What to Bring to Short Term Rehab
Now that you and your physician have decided that a period of time of intense rehabilitation is advised, it’s time to consider what that stay will be like and what you might want to bring to help make your stay more pleasant.
Comfort is Key
Unless we are talking about a stay in a 5 star hotel, any stay away from home improves when you are surrounded by the comforts of home. And if you are coming into rehabilitation from a hospital setting, trading in a hospital gown for your own comfy pajamas is already a start in the right direction.
But seriously, your time in Rehabilitation is about the work you need to do to recover and bring yourself back into tip-top shape. So investing in the experience is an important component of your ultimate success. To that end, wearing the appropriate clothing that will allow you to move freely is an absolute must. Along with some personal items to make your stay more pleasant and you’ll be prepared to hit your rehabilitation goals most every time!
We Recommend:
- Personal ID and Copy of Insurance Card (front and back)
- Footwear with non-slip soles.
- Sneakers with a solid grip are a must.
- Slippers and socks should also be non-skid to help prevent falls.
- Personal care items and toiletries as you would for vacation.
- Bring anything you normally use at home – from a toothbrush and toothpaste to shampoo and a blow-dryer.
- Don’t forget important items like hearing devices or glasses.
- Comfortable pajamas that are appropriate for the season and are easy to change into and out of.
- Don’t worry about looking dressed-up in rehab – everyone’s here to do therapy and get better, so choosing comfort over style is A-OK.
- Daytime and exercise clothing that’s loose-fitting and comfortable.
- Clothing that zips up might be easiest.
- Bring plenty of layering options so you can adjust to your comfort level.
- Favorite family photos and scrapbooks.
- These can help their room feel warmer and more personal.
- A basket with essentials such as your cell phone charger, books, crossword puzzles and pencils can help keep you occupied when you aren’t participating in therapy.Most of your time in rehab will be spent in therapy sessions, but you’ll also have free time to do whatever you like. Check out of some of the many apps available that can help keep you occupied when you have downtime.
- A favorite pillow and blanket, or a throw you like to use at home.
- List of All Medications that You Take at home. The medications on the hospital discharge plan may be different from your home regime. We’ll go over the changes and reasons.
- A Copy of your Living will
- A Copy of Durable Power of Attorney
What Not to Bring
Remember that you are there to do the work. So keeping your needs pared down to the necessities makes sense. Before considering bringing additional items to replicate the comforts of home, check with your care team to make sure that your wishes won’t interfere with the care goals.
We recommend you Do Not bring the following:
- Expensive Jewelry
- Excessive money
- Your personal orthopedic equipment such as a cane or walker unless otherwise recommended by your team
- Your own medications unless coordinated and approved by your care team.
The Most Important Thing to Bring
At any time at any place, the most important thing to bring with you is your enthusiasm and commitment to achieve your own personal goals for rehabilitation. Whether your stay is for orthopedic rehabilitation or strength building after a procedure, you along with your care team have a major impact on your health outcome.
The care teams at Chandler Hall are committed to provide you with the best and most personalized rehabilitation experience available in the Newtown, lower Bucks County area. Call Sandi Scaramozzino, RN Liaison at 215-651-4567 to learn how Chandler Hall’s Person-Centered Care philosophy of care with dignity can help you in your rehabilitation experience.