia OneHealthcare Group group chief commercial officer and Columbia Asia regional chief executive officer Anwar Anis said healthcare should extend beyond treating an illness to supporting patients through the stages of recovery that follow.
"Good healthcare is not only about providing the right treatment at the point of illness, but ensuring patients have access to the right level of care at each stage that follows.
"CAECH Shah Alam represents an important part of that continuum. By complementing our acute hospitals with dedicated post-acute rehabilitation, we are able to support a more connected healthcare journey, from treatment and stabilisation through to recovery and a return to everyday life," he said.
Small steps can make a big difference
Recovery does not look the same for everyone. While one patient may work towards walking independently, another may focus on sitting up, transferring safely from a bed to a chair or communicating basic needs.
CAECHSA chief executive officer Bavani Thavarajah said rehabilitation goals were tailored to each patient's condition and recovery potential, with doctors, therapists and nurses working together to support their progress.
"These may seem like small steps, but they can have a significant impact on a patient’s confidence, dignity and ability to return to daily life.
"Our goal is to help every patient achieve the best possible level of function based on their individual recovery potential," she said.
The process can involve physiotherapy to improve movement, occupational therapy to help patients manage daily activities and speech therapy to address communication difficulties where needed.
Progress may come gradually, moving from requiring assistance to performing a task under supervision and, where achievable, completing it independently.
Rehabilitation does not stop when therapy ends
Recovery also depends on what happens outside scheduled therapy sessions.
Rehabilitation nurses reinforce patients' goals through everyday activities such as getting out of bed, walking, eating and managing personal care. These routine tasks provide opportunities for patients to practise the skills needed for daily life.
Families also play an important role. Caregivers receive guidance on patients' abilities, remaining support needs and how to help them move safely and confidently when they return home.
From needing assistance to walking 180 metres
A patient, Abdul Wahid, was admitted to CAECHSA following a stroke and initially required assistance to stand and walk. He also depended on others for most daily activities.
Through rehabilitation, he progressed to transferring independently, walking up to 180 metres with a walking aid under supervision and climbing stairs with close supervision while using handrails.
His wife, who is his primary caregiver, supported his recovery as he continued rehabilitation at home.
His progress illustrates how rehabilitation can focus not only on physical improvement, but also on helping patients regain practical abilities that make everyday life more manageable.
Preparing patients and families for the journey home
During the roundtable, media representatives visited the hospital's patient ward, physiotherapy gym, occupational therapy room and speech therapy room to learn how different services contribute to rehabilitation.
They also experienced selected activities involving communication aids, walking aids and equipment used to support daily living.
As Columbia Asia marks 30 years in Malaysia, CAECHSA's focus on extended care highlights a stage of healthcare that can be overlooked once the immediate medical crisis has passed.
For patients and their families, recovery may continue long after discharge. The goal is to help patients regain as much independence as possible and prepare them for life beyond the hospital.
Participants experienced selected activities involving communication aids, walking aids and equipment designed to assist with daily living, offering insight into the challenges patients may face as they rebuild their abilities.