10 questions to ask when selecting a short term rehab facility

Short term rehabilitation can make an enormous difference in your recovery from a surgery, injury, or illness requiring hospitalization. Whether you schedule rehab in advance of an elective surgery or need to find a facility following an unexpected medical event, there are many factors to take into consideration before selecting a short term rehab facility. When you call for information or take a tour of facilities, here are 10 questions you should ask to help determine if it’s the right fit for you:

1. Is the facility accepting new patients?

Before heavily researching a short term rehab facility, it’s important to find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, when they expect to have availability.

2. Does the facility accept your insurance?

Another question to ask before taking the time to tour a facility is whether they accept your insurance. You should also ask the total cost of rehabilitation, and what is included in that cost.

3. Does the facility offer programs that address your specific needs?

Rehabilitation programs after a stroke, heart attack, or orthopedic surgery are vastly different and require different schedules, techniques, and therapeutic approaches. It’s important to know if the facility is staffed and equipped to address your specific medical needs.

4. How does the short-term rehab facility develop treatment plans?

Rehabilitation programs are typically a team effort, with physicians and nurses coordinating with therapists (physical, occupational, and speech), psychologists, and social workers to develop a customized treatment plan. Ask about the staff involved in your care and how they develop rehab programs tailored to each patient.

5. What is the staff-to-patient ratio?

A good way to assess the quality of care you can expect from a short term rehab facility is the staff-to-patient ratio, which impacts how much time staff members can spend with each person in their charge. In general, more staff per patient means higher quality and more personalized care.

6. How often is therapy provided?

The frequency and duration of your rehab program will depend on your medical needs and individualized treatment plan, but rehab facilities should be able to give you an average number of sessions for patients with similar conditions.

7. Does the facility assist with the hospital-to-rehab transition?

The transition from a hospital setting to a rehab facility can be stressful, so it’s important to know you’ll be taken care of along the way. Be sure to ask when your initial assessment will take place, and what will be expected of you on your first day at the facility. 

8. What supplemental services or amenities are offered?

Many facilities offer additional services, recreational activities, and opportunities for socialization to help boost morale during the rehabilitation process and ensure each patient’s non-medical needs are taken care of. Some also offer support groups and family educational opportunities to smooth the transition from rehab to home. If these services are important to you, you’ll want to know ahead of time if they’re offered at the facility you’re considering.

9. What is the role of the patient’s family during the rehab process?

Coordination between the patient, medical providers, and family members is essential to maximizing the recovery process, so ask how your family members will participate in planning sessions, key meetings, and therapy observation, if necessary. 

10. Are outpatient therapy services offered?

Some patients will require further therapy or care after completing the short term rehab program. Ask if the facility offers outpatient therapy or home care services to ensure your progress continues at home. It’s also a good idea to ask who will facilitate discharge planning before you return home.

Short term rehab in San Diego

If you or a loved one is in need of short term rehabilitation in San Diego, Bella Vista Health Center can help. We offer a wide range of expert services at our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility, including all the amenities you would expect from a temporary home away from home. For more information or to schedule a tour, give us a call at (619) 399-7920.