Patients & Caregivers
What to expect — for patients and families
Understanding an inpatient rehabilitation stay, how to prepare, and how we support the people who care for you.
Choosing inpatient rehabilitation for yourself or a loved one is a big decision, and it is normal to have questions. This page explains what a stay at an Exalt Health rehabilitation hospital is like, how to prepare, and how we support the families and caregivers who play an essential role in recovery.
Inpatient rehabilitation is hospital-level care combined with intensive daily therapy. Our goal is to help each patient regain as much strength, function, and independence as possible so they can return to the activities and people that matter most — every person, every time.
Exalt Health hospitals care for people recovering from conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic and joint surgery, neurological conditions, and other complex medical needs.
Explore
Learn more about your care
- Rehabilitation Services
The therapies we provide and the conditions we treat.
- Our Technology
The equipment and tools behind your recovery.
- Our Hospitals
Find a rehabilitation hospital near you.
- News & Stories
Updates and recovery stories from Exalt Health.
- About Exalt Health
Our mission and the people behind our care.
Your stay
What to expect
Every recovery is different, but most stays follow a similar path. Here is what to expect before, during, and after your time with us.
Before your stay
Most patients come to us from a hospital or through a physician referral. Our team helps coordinate the transfer, reviews care needs, and helps the patient and family feel prepared for admission. If you have questions before arriving, the hospital's care team is your best resource.
During your stay
Each patient follows a personalized care plan built around their own goals. Care is delivered by a coordinated team of physicians, rehabilitation nurses, and therapists, with nursing support available around the clock. Families are encouraged to be part of the journey.
After your stay
Planning for a safe return home begins early. A case manager helps arrange any equipment, follow-up care, and community resources needed for the transition, so no one leaves without a plan and support in place.
Prepare
What to bring
Packing a few comfortable, practical items helps the first day go smoothly. Your care team will confirm a full list, but here is a helpful starting point:
- Photo ID and insurance or Medicare card
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for therapy (elastic-waist pants, T-shirts, pullovers)
- Supportive, non-slip shoes
- Sleepwear, a robe, and non-slip slippers
- Everyday toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb or brush, soap, shampoo)
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or other personal devices
- A written list of current medications (please do not bring the medications themselves)
- Any advance directive or power-of-attorney paperwork
Please label personal items, and leave valuables and large amounts of cash at home.
For families
For family caregivers
Family members and caregivers are part of the care team, not just visitors. The support you provide makes a real difference in recovery — and we are here to support you in return.
During the stay, our team can help caregivers understand the care plan, learn how to safely assist with everyday activities, and prepare for the transition home. Ask the care team about family updates, care conferences, and the resources available at your hospital.
Caring for a loved one can be demanding. Remember to care for yourself too, and lean on your care team, your community, and one another for support.
Going home
Preparing for discharge
Going home is the goal from day one. Discharge planning starts early in the stay so the transition is safe and well-supported.
A case manager works with the patient and family to coordinate any needed equipment, home health or outpatient services, follow-up appointments, and community resources. Before discharge, the team reviews the care plan, medications, and who to call with questions — so everyone feels confident about the next step.
Visiting
Visiting & getting here
Visiting details, hours, and parking vary by hospital.
Family and loved ones are welcome and encouraged. To protect patients' rest and therapy time, visiting guidelines vary by hospital, and daytime therapy sessions take priority. Our hospitals are tobacco-free.
Because hours, parking, and visitor policies differ at each location, please check with the specific hospital for the most current details.
Find your hospital or contact its care team for visiting hours and directions.
Cost
Cost & insurance
Many health plans — including Medicare and Medicaid — help cover medically necessary inpatient rehabilitation. Coverage and benefits are typically reviewed before admission so families understand what to expect. Our team can help answer coverage questions along the way.
View our pricing transparency files or pay your bill online.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who can visit, and when?
Family and loved ones are encouraged to be part of recovery. Because visiting hours and policies vary by hospital, please check with the specific location for current details.
Do I need a physician referral to be admitted?
Most patients are referred by a hospital or physician. If you have questions about admission, contact the Exalt Health hospital nearest you and its care team can guide you.
Will insurance or Medicare cover my stay?
Many plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, help cover medically necessary inpatient rehabilitation. Coverage is typically reviewed before admission. See our pricing transparency information for more detail.
How can I reach a patient or their care team?
The best way to stay informed is through the patient's care team and case manager at their hospital. Visit our contact page to find phone and email details for each location.
We're here to help
Have questions about care?
Reach your nearest Exalt Health hospital's care team for admissions, visiting, and support.