The landscape of geriatric rehabilitation is poised for transformation, particularly through emerging models that integrate home-based care post-institutional rehabilitation. Recent research led by a team of experts, including M. Pol, E. van Isselt, and A. Doornebosch, aims to evaluate the outcomes, costs, and feasibility of this innovative approach. Titled “Better@Home,” this multicentric prospective cohort study with a historical control group seeks to uncover the benefits of extending rehabilitation services into the comfort of patients’ homes, thereby ensuring continuity of care that is both efficient and effective.
As the global population ages, the importance of tailored rehabilitation strategies becomes ever more critical. Older adults often face unique challenges that require specialized approaches in recovery, including the need for physical assistance, tailored exercise programs, and mental health support. Home-based geriatric rehabilitation represents an attractive alternative to traditional inpatient rehabilitation, potentially reducing the strains on healthcare facilities and offering a more personalized and comfortable recovery environment. This study, detailed in the article published by BMC Geriatrics, underscores the pressing need for innovative alternatives to conventional aspects of geriatric care.
The “Better@Home” study protocol is meticulously designed to assess several key elements of home-based rehabilitation. Firstly, the study will evaluate clinical outcomes, focusing on key metrics of physical recovery. Participants will engage in a variety of exercises designed to enhance mobility, strength, and overall physical health. Enhanced mobility is not merely a goal; it is a necessity that directly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Thus, meticulous tracking of recovery outcomes will provide vital data on the efficacy of home rehabilitation compared to traditional inpatient settings.
In addition to clinical outcomes, the research will analyze the economic implications of home-based rehabilitation. As healthcare costs continue to escalate globally, this aspect of the study will be crucial in establishing whether such an approach can serve as a cost-effective alternative to inpatient care. The financial burden of hospital stays can be exorbitant, not only for healthcare systems but also for patients and their families. By evaluating the cost savings associated with home rehabilitation, the study aims to provide compelling evidence that can shape healthcare policies in favor of more sustainable practices.
Feasibility is another fundamental aspect under investigation in the “Better@Home” study. While the benefits of home-based care are evident, the practicality of its implementation remains a pivotal concern. Various logistical challenges must be addressed, including the availability of trained personnel who can deliver therapy at home, the establishment of a supportive care network, and the integration of family members into the rehabilitation process. Training caregivers and family members will be critical, as their involvement could significantly influence the success of rehabilitation efforts.
Moreover, the study seeks to capture participants’ subjective experiences of the rehabilitation process. Understanding how individuals perceive their recovery can yield insights that quantitative data alone may not reveal. Qualitative measures, such as patient satisfaction surveys and personal interviews, will be incorporated to gain a holistic view of the rehabilitation experience. This encompasses not only the physical aspects but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of recovery, offering a well-rounded perspective on what rehabilitation means for older adults.
To bolster the credibility of their findings, the researchers have established a historical control group within their study design. This approach allows for a direct comparison between the outcomes of the home-based rehabilitation model versus traditional inpatient rehabilitation models. Such a comparative framework is essential for discerning which methods provide the best health outcomes and patient satisfaction, thereby paving the way for informed decisions about future geriatric care protocols.
Additionally, the study will explore the role of technology in facilitating home-based rehabilitation, particularly telehealth and remote monitoring solutions. The integration of technology can enhance accessibility to rehabilitation services and provide real-time feedback to healthcare providers. This tech-enabled approach is especially pertinent in today’s digitized world, where remote care options are increasingly embraced as viable alternatives to in-person visits.
Throughout the duration of the study, researchers will remain adaptable, ready to incorporate ongoing feedback and data to refine their methods. This flexibility will not only improve the study’s validity but also the overall quality of care provided to participants. By keeping personal experiences and real-world challenges at the forefront, the research team aims to craft a rehabilitation model that resonates with the needs and preferences of older adults and their families.
Results from the “Better@Home” study are expected to have significant implications for the future of geriatric rehabilitation. Should the benefits of home-based rehabilitation be substantiated, healthcare systems might reevaluate existing practices and consider adopting similar models on a wider scale. Such a shift could lead to profound improvements in patient outcomes, reductions in healthcare costs, and ultimately, a better quality of life for older adults as they navigate the complexities of recovery.
In conclusion, the ongoing research into home-based geriatric rehabilitation, as articulated in the “Better@Home” study, promises to offer groundbreaking insights that could reshape the contours of elderly care. By rigorously evaluating clinical outcomes, economic implications, and subjective patient experiences, this study stands to make a pivotal contribution to the field of geriatric rehabilitation and beyond.
Their findings could lead to enhanced treatment protocols that prioritize the holistic well-being of older adults, prioritizing their physical health while also addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery. This comprehensive approach aligns perfectly with the goals of modern healthcare systems, which are increasingly focused on patient-centered care.
The path forward for geriatric rehabilitation is bright, and the implications of this research could reverberate across the globe, inspiring changes that will benefit millions of older adults in need of effective rehabilitation solutions.
Subject of Research: Home-based geriatric rehabilitation after inpatient rehabilitation
Article Title: Evaluation of outcomes, costs, and feasibility of home-based geriatric rehabilitation after inpatient rehabilitation: study protocol of the “Better@Home” multicentre prospective cohort study with historical control group.
Article References:
Pol, M., van Isselt, E., Doornebosch, A. et al. Evaluation of outcomes, costs, and feasibility of home-based geriatric rehabilitation after inpatient rehabilitation: study protocol of the “Better@Home” multicentre prospective cohort study with historical control group.
BMC Geriatr 25, 980 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06573-6
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06573-6
Keywords: Home-based rehabilitation, geriatric care, elderly health, clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, patient satisfaction, rehabilitation technology.
Tags: Better@Home study protocolchallenges in elderly recoverycosts of geriatric rehabelderly care continuityfeasibility of home-based carehome-based geriatric rehabilitationinnovative rehabilitation modelsmental health support for seniorsmulticentric prospective cohort studyoutcomes of home rehabilitationpersonalized recovery environmentstailored rehabilitation strategies
