What to bring — and what to leave at home — during short-term rehabilitation

June 1st, 2018

Once you and your physician have decided that a stay in a short-term rehabilitation center is the best option following an anticipated hospitalization, it is time to plan your stay. Although your rehabilitation may last several weeks, you will find that you don’t need to take very much. Here are a few guidelines to help you pack wisely.

Important papers
In this day and age, it is imperative to be able to prove that you are the person you claim to be so bring along a picture identification card. You will also need insurance cards or Medicare cards to confirm coverage. You can bring copies but be sure to copy both the front and the back of the card. A medication list can also be helpful. The center will be providing your medications for you so you don’t need to pack pill bottles but having a list is wise so that nothing is overlooked.

Footwear for safety
Barefoot may be your preferred style at home but in short-term rehabilitation, you will need to wear footwear with non-slip soles to reduce the chance of falling. Comfortable sneakers with good grip on the bottom are also needed for active rehabilitation sessions.

Personal care
Bring your favorite shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletry items. If you forget something, the center can often provide you a replacement but it is best to bring the brands that make you most comfortable. Bring a carrying case to store your toiletries. Don’t forget personal care items like a hair dryer, reading glasses, hair brush, denture care items, hearing aid batteries, contact lens cases and solution and any other items needed for daily care.

Comfy clothing
Since movement may be difficult after a procedure, bring clothing that is easy to put on. Elastic waist pants and comfortable tops are suggested. The clothing should be loose enough to allow for movement during rehabilitation sessions. Bring pajamas that are also easy to put on and take off. Bring clothing to last four to six days depending on the arrangements you have made for laundry services. Storage space is limited so don’t over pack.

Electronic essentials
If you want to stay in touch with family and friends, bring your cellphone and your charger. Small laptops, Kindles, iPods or other electronic necessities can be brought to help keep you connected with others.

Custom comforts
Since the short-term rehabilitation center will be your temporary home away from home, consider bringing things that provide familiar comfort like a family photo or a favorite blanket or pillow. You can also bring amusements like a book, crossword puzzle or DVD. Be sure to bring phone numbers for friends so that you can give them a call during free time. Many centers offer daily activities so you don’t need to bring too many things to do.

Unnecessary extras
It is best to leave expensive jewelry, watches and money at home. Lots of snack items are also not needed during your stay. Remember that the goal is to heal and regain strength. You will not need to dress up for dinner. Nutritional meals and snacks are provided that will help with recovery so enjoy the balanced meals from these professionals.

A positive attitude
Be proud of your decision to get the best care possible and enter short-term rehabilitation with determination. Share your concerns with the staff and they will do their best to address all your needs. Recovery is a process that often starts slow but builds overtime.

Choose the best
There are many options for a rehabilitation stay but one of the best is Glenview Terrace, which has earned Medicare’s highest five-star rating. Guests at Glenview Terrace work one-on-one with licensed therapists seven days a week on outcome-focused strategies designed to develop strength and endurance and range-of-motion.

Guests who choose Glenview Terrace for post-hospital rehabilitation will have access to board-certified medical directors and physicians from local hospitals to ensure continuity of care. A clinical nurse liaison can complete a personalized assessment even before you leave the hospital to make sure all is ready upon arrival at Glenview Terrace. A nurse practitioner is on-site to work directly with your physician to help quickly diagnose and manage your medical needs. An orthopedic rehabilitation nursing manager will guide your nursing team so you can reach the best possible outcome while the director of therapy oversees your therapy goals.

This effective period of rehabilitation is set in elegantly appointed surroundings. Comfortable rooms with deluxe walk-in showers and an array of amenities make your stay comfortable. Morning coffee and the newspaper are delivered to the rooms daily. An attentive concierge team is available to help fill special requests to make the stay as enjoyable as possible.

When short-term rehabilitation is in your future, choose Glenview Terrace. With its outstanding clinical outcomes and acclaimed therapy, you can expect to get back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.

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