How to Prepare for Your Stay in a Rehab Setting

Posted on: April 19, 2023

Planning for rehab care after surgery, illness, or an unexpected injury can be overwhelming. To recover, you might need wound care management or physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. But where do you start? How do you know what to look for in a rehab setting? 

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to make this process easier and less stressful. Discover helpful tips on how to prepare and what to pack for your upcoming rehab stay in this blog curated by Otterbein SeniorLife.

How to Prepare for Your Rehab Stay

Follow these five steps to prepare for your upcoming surgery and rehab care stay:

1. Do your homework 

Research your local senior living post-acute care options. Then, select your top three choices and schedule visits to each community.

2. Ask questions 

Create a list of questions to ask during your community visits. Here are a few examples to get you started:

  • Do you have private rooms?
  • What therapy services do you offer?
  • How often will I receive treatment?
  • Do you help coordinate follow-up appointments?
  • When are the best times for loved ones to visit?
  • Do you offer outpatient therapy for post-discharge care?

3. Find out what to bring 

Ask what the community provides and what items you’ll need to bring for your rehab stay.

4. Make copies of your insurance cards and ID 

Determine what your insurance benefits will cover and have copies of your cards ready to go.

5. Provide surgery details

Ensure your rehab community knows the date and location of your surgery so they can communicate effectively with your medical team.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Post-Acute Care >>

Resident on a treadmill with therapist

What to Pack for Your Rehab Stay

Once you receive guidance from your rehab community on what to bring, set aside time to pack for your stay. Here are recommendations on what to pack when staying in a rehab community:

  • Soft-soled or athletic shoes with nonskid soles
  • 3-4 comfortable, loose-fitting outfits (or more depending upon your length of stay), pajamas, a robe, socks, and undergarments
    • Outfits can include: t-shirts, sweatpants, stretch pants, or shorts
  • Toiletries, including brush, makeup, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and shaving supplies
  • Jacket or coat depending on the weather
  • Glasses/contacts, hearing aids, and dentures
  • Assistive devices or equipment, like splints, a cane, or a walker
  • Books, magazines, or playing cards
  • Cell phone, tablet, or laptop computer - and chargers

It’s best to avoid bringing valuables like large amounts of money, expensive jewelry, or designer clothes, as there may be limited space to keep these items secure. 

Related: From Rehabilitation to Independent Living at Otterbein St. Marys: Mary’s Story >>

What Services and Amenities to Expect

Most communities, like Otterbein SeniorLife, offer inpatient post-acute care and rehabilitation services by a compassionate, dedicated interdisciplinary team. 

Rehab services and amenities can include the following:

  • Access to evening and weekend admissions
  • Private suites and baths
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
  • Physician visit within 24 hours of admission
  • Designated therapy center
  • State-of-the-art equipment and facilities
  • Home-like environment
  • Warm-water therapy
  • Made-to-order meals
  • IV therapy
  • Psychological services
  • Social services
  • Wound care
  • Tracheotomy care
  • Tube feeding care

Related: Mirian’s Journey to Otterbein: Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation >>

man receiving physical therapy from Otterbein staff.

Interested in Learning More About Inpatient Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation at Otterbein SeniorLife?

Find inpatient post-acute care and rehabilitation services at one of our 18 locations, including our innovative Small House Neighborhoods. Learn more about our superior care and service offerings in our communities and neighborhoods by clicking the link below.  

Learn More About Rehab Care