Inpatient Guide

A rehabilitation hospital is different from an acute care hospital. Here, you and your family will be involved in a variety of activities, many of which you would participate in during a regular day at home. Immediate family members and/or caregivers are encouraged to participate in your ongoing rehabilitation process.

After your initial evaluation, a program will be developed by your physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, your healthcare team and you to specifically meet your needs. We will work with you and your family to help you rebuild your strength to get back to home, work or school.

Starting Your Day

Every morning begins with retraining in grooming and dressing skills. Patients are encouraged to eat all meals in the dining room, as part of the rehabilitation process. Be sure to check your individual schedule and dress comfortably for your therapy sessions. If able, you are encouraged to walk or propel your wheelchair while getting to places around the hospital. If you need assistance, rehabilitation aides are available to help you reach therapy sessions and other appointments on time.

Ongoing Therapy

Rehabilitation patients have to be strong enough to participate in a minimum of three hours of therapy a day, five days a week. There may be morning, afternoon or early evening sessions, with breaks to rest and eat. Where most sessions are individual, others are conducted with several patients with a similar diagnosis. Therapies can include activities to improve your strength, mobility, self-care skills and cognitive skills. In addition to scheduled therapy sessions, nursing staff reinforces patients’ newly learned skills by having you and/or your family participate in your care during non-therapy hours. Evenings are a very important time for the nursing staff to teach you and your family additional skills you will be using at home.

Ready for Discharge

Prior to discharge, your therapist may conduct an evaluation review to identify any obstacles that might interfere with your safety or ability to function at home, such as stairs, and your case manager will discuss further therapy and follow-up services, as well as arrange a formal session of family training with your family and the healthcare team. This will better prepare your family to assist you when you leave Walton.

Patients may also benefit from continued outpatient therapy, support groups, Walton West Transitional Living Center, and assisted and independent living options available through Walton. It is important that you discuss your needs with your case manager.

When you leave the hospital, you will return to the care of the physician who referred you to our program and you may continue to see your physical medicine and rehabilitation physician if needed.