The Inpatient Rehab Experience at Southwest

Welcome

Every year we assist hundreds of people affected by disability resume healthy and fulfilling lives. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help so many people achieve this goal. We have a full range of inpatient services and a staff of well trained, dedicated and caring professionals. We are devoted to helping our patients maximize their functional abilities and regain their independence.

What is inpatient rehabilitation?

Treatment in an inpatient rehabilitation setting is different from treatment in a typical hospital. Rehabilitation takes a holistic, or total, approach to the healing process. Our aim is to work with our patients to return to doing the basic activities of daily life they did before their illness or injury, such as walking, getting in and out of bed, and getting dressed.

Working with the Rehab Team, each patient receives three hours of individualized therapy throughout the course of the day, seven days a week. And though we do ask our patients to try new things, we encourage them to express their preferences and to attain their goals in the way that is most important to them.

We are committed to patient comfort and safety. We promise to partner with our patients to assure safe, quality care during their stay. We also promise an individualized pain management program to achieve maximum benefit from therapy.

A typical day at Southwest

The day begins at approximately 7:00am when our Medical Director meets with each patient as he makes his morning rounds. A Rehab Team member assists each patient in the morning with getting up and getting dressed, and sometimes even with taking a shower. The day includes a therapy schedule; tailored to meet the patient's rehabilitation needs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes speech therapy. Therapy sessions vary in length, from fifteen minutes to one hour, and are typically completed by 4:00pm. Therapy may take place in the Zihni Yilmaz, M.D. Gymnasium, in the Activities of Daily Living Training Room, or in your room.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared by the chef at Southwest and are typically served in the patient rooms. A variety of nutritious meals are prepared to meet each patient's dietary requirements. Alternate menu items are available.

When you are not in therapy, you may rest or practice the skills you have learned. After dinner, you are encouraged to relax and enjoy your free time by visiting with friends and family, watching television, or by participating in recreational activities.

How will I get to Southwest?

Southwest conveniently provides van transportation services for inpatient admissions. The wheelchair van will pick up patients from many regional acute care hospitals and bring them right to our door. All arrangements for transportation are taken care of ahead of time by our case managers. There is a nominal fee for transportation which will be discussed with the patient prior to making arrangements.

What is my room like?

All rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated and are equipped with individual telephones and televisions. The view of the wetlands and surrounding area through the large windows in the patient rooms is relaxing and therapeutic. Twelve of the nineteen patient rooms are private, and seven are semi-private.

Patients are encouraged to leave valuables, such as jewelry, large amounts of cash, etc. at home to keep them secure. Appropriate arrangements will be made to safely store any valuables that are brought to Southwest. A nursing assistant reviews all patient belongings with the patient at the time of admission.

What should I bring?

Patients at Southwest wear their own clothing, so it is recommended to bring at least three or four outfits, including socks and underwear, upon admission. Hospital gowns are provided for sleep, although patients may bring their own sleepwear. We recommend that patients wear the kind of clothes they typically wear at home, keeping in mind that it is important to wear something comfortable. A sweater or coat for outside activities may also be appropriate. The occupational therapists work with patients on learning to use adaptive equipment and regaining skills needed to dress, so it may not be necessary to avoid clothing with buttons, zippers, etc.

Comfortable non-slip shoes are essential; bedroom slippers, loose-fitting shoes, and most sandals are not appropriate for therapy activities.

Patients are also encouraged to bring special toiletries such as shaving cream, deodorant, denture cleanser, denture adhesive, etc.

What role can my family and friends play?

Family and friends are an important part of the rehab process - a part of the Rehab Team. With permission from the patient, they are included in decisions and receive information and education throughout the rehab process. It is our Mission, as well as our policy, to provide education for our patients, as well as our patients' families, friends, and caregivers, to provide the skills for a safe transition home.

When can I have visitors?

Visiting hours are from 8:00am to 8:00pm daily. Remember therapy sessions are typically from 7:00am to 4:00pm. We make every effort to accommodate individual visitation needs. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

When will I be discharged?

On the day after admissions, upon completion of the initial evaluation, the Rehab Team meets to discuss each patient's treatment and discharge plan, including goals and a discharge date. The Rehab Team meets daily in a Care Conference to discuss progress toward discharge and the overall discharge plan, taking in to consideration the level of support the patient has at home. Typically, each patient is discussed at least three times in the first week, and after that at least once per week until discharge. A Medical Social Worker works with each patient and family to coordinate the discharge plan.

How will I manage when I am discharged?

The Rehab Team works with the patients and families or other designated caregivers to prepare for discharge. A Medical Social Worker coordinated additional services, such as home therapy or outpatient therapy, and medical equipment, such as a walker or shower chair, that are needed after discharge. A therapist may perform an evaluation of the patient's home to assess the home environment and make recommendations for equipment and safety.

Insurance

Prior to admission, we verify insurance coverage for each patient. Once admitted and throughout the rehab stay, we work with the insurance companies to keep them apprised of goals and progress to assure continues insurance coverage. The Medical Social Worker will advise patients regarding coverage of services and equipment after discharge.

Discounted hotel rates

Southwest has negotiated discounted rates with are hotels to accommodate family and friends who may want to stay nearby. A 24-hour notice is required to take advantage of the discounted rates, as well as a referral by a Southwest representative. Our Admissions/Registration Specialists, or Medical Social Work, at 269-965-3206 would be happy to discuss the participating hotels and the rates with you or your family member and assist with a referral.

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center 393 E. Roosevelt Battle Creek, Michigan  49017 269.965.3206