What to Expect When Entering a Short Term Rehabilitation Facility

Entering a short term rehabilitation facility can be a daunting prospect. After the overwhelming stay in a hospital, a patient usually just wants to go home. To have to start another new chapter that is unfamiliar and not home can be a challenge. Knowing what to expect can make it a smoother and less distressing experience

What a short term rehabilitation facility looks like

These days, most short term rehabilitation facilities are clean and modern and look more like a hotel than a hospital. There’s a lobby area and an administration desk, and the ambience is soothing and peaceful.

The rooms may be private or shared with another patient, and they are well-designed and have everything the patient needs for a comfortable and pleasant stay. Each floor or wing is designated for a different type of patient, such as cardiac patients or orthopedic patients.

There are many different parts of the short term rehabilitation facility. There’s a dining room and therapy gym, and there are multiple meeting rooms where patients can sit with their families. There is a dedicated nursing station for each floor. There are activity rooms and recreation areas, and there’s often an outdoor courtyard where patients who are mobile can get some fresh air.

Short term rehabilitation facilities are usually within residential neighborhoods, and patients have a nice views from their windows of homes and gardens.

Entering the facility

A patient will often arrive in a transport, sometimes in a wheelchair and sometimes in a hospital bed for transfer, depending on his situation. He’ll be assigned to a room and meet the floor nurse, and over the beginning of his stay he’ll meet up with the facility staff. Along with his family, he’ll meet with a social worker or case coordinator who will draw up a rehabilitation program and goals. Soon he’ll be introduced to the various therapists who will help him regain skills.

While every facility has a kitchen and can bring food to the patient’s bed, sometimes family members and friends can bring food for the patient. Every bed either has a personal television or can be requested, and people can bring in their own personal things to make their time there feel more personal and home-like. If the patient isn’t sure about the feasibility of bringing certain items, the staff can try to be accommodating.

Getting through the program

The patient’s day is usually filled with rehabilitation activities, although depending on the short term rehabilitation facility and the patient’s abilities, there will be more or less in intense therapies. Some facilities are geared toward fast rehab times, whereas others are more accommodating to the patient’s natural schedule.

Built into the schedule are rest times, since the patient needs that, too. There are specific eating times, and points where people can visit and the patient can have some general recreation.

The Alameda Center offers a pleasant environment with many amenities, such as private and semi private rooms, multi-cultural programs, complimentary wi-fi and cable TV, a fine culinary experience, and religious services to fit our various residents.