Be sure you receive satisfactory answers from a caseworker on the staff at a rehab facility before placing a patient there. Many people, when faced with finding a rehabilitation facility, become overwhelmed and let hospital case workers decide. Unfortunately, the main consideration for a case worker may be which nearby facility has an available bed, not necessarily whether the facility is best for the patient. Family members and caregivers should always shop around and find a quality facility. Rehabilitation success depends upon it.
Accredited facilities are visited by the Joint Commission every three years to conduct multi-day evaluations covering all aspects of care.
Check the patient rooms and see whether they have a personal phone, television, and shower or bath. Look for outdoor areas that patients can use.
A facility may also offer specialized programs, such as brain injury, stroke, orthopedic, and cardiac rehabilitation programs, with staff who are specially trained in these areas.
Look for a facility that has a physician on site, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and preferably an internist with critical care training.
Be wary of facilities that are heavily staffed with certified nursing assistants (CNAs) rather than registered nurses who specialize in rehabilitation care.
The therapy should be progressive as the patient gains strength during their stay. The type of therapy will vary depending upon the therapists and specialists assigned to the case.
Someone in this role should be available to answer questions about things like discharge and insurance issues. They should also help to arrange for services that may be needed after the discharge from the facility.
After a patient establishes a relationship with a therapist, it can be helpful for them to continue with the same therapist after they have been discharged.
