Cardiac Rehabilitation in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Cardiac rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities supports recovery and long-term heart health after events such as myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, or heart failure exacerbation. This chapter outlines practical strategies for assessment, exercise prescription, monitoring, and interdisciplinary coordination in post-acute care. Topics include rehabilitation phases, exercise safety, and adaptations for frail or cognitively impaired residents. Emphasizing evidence-based, team-driven care, the chapter guides SNF clinicians in restoring cardiovascular function, reducing readmissions, and improving quality of life.
Resources for Cardiac Rehabilitation
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of public and professional resources that complement the Cardiac Rehabilitation in Skilled Nursing Facilities chapter. These materials provide guidance on program design, exercise safety, risk factor management, and multidisciplinary care specific to post-acute and long-term settings. They are suitable for use by rehabilitation physicians, nursing staff, therapists, and quality-improvement teams in skilled nursing facilities.
Guidelines for Cardiac Rehabilitation
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)
Comprehensive standards outlining program components, staff qualifications, patient assessment, and performance measures for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs.
https://www.aacvpr.org/
Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation
American College of Cardiology (ACC) / American Heart Association (AHA)
Evidence-based recommendations for exercise prescription, risk factor modification, nutrition, and psychosocial support in cardiac rehabilitation programs.
https://www.acc.org/
https://www.heart.org/
Exercise and Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults
National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Provides practical recommendations for safe physical activity among older adults with cardiovascular disease, including pacing, endurance training, and balance exercises.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise
Heart Failure and Secondary Prevention Guidelines
American Heart Association (AHA) / Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA)
Outlines diagnostic criteria, exercise safety parameters, and lifestyle interventions for heart failure management in older adults.
https://www.hfsa.org/
Nutritional Counseling in Cardiac Rehabilitation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Guidance on dietary management, sodium restriction, and weight control to support cardiac recovery and prevent recurrent events.
https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines
Community and Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Strategies for extending cardiac rehab principles to home and community-based programs for older adults post-discharge from SNFs.
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/recovery.htm