Inpatient physical rehabilitation

We are proud to be the first comprehensive medical rehabilitation unit in Seminole County. Through acute rehabilitative care, we help patients minimize and even overcome physical or cognitive disabilities caused by injuries or health conditions. Our interdisciplinary team works with each patient to return them to the highest possible level of independence.

This commitment to high-quality inpatient rehabilitative care has earned us accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF International).

When it comes to rehabilitation after illness or injury, acute care rehabilitation facilities hold advantages over other options, such as skilled nursing and nursing home care. For example, our inpatient acute care facility offers:

• 22 private rooms
• 24/7 access to specially trained nurses
• A full continuum of rehabilitation therapies and programs
• A minimum requirement of three hours of therapy per day, five days per week
• A gym, advanced rehabilitation technology and an activity of daily living suite
• Convenient access to advanced medical services
• Frequent visits by a rehabilitation physician, most often a physiatrist
• Rehabilitative care plans customized to each patient's goals and needs
• Treatment from a multidisciplinary, collaborative team of specialists

Following the evaluation period, a patient’s personalized rehabilitation program is established by the patient, their family and our interdisciplinary team. We know that a patient’s needs change as they make progress. That’s why each patient’s program may be reevaluated by themselves, their family or the team on a weekly, biweekly or as-needed basis.

On average, patients stay in inpatient rehabilitation for 12 to 13 days. However, the duration of each patient’s stay is dependent on their specific needs and rate of progress.

Patients of The Rehabilitation Center receive at least three hours of therapy, five days per week. Typically, this involves 90 minutes of physical therapy and 90 minutes of occupational therapy each day. Some patients also receive speech therapy. Therapy sessions may include exercises, gait training, training in the areas of grooming, hygiene and dressing and/or other activities.

Our rehabilitation specialists have years of experience in specialized fields and with unique treatment techniques. They work as a team to meet our patients' physical, cognitive and emotional needs.

This interdisciplinary team includes:

• Case managers
• Certified rehabilitation nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Registered dietitians
• Rehabilitation physicians
• Rehabilitation psychologists
• Respiratory therapists
• Social workers
• Speech-language pathologists

Rehabilitation requires a referral, which is coordinated by our hospital's case manager. A rehabilitation clinical liaison reviews a patient's medical history and collaborates with the patient, their physicians, nurses and/or caregivers to determine if the patient meets the criteria for admission.

Our program accepts patients coming from:

• Assisted living facilities
• Emergency rooms
• Home
• Hospitals
• Long-term acute care facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities

To be admitted to The Rehabilitation Center, the patient must experience one or more of the conditions we listed above and meet the following criteria:

• The patient requires medical supervision by a physician who is specially trained in rehabilitation medicine.
• The patient is medically stable and has the potential to participate in three hours of therapy per day, at least five days per week.
• The patient requires the specialized care of a multidisciplinary team.
• The patient can follow the directions needed to participate in the program.
• The patient has a plan for discharge involving family or a support network.

When the specific criteria for admission to inpatient rehabilitation are met, rehabilitation is a covered service by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies. Most insurance companies require prior authorization before admission.

Once admitted to The Rehabilitation Center, patients should bring the following items with them:

• Comfortable walking shoes, such as sneakers
• Personal care items for grooming and self-care
• Several sets of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, including a light jacket or cardigan

We provide Wi-Fi, and some patients choose to bring their laptops and tablets.

We believe that family involvement in the rehabilitation process aids in successful outcomes for patients. That's why we encourage families to participate in:

• Communication with the care team
• Education and training sessions to assist with the transition from our facility to home
• Recreational activities

Our standard visiting hours are from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. These hours, however, are flexible to meet patient and family needs.

The Rehabilitation Center is conveniently located on the second floor of HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. Free parking is available.

If you would like to learn more about our rehabilitation services, obtain a referral or schedule a tour of our inpatient facility, please call The Rehabilitation Center at (407) 833-7576.