Preparing for Inpatient Rehabilitation
At ºÙºÙÊÓƵ’s Rusk Rehabilitation, our staff works with you to create a treatment plan to help you regain as much physical function as possible during your hospital stay. You and your family or caregiver are involved throughout the rehabilitation process. The staff asks for your input when setting treatment goals, planning your discharge, and arranging follow-up therapy and medical care.
Rusk Rehabilitation’s inpatient care takes place at ºÙºÙÊÓƵ’s Tisch Hospital, ºÙºÙÊÓƵ Orthopedic Hospital, and ºÙºÙÊÓƵ Hospital—Brooklyn.
Here are the answers to questions you may have about your inpatient treatment.
How is a rehabilitation hospital different from an acute care hospital?
In an acute care hospital, most treatment is provided at the bedside, with constant monitoring and observation. You are moved to rehabilitation when you no longer require this intensity of medical care and can actively participate in daily treatment sessions that last a minimum of three hours per day.
How is inpatient rehabilitation different from a subacute program offered in a nursing home?
Rusk Rehabilitation’s acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities provide services for patients who require 24-hour oversight by medical and nursing professionals. Patients are physically able to participate in a therapeutic program for a minimum of three hours per day, have the potential to make functional gains within a reasonable amount of time, and can benefit from a short-term inpatient stay with definite and measurable goals.
How can I be transferred to a Rusk Rehabilitation location after hospitalization?
If acute rehabilitation care is needed, your hospital social worker or case manager provides you with several options of rehabilitation facilities, and can request that a referral be made to one of Rusk Rehabilitation’s three inpatient sites. If you are being transferred from another medical facility, your physician and social worker should review the forms and information necessary to initiate and coordinate the transfer.
If you want to visit a Rusk Rehabilitation location beforehand, the admitting office can help set up a tour and answer as many of your questions as possible. Please call us at 212-263-6034.
How do I get into Rusk Rehabilitation from home?
Patients at home need to be seen as an outpatient by a Rusk Rehabilitation doctor who can make recommendations for admission, if appropriate, or offer recommendations on continued outpatient therapy. Call 212-263-6037 for a referral. For care at Rusk Rehabilitation at ºÙºÙÊÓƵ Hospital—Brooklyn, please call 718-630-7425.
When does my therapy program begin?
Your rehabilitation program begins at the time of your admission. Within the first 24 hours, and continuing during the first several days of your stay, you participate in evaluation sessions provided by members of the rehabilitation team. A treatment program is designed based on the needs, team goals, and personal goals expressed by you and your family or significant other.
The evaluation findings are discussed at meeting held during the first week of your admission. You are given a written weekday schedule that includes a minimum of three hours of daily therapy. Throughout the day, you are expected to participate, as much as possible, in all your self-care activities.
What is a rehabilitation team?
Patient care at Rusk Rehabilitation is organized around a rehabilitation team, a unique concept we developed. The treatment team includes the patient, family members, referring physicians, and rehabilitation specialists. The team approach to facilitating recovery allows us to provide comprehensive services that address the whole person, not just a disease.
Your physiatrist—a doctor specializing in rehabilitation medicine—leads the rehabilitation team assigned to your care. The team includes your nurse, nutritionist, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech–language pathologist, psychologist, and other therapists and consultants as needed. Your physiatrist and rehabilitation team members meet weekly at a reevaluation conference to discuss your progress and to set new goals if necessary.
What does therapy consist of?
All patients receive physical therapy and occupational therapy. Depending on your treatment plan, additional therapies may include speech and swallowing therapy, horticultural therapy, recreational therapy, or neuropsychology.
How long do I stay at a Rusk Rehabilitation location?
Your length of stay is determined by your progress in therapy, your diagnosis, medical necessity, nursing needs, and insurance authorization to continue therapy in the inpatient setting.
What happens when I am ready to be discharged?
Planning for a smooth transition to your home or to another facility begins early in the rehabilitation process. Your social worker and the entire rehabilitation team work with you to make sure that your needs are addressed. Discharge planning involves making decisions related to where you are going after you leave Rusk Rehabilitation.
It is important to remember that your stay is just the first step in the rehabilitation process. Your social worker discusses options for follow-up services, including home care and home therapy, outpatient therapy, or additional inpatient therapy in a subacute facility.
Can my family visit while I'm receiving rehabilitation care?
Yes. Visiting is recommended. During inpatient rehabilitation, you work with a team of individuals on your recovery. You are the most important part of that team, and your family, friends, and loved ones are also important. We let you know the best time for friends and family to visit, based on your rehabilitation schedule.
Can family members stay overnight?
Adult patients staying in private rooms may have one family member stay with them.
What should I bring with me for my rehabilitation admission?
Bring at least three changes of comfortable clothing—elastic-waist pants are often best. Also be sure to pack sneakers or walking shoes, as well as your own personal pajamas or specific toiletries, if you prefer them.
What kinds of insurance does Rusk Rehabilitation accept?
We accept insurance from a large number of carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please call the Rusk Rehabilitation admitting office at 212-263-6034 to find out about your specific insurance. The admitting office works with your insurance company to identify what is covered and which costs, if any, you are responsible for. We also accept patients who pay for their own medical care.