Inpatient Rehabilitation
Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center

Frequently Asked Questions about Inpatient Rehabilitation Services

Admission and Unit Stay

What should we bring from home?

We suggest comfortable slacks or sweatpants, blouses or pullover shirts, and sturdy walking shoes. Patients wear regular clothes during the day. Some toilet articles are provided by the center, but you may want to bring favorite brands or personal items. Please bring glasses, dentures, hearing aids, or other assistive devices the patient uses. If any of these items are brought in for the patient after the day of admission, please notify the nursing staff so they can be added to the inventory list.

What to Bring

You will need a few ordinary items with you at the center, and we ask you to have a supply of clothing with you. Please use the following as a checklist when you prepare for admission.

  • Underwear (a sufficient supply)
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Socks or ankle stockings
  • Slacks or skirts (with comfortable fit)
  • Pullover shirts or blouses (with comfortable fit)
  • Sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket
  • Slippers (with enclosed heel)
  • Bathrobe (with front opening)
  • Toiletries (including cosmetics or shaving gear, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant)
  • Assistive devices (eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aid with extra battery, dentures with fixative if needed)

What not to Bring

Please do not bring medication, valuables or large sums of money with you to the center.

What about medications I took previously?

Please do not bring any medication from home unless you are asked to do so. However, a list of these medications would be helpful.

Should I bring any spending money?

Not when you're admitted. If you'll need money for outings, we will give you advance notice.

How long will I stay at the center?

Every patient is different and stays a different length of time. If you are making progress, meeting the goals set by your rehabilitation team, then a continued stay is beneficial to you. After the first team conference, the team will have an estimate of how long you will continue to benefit from the services the center offers. Your case manager will notify you of your expected discharge date and assist in arranging for any further therapy you will need after you leave the center.

What happens if I'm unhappy or dissatisfied with some aspect of my program?

We have a grievance process for patients and families.
If you are a patient at Newport Hospital and there is a concern you would like to discuss, please contact the clinical coordinator at 401-845-1607.

Who qualifies for inpatient rehabilitation at the Vanderbilt Rehabilition Center Inpatient Unit?

Patients may be referred from any acute hospital, subacute facility, extended care or LTLCH or home setting.

Patients must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for admission.

In general, patients must require and be able to participate, upon admission, in an intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation program from the day that they arrive. Intensive means at least three hours a day of multiple therapies for at least five days each week.

Patients must be medically stable, but require close medical supervision visits by a physician with rehabilitation training and experience at least three days each week.

Patients must require 24-hour skilled rehabilitation nursing care that supports the rehabilitation goals.

Discharge and Getting Ready for Home

How will I obtain the necessary equipment to use at home?

Your therapists will determine your equipment needs and will work with you, your family, your case manager and insurance company to determine the best way to obtain the recommended items. 

How will I receive follow-up therapy?

Your rehabilitation team will determine your continuing therapy needs before you are discharged. Your case manager will make the arrangements in consultation with your insurance company and with consideration of the coverage the company will allow. 

How will I know what medications to take after I go home?

Your nurse will talk to you and your family about the prescribed medications you will take when you go home. Your doctor will give you the necessary prescriptions on the day of your discharge. If you would like to receive your prescriptions before discharge day, please notify your case manager or nurse. 

How will my referring doctor know what happened during my rehabilitation stay?

Your rehabilitation doctor will provide your referring physician (and any other doctor you request) with a summary of your treatment and progress.  

How will I get around at home?

You and your therapists will discuss your home setting. A therapist may visit your home to determine what will be needed but in most cases a home evaluation is not required. Your therapists will give you recommendations based on the description of your home.  

Will anyone contact me after I go home?

Yes, you will receive an initial follow up call from the case manager within a week of discharge to assess your transition to the community. Approximately three months following discharge you will receive a call from an agency that the Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit contracts with to gather information from our former patients. This national agency will contact you to gather information on your status and your rehabilitation stay. We use the information gathered from these contacts to assess our program, compare ourselves to other rehabilitation centers across the country and make improvement where opportunities exist. Your feedback is extremely important to the success of our program. 

Have more questions? We're happy to answer them.  
For patients at Newport Hospital, please contact us at 401-845-1503.