Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals (also known as Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, or IRFs) are for individuals who have been impaired by an injury or illness and are considered by their physicians to be medically stable and physically able to begin a comprehensive rehabilitation program consisting of at least three hours of therapy a day, five days a week.
Patients admitted to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital receive specialized intense rehabilitation for medical needs that preclude them from being accepted into a lower acuity level of care such as a skilled nursing facility. All therapy programs are customized based on the individual’s existing abilities, tolerance for therapy and desired outcomes.
Prospective patients require daily physician oversight, a minimum of two types of therapy and 24-hour nursing care. Specialized programs at these hospitals can include:
• Brain injury care – assisting the patient in communication, swallowing, balance and performing activities of daily living.
• Lower extremity amputation care – assisting the patient in walking safely, making transfers from different surfaces and caring for the residual limb.
• Spinal cord injury care – assisting the patient in managing bowel and bladder control, psychological adjustment and performing activities of daily living.
• Stroke care – assisting the patient in communication, improving memory, speech, balance and overall mobility.