Short-Term Rehabilitation

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Your Recovery Journey, Supported Every Step of the Way

Recovering from surgery, illness, or injury often requires more support than you can get at home. That’s where short-term rehabilitation comes in. At Mt. Carmel, we provide the skilled nursing care and therapy you need after a hospital stay – helping you regain the strength, independence, and confidence you need to return home safely.

During your stay, you’ll work with a multi-disciplinary team that may include physical, occupational, and speech therapists, nurses, dieticians, and social workers. Together, in communication with you and your family, we’ll create a personalized care plan tailored to your recovery goals.

Our focus is always the same: giving you the best chance to heal fully, regain your functional ability, and transition back to daily life.

In this video, we explain how short-term rehab works, the types of services you’ll receive, and how we support your recovery and healthy return home.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Patients & Families

Can You Describe a Typical Patient Journey in Short-Term Rehabilitation?

Follow “Bob,” a hypothetical patient, through each stage of short-term rehabilitation – from admission, to developing his personalized care plan, to therapy and skilled nursing needs, and finally discharge and follow-up.

Every patient’s journey is unique. Our staff works closely with you and your family at each stage to ensure your care plan and execution reflect your individual goals. While the process follows a general path, your recovery timeline and care are personalized.

What Services and Amenities are Available in Short-Term Rehab?

You may be wondering how short-term rehabilitation is different from recovering at home. This video explains the wide range of short-term rehab services available – including 24-hour nursing care and physical, occupational and speech therapy – and how they support a safer, faster and more complete recovery.

In addition to skilled nursing and therapy, patients have access to nutritious meals, social activities, spiritual support, and assistance from social workers. This comprehensive care model ensures that your physical, emotional and social needs are met during your stay.

Services

  • Wide range of physical, occupational and speech-language therapies
  • 24/7 nursing care
  • A Medical Director to manage on-site mental health, podiatry, dental, laboratory, optometry, radiology and imaging services
  • A Case Worker to help provide any needed social services
  • Pastoral care
  • An ADA Registered Dietitian who works with the culinary staff to ensure nutritional needs are met
  • A Clinical Pharmacist who regularly reviews individual medication regimes and consults with the Medical Director, nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team
  • Social enrichment and activities

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Amenities

  • Large-sized rehab gym
  • 20 private and 2 semi-private rooms
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Cable television
  • Neighborhood dining areas
  • On-site chapel with Mass five times a week
  • Laundry services
  • Barber/hair services

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How Does the Admissions Process Work in Short-Term Rehab?

From touring the facility before surgery, to working with your hospital social worker and understanding your insurance options, the admissions process for short term rehabilitation can feel overwhelming. This video explains each step so you and your family will know what to expect.

Once you decide on a facility, our admissions staff will guide you through paperwork, insurance, and transfer details. We are here to answer your questions and make the process as smooth as possible.

Can I Call in Advance of Surgery to Secure Admission?

Planning ahead for surgery? In this video, we explain why it’s a good idea to contact a short-term rehabilitation center in advance. Learn what to look for during a tour and how early preparation makes the transition from hospital to rehab smoother.

We encourage you to reach out as soon as you have your surgery date. Scheduling a tour and speaking with our team will give you peace of mind heading into your hospital stay.

Does Insurance Cover Short-Term Rehabilitation?

The short answer is “Yes.” This video reviews the types of insurance that cover short-term rehab and how our staff works with you and your insurer to make sure you have the time you need to recover.

Most patients qualify for Medicare’s Skilled Nursing benefit if certain conditions are met. Many private insurers also provide coverage. Our Business Office Manager will sit down with you and your family to explain your benefits, handle paperwork, and answer financial questions.

How Is My Care Plan Developed and Who is Involved in These Decisions?

When you arrive for short-term rehabilitation, it’s very important to establish a care plan and goals right away. This personalized plan is created by a team of healthcare professionals in collaboration with you and your family.

Your care plan is reviewed regularly to track progress and is updated as needed. Physicians, nurses, therapists, dieticians, and social workers all play a role – working together with you to help you achieve your goal of returning home healthy and independent.

What is the Discharge Process?

Discharge from short-term rehabilitation is more than just going home. In this video, we outline what happens when you leave – from home care arrangements to follow-up support – to ensure a safe, smooth transition.

Before you leave, we review your medications, answer your questions, and coordinate with home health providers, outpatient therapy, and family caregivers as needed, so you feel supported and confident continuing your recovery at home.