Your Rehabilitation Experience

We will partner with you to establish a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. This creates a care environment that is responsive to your needs, expectations and future goals. If there is anything we can do to enhance your stay, please let us know.

You and your family members are encouraged to ask questions. We will help you understand what to expect from your rehabilitation experience from the time you begin, until to the day you leave, and in the months and years that follow.

You will be greeted by our admissions team who will make every effort to get you settled into your room quickly.

Although many details of your transfer to UF Health Rehab Hospital are coordinated prior to your admission, we will still need to obtain some information and signatures from you or a designated family member upon your arrival to our hospital. We will also provide you with important documents and information about your rights and responsibilities as our patient.

Members of your treatment team will meet with you soon after your arrival to orient you to the rehabilitation process and familiarize you with our hospital campus, policies and programs.

NOTE: Interpreter services are available free of charge for patients with limited English proficiency.

Shortly after your arrival, you’ll meet a number of the team members who will help direct your care and treatment.

• You will be evaluated by a physician; physical, occupational and/or speech therapists; rehabilitation nurses; dietitians and others, as needed.
• Please inform your physician about any prescription or non-prescription medications you take regularly, including dosage, frequency and the condition for which it is prescribed. Please speak with your physician before bringing any medications from home into the hospital.
• A copy of your drug regimen from the referring hospital is provided to us upon admission. We will review it with you so everyone involved in your care clearly understands your needs. Your physician will prescribe and monitor any additional medications required during your stay.
• Based on your individual needs and rehabilitation goals, you will receive a detailed therapy schedule and information about equipment, recreational activities and other services available to you throughout your admission.
• You will meet your case manager who will help coordinate your stay and plan for your discharge. Your length of stay is determined by the rehabilitation team and based on your needs, goals and progress.
• Food and nutrition services will provide a menu of meal selections. Assistance will be provided to those with special dietary needs. (See “meeting your nutritional needs” below.)

Your care and safety are important. Please help us maintain a safe environment by following the guidelines posted throughout our hospital. These guidelines include:

• Asking a staff member for assistance when you need to get in or out of bed or a wheelchair, or use the bathroom.
• Making sure that anyone you come into contact with washes their hands before and after any interaction and/or uses the hand sanitizers located throughout our hospital.
• Having family and friends check with a nurse before bringing you food or beverages, in case there are dietary restrictions.

Please leave at home any valuables, jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks or large amounts of cash. If you need to have certain items available to you, speak with a member of your care team for more information.

• If you wear eyeglasses or a hearing aid, please place them in a marked container in the top drawer of your nightstand when not in use to avoid losing them. If you wear dentures, ask the nurse for a denture cup; never leave dentures wrapped in a tissue or on your meal tray. UF Health Rehab Hospital is not responsible for loss or damage of eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures or orthodontic equipment.
• Phone, television and internet service is provided free of charge.
• To keep your clothing and personal items clean, please set up a laundry schedule with family members or friends.

It takes a dedicated team of rehabilitation specialists, along with support and administrative staff, to ensure quality care, comprehensive treatment and individual progress. You and the team of doctors, nurses, therapists, neuropsychologists, dietitians, pharmacists, case managers and others will work closely to reach your rehabilitation goals. To learn more about your team, click here.

You may have the opportunity to work with one of our canine companions. These specially trained dogs provide motivation and comfort, engaging patients in various activities that support the rehabilitation process.

Rehabilitation involves hard work, patience and determination. It can be demanding, physically and emotionally, but the more you put into your program, the more you are likely to benefit.

• Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation by your physical and occupational therapists. They will assess your abilities, identify any deficits and review your medical and personal history. A speech-language pathologist (speech therapist) may also be involved if you have any communication difficulties.
• Based on this information, your team will work with you and your family to establish goals and develop an individualized and effective treatment plan combining therapies, technologies and support services.
• You will participate in a rehabilitation program that includes therapy for a minimum of three hours per day, five days a week or 15 hours per week, as tolerated.
• The skills and strategies you acquire during therapy will be reinforced by your nursing staff for self-care (bathing, grooming, etc.) and recreation therapists through a wide range of leisure and social activities.
• Your progress and treatment plan will be carefully monitored and updated to help you reach your goals.

Open communication between you and your team is critical. Ask questions, express any concerns, share your feelings and seek information or support whenever needed.

The support of family and friends is important to the rehabilitation process and we encourage visitation. Visiting hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Parking at our hospital is free.

During their hospital stay, patients have the right to receive visitors and designate who may or may not visit. This includes a spouse, domestic partner, other family members or friends. Visitation rights are not restricted, limited or denied on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or disability.

You may want to arrange visits around your therapy schedule so that you can enjoy them freely. Family members and other visitors are not permitted in therapy gyms or treatment areas unless they have been specifically invited to participate in a training session.

Visitors must respect the privacy and rehabilitation needs of patients. We do not permit more than two visitors in a room at one time. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Education and training are also essential to your rehabilitation. You and your family are encouraged to participate in family observation sessions, hands-on training and other activities to help prepare for your safe and timely discharge. Diagnosis-specific literature, personalized instruction sheets, exercise programs and other resources may be provided as applicable.

UF Health Rehab Hospital hosts several important support groups. During these meetings, patients, former patients and their families discuss common concerns, learn from others experiences and find strength in knowing they’re not alone.

Rehabilitation requires energy and effort, so it’s important that your nutritional needs are met.

Most patients choose their menu daily from a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Based on your individual needs and preferences, our registered dietitians will help prepare an appropriate meal plan, including low- or no-sodium, low cholesterol, low calorie or gluten-free options. Other special diets can also be accommodated. Recommendations for supplements, texture modifications and other adaptations will be made as warranted.

While family and friends are welcome to bring you meals and treats, please ask them to check with your nurse first to ensure you have no dietary restrictions.

Many patients find their religion or cultural beliefs to be a great source of hope and healing, particularly at this time. Your family’s spiritual advisor is always welcome to meet with you during visiting hours. By request, we can try to arrange a visit with a local member of the clergy. Please ask a member of your care team for additional information.

Our recreation therapy department offers a wide range of activities to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of our patients.

This includes creative arts, gardening, music and dance, board games and puzzles, electronic gaming and cooking, as well as movie nights and holiday events. Adaptive sports may also be introduced. In addition, community outings may be available to help in the transition to home and the community.

From the day you arrive at UF Health Rehab Hospital, we begin planning and preparing you for discharge. Although your individual progress will determine the timing of your discharge, it’s important to have the necessary information, resources and equipment in place.

Your case manager will work closely with you and your family to coordinate discharge. We will provide instructions about follow-up care and appointments, continuing therapy and prescriptions, as well as information about support groups and community resources.

Discharge is scheduled for between 9 and 11 a.m. Please discuss arrangements with your family and speak with our nursing supervisor if alternate plans are needed.