The selection of a rehabilitation facility may often center around location. The tendency is to choose a facility that is closest to home. While convenience is a factor, there are many other factors that should be considered.

People go to a rehabilitation facility with the goal of regaining or improving their quality of life by becoming more independent in such areas as walking and mobility, dressing and grooming, cooking and home management, pain control and returning to their favorite leisure activities. It takes a strong team of rehabilitation professionals to help someone work toward these goals. This team should include Physiatrists (Physicians who specialize in Rehabilitative Medicine), Rehabilitation Nurses, Case Managers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Neuropsychologists, Registered Dieticians and Therapeutic Recreation Specialists.

NOT ALL REHABILITATION FACILITIES ARE THE SAME

Factors such as staff experience, types of equipment, staff and facility certifications, and how well the "team" works together may have a great deal of influence on the quality of patient outcomes and goal attainments.

We suggest that you ask the following questions when selecting a rehabilitation facility:

"How many patients with my diagnosis have you treated in the past year?"
"How long has your center been treating patients with my diagnosis?"
"Does your facility have any special rehabilitation certification?"
"Will my physician be a Rehabilitation Specialist?"
"Is a physician available on site 24 hours a day?"
"How do you measure the quality of your programs? Do you have current data comparing you to other facilities?"
"Is the Rehabilitation Team regular staff or consultants?"
"May my family and I have a tour of your facility?"
"May my family attend therapy with me?"
"What are the criteria to be admitted into one of your inpatient programs?"
"How many patients is each therapist expected to work with each day?"
"How will my family and I be involved in setting my goals and planning my treatment?"
"Are there educational and/or support groups within the facility?"
"What can I do if I am dissatisfied with anything while I am at your facility?"
"What is the average length of stay?"
"Will a team member be assigned to coordinate discharge arrangements and act as a contact for staff, physicians, and family members?"
"What are your discharge criteria and what assistance will I have in planning my discharge?"

Click here to see BAPTIST HEALTH Rehabilitation Institute's answers to these questions.

You should also feel free to ask any other questions that you may have, including things relating to insurance or other coverage, patient and family education, and treatment options following discharge.