Short-Term Rehab Options - It’s Your Choice

According to Michael Kachadoorian of Quabbin Valley Healthcare, patients are too often intimidated by the process of selecting a short-term rehab facility.

“When they find themselves in a hospital unexpectedly, patients often think they don’t have a choice or say in their treatment. But they can - and should - always speak up for themselves,” Michael says.

You are not powerless at any point in the process. While your doctor will recommend the type of treatment you need, you always have the power to advocate for yourself and choose the facility that best fits your personal needs.

Choosing the Right Facility

It is often difficult to predict when you will need short-term rehab. “Most people don’t think they will need rehab,” Michael explains. “But it’s important to form a generalized awareness of a facility’s location as well as the types of medical care and rehab they can offer.”

It’s important to proactively gather as much information about your options before you need care. In order to gather information and make an empowered selection based on your individual needs, Michael recommends the following steps.




First, identify the facilities in your area. Choose a maximum distance that you’d be comfortable away from your home, and search for rehab facilities within that radius. You can also consult your doctor or a nearby hospital for a list of rehab centers. You may be surprised by the number of options that are available to you.

Next, you should familiarize yourself with each viable facility. Check your list to see which centers offer the services that you might require.Take the time to explore their website, drop by for a visit and/or arrange a tour. “We’re always happy to show you around our facility, even without an appointment,” Michael says. He also emphasizes that visiting a facility is especially important if you are at an age where you are vulnerable or prone to having unexpected medical events.

Once you’ve formed your own assessment, corroborate your initial impressions. According to Michael, Medicare provides many useful resources, including a rating system that evaluates facilities. He recommends comparing your impression of a facility with an objective review of their programs and services to ensure they will be the best fit for the care you need.

While these independent assessments shouldn’t form the entirety of your evaluation, they can provide helpful insight and additional context that will help you make a more educated decision. Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you will be better prepared to choose the right short-term rehab facility.

In an Emergency

If you find yourself in an emergency situation and you don’t have the time to preplan, you are still in control of your rehab. According to Michael, after a hospitalization, your case manager will provide a list of recommended rehab facilities. This list is often based on relationships between the hospital and that facility but that doesn’t mean you must pick one of them. Their index of preferred partners are not indicative of all of your available options.

“Ask about local options, and state exactly where you want to go,” Michael says. “Your physicians are there for your guidance. Don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard.”

Remember: you have the power to guide your medical well-being. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected emergency or planning ahead, you are in control throughout the treatment process. You will always be able to advocate for yourself and select the right rehab facility for your immediate needs.

Find out more about Quabbin Valley Healthcare at www.quabbinvalleyhealthcare.com