A severe injury, disease or condition can be life-changing. The quality of care you receive in the hospital and your choice of an inpatient rehabilitation program are crucial for your recovery.
But how do you choose an inpatient rehabilitation facility at a moment like this? You and your family have just been through a life-changing crisis and you may find yourself in unfamiliar territory, unsure of where to turn for help.
Every inpatient rehabilitation facility offers different services, specialization and expertise, so it’s essential to find one that best meets the needs of your recovery. Your choice should have a proven track-record in successfully treating patients with similar conditions to yours. It should also have professionals on staff who will help you address the emotional component of your condition: Does it provide emotional support like neuropsychologists, support groups and similar services to help you navigate the changes in your life?
What is an inpatient rehabilitation facility?
An inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) is a type of hospital that provides care and therapy after your health is stabilized in the hospital. An IRF administers therapy to each patient at least three hours a day, five days a week, by licensed therapists who specialize in treating your condition. A highly trained, multi-disciplinary team of therapists, nurses, physicians and physiatrists oversees your care.
What should I look for when choosing an inpatient rehabilitation facility?
During a health crisis, the thought of choosing an IRF can be daunting. Here are six questions to ask to help you make an informed decision:
- Does the facility specialize in treating your illness, injury or condition? This is especially critical in the cases of stroke, spinal cord injury, major multiple traumas (multiple injuries at once), brain injury or amputation. The nursing and therapy staff should be specifically trained in the type of care you need.
- Does the facility have a successful history of providing physical rehabilitation as its core focus?
- Is the program led by doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation?
- Do they have the highest level of accreditation from an organization like CARF (Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)? This official rating is based on high care standards and positive health outcomes.
- Does the facility practice individualized care? Do they take your goals, preferences and anxieties into consideration?
- Does the facility offer inpatient and outpatient care? If your rehabilitation team can follow you through your outpatient rehabilitation, it will set you up for long-term success.
Why choose Penn Medicine Rehabilitation?
Penn Medicine Rehabilitation offers innovative, individualized rehabilitation programs that meet a high standard for patient safety and care. Our highly skilled nurses, therapists, physiatrists, physicians, neuropsychologists, and case managers are recognized for their excellence in treating spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neurological conditions and cancer.
The staff who will treat you at our inpatient rehabilitation facility includes experts who conduct research, author text books and peer-reviewed publications, hold advanced certifications in their fields and are board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, and neurology. You’ll have access to comprehensive, specialized, leading-edge care and will participate in at least 3 hours of therapy 5 days a week, utilizing innovative technology.
Penn Medicine Rehabilitation offers a calm, quiet atmosphere with modern, private rooms and bathrooms to support your healing. To learn more about the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation at Penn Medicine Rehabilitation, visit our web page or call 1-877-969-7342.
Learn more about why you should choose Penn Medicine Rehabilitation for your inpatient care needs.