When we think of being discharged from the hospital, we usually picture ourselves or our loved ones going home. But many patients hospitalized for disease or injury need to take an in-between step first for rehabilitation (or “rehab”). That means spending time in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or rehab center to recover.
Often, these visits include some sort of daily therapy including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy (rehab focused on regaining the ability to do daily activities such as brushing your hair), or some other kind of supervised and/or guided therapy.
Sounds straightforward? It can be. But where it gets complicated is when hospitals direct patients to their own facilities. This is obviously good for the hospitals, but it’s not always good for patients. For example,
- Is the SNF they are recommending in or near your hometown?
- Is it convenient for your visiting family and friends?
- Will you get the rehab services you need?
We are not suggesting that hospitals would ever put their patients at risk. Usually, it’s as simple as (a) they have developed their own pathways for care from acute care to rehab to home, and (b) they don’t necessarily know what other facilities are out there that might be better for your needs. That’s left in the hands of the patient and caregiver – as it should be.
Further, many people don’t realize that they can plan for their SNF before they go into the hospital. For example, if you are going in for surgery and you know ahead of time that you’ll spend time in a SNF, you can make those arrangements well before the surgery itself. Again, the social workers at hospitals typically outline a path for rehab. But what they may not share is you are also free to do your own research to find exactly the type of facility that suits you best. In fact, I would encourage you to do your homework!
Copley at Stoughton is one of the few independent, locally owned SNFs in Massachusetts. Aside from other things, that means we are not affiliated with any one hospital or health network; we work with all of them. We accept all forms of medical insurance including Medicare and Medicaid, so your rehab will be covered no matter what. Plus, Copley at Stoughton is ranked as one of the best SNFs in the country.
Not sure if we take your insurance? Is someone telling you that you can’t do your rehab at Copley or any other independent SNF? Contact us and get the facts directly from us!
Wishing you a speedy recovery, no matter where you get your rehab.
Steve Tyer