Rehabilitation extends beyond the restoration of physical functions; it addresses mental and social aspects, aiming to restore individuals to their full humanity and enable them to live independently. It involves relearning and exerting efforts to overcome social obstacles and regain one’s former way of life.

In 1968, the WHO defined rehabilitation as the combined and coordinated use of medical, social, and vocational measures to train or retrain individuals to achieve the highest possible level of functional capacity in the event of a decline in health.

The scope of rehabilitation is broad, covering recovery from motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, sensory language deficits, cardiac and respiratory issues, mental health disorders, post-stoma and cancer surgery disabilities, and restoration of overall well-being.
Furthermore, rehabilitation is functionally differentiated based on the stage of recovery, including acute, recovery, and maintenance phase rehabilitation and community rehabilitation. Achieving rehabilitation goals tailored to each phase requires a team approach and seamless collaboration across various disciplines.

Community rehabilitation, grounded in the principle of normalization, involves concerted efforts by individuals, institutions, and organizations in healthcare, social welfare, and daily life to enable individuals with disabilities and older adults to lead active lives within familiar environments and alongside their communities.

• Kaizuka, M., Omori, T., & Eto, F. (Eds.). (2006). Rehabilitation nursing to improve QOL (2nd ed.). Ishiyaku Publishing.
• Ota, H. (2004). Principles of community rehabilitation (Ver. 3). Ishiyaku Publishing.
• Sasaki, H., & Tsumagari, Y. (Supervisors). (1996). Rehabilitation and nursing: How to live as a person. Chuohoki Publishing.