From a medical point of view, ambulatory rehabilitation – the kind you attend on a daily basis – is just as valuable as residential rehabilitation. The only difference is that, with ambulatory rehabilitation, you spend the nights and weekends at home.

The general rule, however, is "ambulatory before residential". You are only entitled to residential rehabilitation if all the available ambulatory options have been considered and are felt to be unhelpful.

Some rehabilitation methods are only possible on an ambulatory basis, such as those focused on coping with special situations in your normal environment (avoiding falls in your own home, for instance).

Problems can arise if you take on too much at home at the same time (such as climbing stairs, housework, shopping, cooking, cleaning or work tasks). Domestic stress factors can limit the success of rehabilitation.

In spite of this, it can be helpful to choose ambulatory rehabilitation so that you can practice everyday actions and procedures.

The aim is to take account of individual needs and rehabilitation goals and to choose a suitable rehabilitation option. If you are to undergo rehabilitation, you should get medical advice and discuss with professionals what type of rehabilitation would be best in your case.

Further information about rehabilitation is available from the national pension authority Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

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