Short-Term Rehabilitation: Recovering from a Hospital Stay

Following surgery, an injury, or other hospitalization, you may need to temporarily stay in a short-term rehabilitation center to transition back to a more independent lifestyle at home.

You may need short-term rehab after the following:

• Joint-replacement surgery
• Stroke
• Heart surgery
• Illnesses such as cardiac disease, gastrointestinal illnesses, renal disease, or pneumonia
• Injuries after a fall, such as a back injury

How to Recover from a Hospital Stay at Short-Term Rehab
Short-term rehab bridges the gap between your hospitalization and return to independent living. Short-term rehab after a hospital stay helps you regain function and mobility using expert physical, occupational, and speech therapy services; state-of-the-art equipment; and a safe environment where you can fully heal and recover.

At short-term rehab, you may receive:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy will help you regain maximum mobility and independence after an illness or hospitalization. Treatment focuses on improving balance, strength, endurance, and overall functional mobility, and is customized to treat each patient’s individual needs.

• Occupational therapy: With occupational therapy, you’ll regain everyday skills needed to perform daily tasks, such as doing laundry, getting dressed, and preparing meals.
• Speech therapy: If you are experiencing challenges with speech, communication, and swallowing, usually following an event such as a stroke, speech therapy effectively improves these skills.

Your Timeline for Recovery
The time you need to stay in a short-term rehab may vary greatly depending on a variety of circumstances. A typical patient’s stay at a short-term rehab center is 10 to 14 days. You may need to continue your exercises as part of an outpatient rehab program following your release from an inpatient rehab center. Your age and overall health, the reason for your hospitalization, and other factors may all contribute to the length of time you need to stay in short-term rehab before you can return to your usual routine.

Common Questions about Rehab

• How long will rehab last?

While the length of stay will vary, you will typically be at your rehab center for 10 to 14 days. Some diagnoses may require more time.

• What should I wear to rehab?

The important thing to remember when packing for rehab is comfort. Wear clothing that is loose-fitting, lightweight, and nonrestrictive. Remember to pack sturdy footwear with nonslip soles and nonskid socks to prevent falls. It’s also a good idea to bring clothing that is easy to layer to ensure you are comfortable regardless of the temperature at the rehab center.

• Does insurance cover rehab?

At Christian Health, we’ll work with you to review the benefits covered by your insurance plan.

Inpatient Short-Term Rehab at Christian Health
Get back to wellness and the life you love today. At Bolger Short-Term Rehabilitation, Christian Health’s state-of-the-art rehab center, our expert therapists use innovative technologies and compassionate care to help you heal. If you want to learn more about inpatient rehabilitation, please call (201) 848-5855 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.org/Bolger-Short-Term-Rehab to take a virtual tour!