• How do I choose a rehabilitation facility? • How is acute rehabilitation different from other kinds of rehabilitation? • Why should I choose Fairlawn? • What can I expect when I am admitted to Fairlawn? • Who will my doctors be? • Who else will assist me in my recovery? • What role will my family play in my rehabilitation? • What should I bring to the hospital? • What are the hospital rooms like? • Who will pay for my rehabilitation? • What do I look for in a rehabilitation facility?   How do I choose a rehabilitation facility? To choose the best rehabilitation facility for you or your loved one, it is important to know that there are different kinds of facilities from which to choose.   Maybe you've even heard the terms used to refer to those choices — skilled nursing (or sub-acute rehabilitation) facilities, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and acute rehabilitation hospitals.   Although all of these facilities have rehabilitation professionals on staff, only one specializes in rehabilitation — the acute rehabilitation hospital.   Because their primary focus is rehabilitation, acute rehabilitation hospitals, like Fairlawn, provide a level of care distinctly different from other facilities that offer rehabilitation services.   Acute rehabilitation hospitals: Provide more intensive therapeutic services Have more physician specialists with expertise in treating patients with disabling injuries/illnesses Have a higher percentage of registered nurses skilled in rehabilitation nursing Have the most highly trained therapists Offer the most innovative therapeutic programs Have the most up-to-date technologies and facilities Provide comprehensive patient/family education When considering your rehabilitation options, the most important question to ask is, "Which level of care best meets the patient's needs?" For more information, see What To Look for in a Rehabilitation Facility. [TOP] How is acute rehabilitation different from other kinds of rehabilitation? Fairlawn provides acute rehabilitation, a level of care quite different from other facilities that offer rehabilitation services. That difference is evident in several important ways.   Medical Services As an acute rehabilitation hospital, Fairlawn has an extensive medical staff trained to provide the comprehensive medical management needed to help patients achieve optimal health and independence. Our medical staff is comprised of:   Full-time Internal Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians Numerous physician specialists, including pulmonolgists, orthopedists, cardiologists, and neurologists Full-time neuropsychologists, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant Because Fairlawn has an extensive hospital-based medical staff: Our doctors assume total responsibility for patient care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each patient is routinely evaluated by an Internal Medicine physician as well as a physician who specializes in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. In fact, generally, patients are seen six times a week by a member of our medical staff; thus, potential medical complications are identified quickly so that treatment is provided before those complications develop. When patients need other specialized medical care, a physician specialist (i.e., pulmonologist, neurologist, cardiologist, orthopedist) is readily available to provide that care. Therapeutic Services Acute rehabilitation hospitals provide a higher level of therapeutic services than other rehabilitation facilities. Although the intensity and duration of therapies depend on the patient's needs and capabilities, Fairlawn is equipped to provide each patient with therapeutic services:   Seven days per week For three or more hours a day The intensity and availability of therapeutic services provided through acute rehabilitation result in a high level of functional outcomes and discharges to the community. In fact, patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital are three times more likely to go home than those admitted to a skilled nursing facility.   Nursing Services As with medical and therapeutic services, acute rehabilitation hospitals provide a distinctly different level of nursing care than other kinds rehabilitation facilities. At Fairlawn:   A 24-hour team of registered nurses and personal care assistants assess and attend to each patient's needs. They work in partnership under the primary nurse-model, which assures continuity of care. Patients receive six hours of nursing care each day (compared to four or less hours per day per patient at skilled nursing facilities). This high level of nursing care leads to early recognition/prevention of medical complications, more out-of-bed hours, and increased opportunities for patient- family education. Fifty percent of nursing staff are registered nurses (compared to thirty-five percent at skilled nursing facilities). This increased level of RN's ensures that medically complex patients will be treated safely and efficiently. Twenty-five of staff nurses are certified registered rehabilitation nurses. Trained to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabling injuries and illnesses, these nursing specialists provide holistic patient care and patient-family education, facilitate carry-over from therapy, and reinforce patient goals. Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital is one of the few facilities that does not utilize nursing agency staff. All Fairlawn nurses are employees of the hospital, an indication of job satisfaction and commitment to patient care. [TOP] Why should I choose Fairlawn? Choosing a rehabilitation facility is a lot like choosing a doctor. Sometimes a general practitioner is just fine. Other times you need a specialist.   When you need that specialist, you want someone with an excellent reputation and lots of experience in their chosen field. You want someone who has access to the best technologies and facilities. And, most importantly, you want someone who will use all of his or her expertise to provide the care you need.   In the rehabilitation field, Fairlawn is like that physician specialist.   As an acute rehabilitation hospital, we specialize in physical rehabilitation. It is our primary focus. It has been for nearly 20 years.   Therefore, our expert staff dedicates all their skills and knowledge to one primary goal --- improving each patient's functional abilities through intensive, individualized medical and therapeutic services. To help patients reach that goal, we provide the most current, effective technologies, equipment, and therapies.   Our ability to assist patients in attaining their goals is enhanced by our longstanding partnership with all of Central Massachusetts' major healthcare facilities. Through these partnerships, Fairlawn has an extensive staff of onsite physicians with unmatched expertise in their medical specialties.   Also, Fairlawn itself is a partnership of two outstanding healthcare organizations — UMass Memorial Health Care, the area's predominant teaching hospital, and HEALTHSOUTH Corporation, the nation's largest provider of physical rehabilitation services. Through this unique collaboration, our patients and their families receive the expert rehabilitative care they need to resume productive, fulfilling lives.   [TOP] What can I expect when I am admitted to Fairlawn? Upon admission, you will be assigned to one of our three patient floors, each of which has its own team of rehabilitation professionals. During your first few days at Fairlawn, your treatment team will conduct various evaluations so they can establish your treatment plan and estimate how long you may need to reach your goals.   Each day you will engage in a rehabilitation program designed just for you. The intensity and duration of your therapies will depend on your needs and capabilities. Each week your treatment team will meet to discuss your progress, goals, and discharge plan.   Your rehabilitation program may also include a family conference at which you and your loved ones can discuss your treatment plan with your rehabilitation team. Sometime during your stay, you and one of your therapists may venture out into the community so you can evaluate your abilities in real-life situations. Also, toward the end of your stay, one of your therapists may visit your home to evaluate it for safety and accessibility.   Because Fairlawn is a medical rehabilitation hospital, we are equipped to provide many of the tests and procedures you may need. These include, but are not limited to: Lab work, x-rays, blood transfusions, and swallowing studies.   [TOP] Who will my doctors be? Fairlawn's medical staff includes many fulltime hospital based physicians and nurse practitioners whose only responsibility is to make your rehabilitation successful.   Routinely, you will be evaluated by one of our doctors from the Division of Rehabilitation and one from the Division of Internal Medicine. Throughout your stay, every effort will be made to keep your own doctors involved in your care and aware of your progress. When needed, consulting medical and surgical specialists from area hospitals who have privileges at Fairlawn will be available to assist in your treatment.   While you are here, our doctors assume total responsibility for your care 24 hours per day, seven days per week, coordinating that care with your regular healthcare team in the community. Because Fairlawn values the integral role you and your family play in the rehabilitation process, we encourage open communication between you and your Fairlawn physicians.   When you are ready to leave Fairlawn, a discharge summary will be sent to your personal physician so he or she can pick up where our doctors leave off.   For more information, see Medical Staff.   [TOP] Who else will assist me in my recovery? While you are at Fairlawn, a team of rehabilitation professionals will work in concert with you, your family, and one another to help you reach your rehabilitation goals.   Throughout your stay, a 24-hour team of registered nurses and personal care assistants will assess and attend to your day-to-day health needs. Many of Fairlawn's experienced registered nurses have earned certification in rehabilitation nursing; these highly skilled clinicians possess unequalled training in meeting the specialized needs of rehabilitation patients.   When you are admitted to Fairlawn, you will be assigned a case manager who communicates with your insurance company and coordinates services you will need when you leave the hospital. If these include outpatient rehabilitation, Fairlawn has its own outpatient center that offers a full complement of therapeutic and support services.   Other members of your treatment team will be determined by your rehabilitation needs. These may include physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists, as well as a therapeutic recreation specialist. If your injury or illness has affected your thinking skills or work capabilities, your treatment team may also include a neuropsychologist and vocational counselor. Because Fairlawn is committed to meeting your emotional and spiritual needs, we also provide family counseling and pastoral care services.   [TOP] What role will my family play in my rehabilitation? At Fairlawn, your loved ones are an integral part of your rehabilitation. In fact, we consider them part of your treatment team.   Therefore, your family is always welcome to attend your therapy sessions so they can see what you are learning and how you are progressing. Our staff also provides ongoing education to help you and your family understand your diagnosis, promote your continued good health, and prepare for your return to the community.   Because we strongly encourage family participation in the rehabilitation process, visitors are welcome any time up until 9 p.m. By working with you and your family in an encouraging, supportive environment, Fairlawn's staff is committed to helping you reach your rehabilitation goals.   [TOP] What should I bring to the hospital? Along with the usual items you would need for any hospital stay (see What to Bring), you should have several sets of comfortable "work out clothing" and soft/non-skid soled shoes or sneakers. With the exception of small personal items (i.e., electric razor) and a few dollars for reading materials, all other valuables should be given to family members for safekeeping. Please note that throughout your stay, your family is responsible for your personal laundry.   [TOP] What are the hospital rooms like? Fairlawn has three patient units. All unit rooms have individual patient bureaus, personal wardrobe closets, a bedside television and telephone.   At the end of each unit there is a large therapeutic gymnasium where you will receive individualized and group therapy. Each patient unit has a sunny, glassed-in bridge area where you and your family may relax or visit with one another.   For more information about patient rooms and hospital grounds, see Inpatient Accommodations.   [TOP] Who will pay for my rehabilitation? Rehabilitation is covered in full or in part by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Fairlawn has contracts with major insurance companies and is willing to negotiate with other companies as needed.   What to Look for in a Rehabilitation Facility As you explore your options for rehabilitation, use the checklist below to compare availability of services and personnel, approach to delivery of care, and patient outcomes.   Criteria Fairlawn Provider #2 Provider #3 1. How is the facility licensed?       Inpatient acute rehabilitation Long-term acute care Skilled nursing facility Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation     2. Is there a specific program for your diagnosis?       Spinal cord Yes     Stroke Yes     Orthopedic Yes     Amputee Yes     Oncology Yes     Pulmonary Yes     Cardiac Yes     Neurological Disorder Yes     Brain Injury Yes     Arthritis Yes     Ventilator Yes     Burns Yes     Lymphedema Yes     3. How many rehabilitation patients are treated per year? 1,600 (inpatient only)             4. Does the facility offer multidisciplinary therapy services provided by full-time staff?               Physical therapist Yes     Occupational therapist Yes     Rehabilitation nurse Yes     Respiratory therapist Yes     Speech/Language pathologist Yes     Case manager Yes     Clinical dietitian Yes     Psychologist/Neuropsychologist Yes             5. Do family members and patients meet with physicians and the rehabilitation team to set goals and discuss progress? Yes         6. Is the hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)? Yes         7. Are patients educated in the skills needed to maximize their independence (ambulation, activities of daily living, communication, adjustment issues, skin care, bowel and bladder care and sexuality)? Yes         8. Does the facility offer patient and family education that is specific to your diagnosis? Yes         9. Are vocational needs addressed by the rehabilitation team? Yes         10. Are community re-integration outings offered? Yes         11.Does the pharmacist interact regularly with the multidisciplinary team? Yes             12. Are home assessments available by members of the rehabilitation team to assist with discharge planning and home modifications if needed? Yes           13. Does the facility offer comprehensive discharge planning to assist with the transition to home? Yes         14. Are therapies provided in a specialized rehabilitation gym? Yes         15. Are the hallways wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass with ease? Yes         16. Is the general atmosphere clean, pleasant and cheerful? Yes         17. Does the facility have a written description of patients' rights and responsibilities? Yes             18. Does the hospital provide swallowing evaluations and the treatment of swallowing disorders? Yes             19. Does the hospital provide a continuum of care, including acute rehabilitation and specialized outpatient services? 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