Patients and their families have many questions as they
face admission and treatment at the Hospital for Special
Care. We've tried to anticipate and answer many of those
questions right here. We also have some tips for choosing
a rehabilitation hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation
Programs
In order to participate fully in your therapies we encourage
you to dress in comfortable, casual clothing. All clothing
should be labeled with your name. In addition, you should
bring:
- Any items that were used on a regular basis prior to
your illness, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids,
dentures, and the appropriate containers
- Sturdy shoes or sneakers, if appropriate
- Loose-fitting pants or sweatpants, shirts that are
comfortable and easy to put on, a coat or jacket,
loose socks, undergarments, bathrobe, pajamas
- Laundry bag
- Toiletries
- Electric razor
Laundry services are available at the hospital, although
family members are encouraged to launder patients'
clothing. There are laundry machines on the units to be
used by patients or their family members.
All medications ordered by your physician are kept and
distributed by your nurse. Please speak with your nurse if
you have any questions.
Hospital visiting hours are from 12 noon to 8 p.m. daily. Visits on this unit must be arranged 24 hours in advance and are subject to change based upon the patient's treatment plan. Special visiting hour considerations can be discussed with your case manager. We ask that all visitors respect the rights of our patients and staff.
Specific areas have been identified for socializing, including courtyards and park areas throughout the campus. There are also private rooms that patients and families can arrange to use. Use of these areas can be discussed with your nurse or case manager.
Mail (and flowers) are distributed daily, except Sunday. E-mail availability may be arranged through your team.
Most rooms are semi-private. We do have private rooms
that are utilized depending on patients' medical needs and
conditions.
Bedside telephones are available on the rehabilitation and
respiratory units. Special telephones for the hearing
impaired are available. Other needs may be addressed
with your case manager.
A full-service cafeteria is available to visitors and staff.
Offerings include hot entrees, grilled items, sandwiches,
salads, desserts and beverages. Coffee and soda vending
machines are located near the cafeteria. Depending on a
patient's diet, you may be permitted to bring in food from
the outside. Guests may eat with patients.
Hospital for Special Care has its own Family Guest House
right on the campus. Speak to an admitting nurse or case
manager about these accommodations. In addition, there
are several hotels within a short distance of the hospital in
Farmington, downtown New Britain, Southington and
Plainville.
The Interdenominational Chapel is open 24 hours a day.
Religious services are held on Sunday mornings, on
holidays and as otherwise appropriate. The hospital has a
Pastoral Care program and two chaplains.
A member of your healthcare team will speak with you and
your family about planning a home visit. In order to leave
the hospital, your attending physician must first authorize a
pass and your family must be trained to manage your care.
Your nurse and social worker will discuss any specific
issues that relate to your condition with you and your
family.
Before you leave for a home visit, your nurse and other
team members will review your equipment and medication
needs. Special training necessary for a successful visit will
be completed prior to your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation
Programs
Each patient's stay varies depending on individual needs
and the rehabilitation program to which s/he is admitted.
Your treatment team will establish an estimated length of
stay after its members complete initial evaluations and
meet as a team. This length of stay will be discussed with
you and your family shortly after admission and adjusted
as needed. This is re-evaluated on a weekly basis.
Your therapy program will be ordered and monitored by
your physiatrist, a physician specializing in physical
medicine and rehabilitation. The physiatrist determines the
frequency and duration of your therapy program and
revises the program in consultation with your therapists,
based on your needs. Patients on intensive therapy
programs receive a combination of physical, occupational,
speech, recreational, and respiratory therapies.
Rehabilitation patients should have the endurance to
tolerate three hours of treatment per day.
Ongoing communication with your treatment team is an
integral part of your rehabilitation program. Your case
manager is your primary link. Each week there will be a
Rehabilitation Team Review (RTR), an informational
sharing session. You are welcome to attend your RTR,
and, if unable to attend, your case manager will speak with
you to discuss your program. In addition, a family meeting
may be scheduled soon after admission to discuss
evaluations and program goals and solicit your input.
Family meetings include your physiatrist, case manager,
and other members of your treatment team.
You will be cared for by a physician employed by Hospital
for Special Care who is available to see you frequently and
coordinate your care with your team. Your personal
physician will receive reports on your condition and all the
necessary information to continue your care following your
discharge.
Since our goal is to return patients to the community, a
discharge plan is developed for every patient admitted to a
rehabilitation program. Discharge planning will be
discussed with you prior to your admission and throughout
your stay. Discharge plans vary with individual needs. Most
individuals are discharged home with home care services,
to a day rehabilitation program or to outpatient services.
Some individuals are discharged to a long-term care
facility. Your treatment will ensure that your discharge plan
is well coordinated to enable you to receive appropriate
follow-up care.
