Information for Patients in Our Program

Program Goal
The goal for each patient is to ensure an optimal level of functional recovery in the most efficient manner. To reach this goal, a team of rehabilitation professionals works intensively with the patient under the direction of the physiatrist, or admitting MD. These coordinated efforts are focused on restoring the patient to his or her fullest potential.

Your rehabilitation team members will be your partners, helping you along your road to recovery. Your team will design an individualized treatment plan with goals that focus on your unique needs and preferences. We are constantly striving to meet or exceed your expectations during your stay.

Therapy
You will receive therapy for at least three hours per day totaling a minimum of fifteen hours per week. There will be therapy on both Saturdays and Sundays based on your individualized needs. Therapy sessions typically last from 45 minutes to an hour with breaks as needed and are repeated again in the afternoon. You will work with at least two therapies while in rehab.

What to Bring
It is important that you bring what is necessary to actively participate in therapy.
Clothing should be comfortable, washable and loose-fitting. Family members are responsible for laundering your clothes. If this presents a problem, please discuss alternative arrangements with a member of the rehabilitation team. Labeling of your belongings is advised.
Some suggested items to bring include:

  • Ample supply of your regular attire; 4-5 changes per week
  • T-shirts, sweatshirts, blouses, shirts or pullover shirts
  • Pants or slacks (elastic waistbands preferred, such as sweat pants)
  • Sweater, jacket, or coat (depending upon season)
  • Comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes with non-skid soles (tennis, Velcro™ closures, or slip-ons)
  • Undergarments
  • Nightwear – we discourage the use of hospital gowns
  • Personal care items: toothbrush, toothpaste, dentures and adhesives, hairbrush or comb, deodorant, cosmetics, shampoo, shaving equipment, feminine hygiene supplies, hearing aids, eyeglasses, etc.
  • Special equipment you presently are using: wheelchair, walker, braces, splints, or artificial limbs
  • Personal items that would make your stay more pleasant and comfortable: pictures, blanket, games

Free Wireless Internet Access
Our North Shore facility is equipped with wireless internet.  This is an added benefit to our patients and guests who would like to bring in their own personal computers for recreational purposes. 

Family Participation
Our team recognizes the importance of family involvement in the patient’s recovery. The family provides a vital link during all phases of the rehab process from goal setting to discharge planning.

The family and the caregivers will be asked to participate in therapy sessions. The rehabilitation team will teach the family and/or caregivers how to care for the person, how to encourage independence, and how to recognize potential problem areas and address their fears of entering social situations. The rehabilitation team works to make the family and/or caregivers an informed and involved part of the total treatment.

Schedule
It is important to get back into a daily routine. Therefore, you will be expected to get up each morning, dress, and attend therapy throughout the day.  Any assistance you require with these tasks will be provided, but you will be encouraged to do as much as possible for yourself, with guidance from the team of course.

Visitors
Visitors are welcome during your stay in the rehabilitation center. We recommend your visitors respect and work around your daily therapy schedule.  Visiting Hours are set so that you have time to rest, see your physicians, participate in therapy, and eat your meals.

Financial Matters
Services for inpatient rehabilitation are generally covered by third party payors like Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare HMO, Blue Cross and other commercial and private insurances.  Feel free to talk to our case managers or the hospital patient accounts manager about any questions you might have regarding financial arrangements, coverage, or additional resources.

Planning your Discharge
Discharge planning begins upon admission. The rehabilitation team will work closely with you and your family to determine your specific discharge needs and make appropriate recommendations. Your discharge date from the rehab unit is determined by the rehab physician, the multidisciplinary team and is based on rehab criteria for hospitalization and your progress towards your goals.