Now that you have made an informed decision about the care that is right for you, let’s discuss what to expect at our skilled nursing & rehabilitation center.

What will I do at a Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility?

• Participate in a therapy program
• Participate in your normal daily routine, such as dressing and grooming
• Use individual and group leisure activities to help you resume normal activities
• Eat meals with others in the dining room or café. You may also order Room Service
• Work with Staff to plan your transition home

How is skilled nursing & rehabilitation different from the hospital?

• You will want to wear your own regular and comfortable clothes.
• You can use your own personal care items – soap, shampoo, shaving supplies, facial care items, cosmetics, hair dryer, etc.
• If you’re most comfortable sleeping with your own bed pillow & blanket (comforter, throw) – bring them with you for a good night’s sleep.
• If keeping a schedule is important, you may want to bring a watch with you.
• You will be followed by your personal or Genesis Physician who will visit you within 2-days of your admission. Physicians make regular patient visits during a skilled nursing & rehab stay. You will see a physician less frequently than when you were acutely ill in the hospital.
• You may have visitors when you want them but keep in mind the needs of other patients, your rehab schedule & your need for rest to regain your optimal health as quickly as possible.
• Wireless internet service is available if you want to bring a laptop with you. You will want to take responsibility for keeping your computer secure.
• Use this time to enjoy your favorite relaxing leisure activities – consider bringing books, DVDs, iPod, personal CD player or cards with you, or the Center will have many choices as well.
• You may want your family or friends to launder your clothing. But of course, the Center can take care of this for you as well.

What should I bring?

You will probably be getting dressed and participating in therapies and regular daily activities, so you should bring:

• Clothing (several changes of exercise clothing is a popular choice)
• Comfortable shoes
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Nightgown/Pajamas
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• Grooming items such as shaving equipment, hair brushes, and make-up
• Glasses and/or hearing aids
• Personal assistive devices, such as a walker or wheelchair

Your Checklist to make packing easy

Clothes

• Pajamas or nightgowns
• Robe
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sturdy shoes & slippers (non-skid soles)
• Shirts or blouses
• Slacks, jeans, or jogging suits
• Sweater or jacket
• Laundry bag

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Denture cup
• Soap
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hairbrush/comb
• Shaving equipment
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• Blow Dryer

Assistive Items

• Hearing aid
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Cleaning supplies : For glasses/contact lenses/dentures
• Splints, cane or walker
• Leisure time items – books, cards, CD’s, laptop, etc.

Helpful Documentation to Bring:

• Patient Proof of Citizenship or Residency (e.g., U.S. Passport, or Birth Certificate and State Issued Photo ID). Non-Citizens must present temporary or permanent resident card with photo.
• Patient Medicare, Medicaid, Manage Care, Social Security, and Insurance cards – including prescription drug cards, if applicable
• If the Patient has a Representative for Financial Decisions, Supporting documents such as a Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions, Guardian, Surrogate, or other
• If paying privately, a check or credit card
• In the event that you have applied for State Medical Assistance (Medicaid), a copy of the application

Important Tips:

• Bring clothing that can be machine-washed.
• Bring clothing that is easy to pull on or remove, such as pants with elastic waistbands.
• Bring items to make your stay comfortable.
• Very expensive or irreplaceable items such as jewelry or large sums of money are better left at home.

Visit: MyActiveSenior.com for more senior resources.