YOUR ARRIVAL

We are eager to help you begin the next phase of your recovery and to make your stay as productive and rewarding as possible.  Keep in mind that a stay in a rehabilitation hospital is very different from a stay in an acute care hospital, where you are expected to spend time in your room for ongoing medical management of your condition.  Recovery at a rehabilitation hospital, however, is an active process that involves getting out of bed and moving about the hospital as soon as possible.  Tips for what to pack (below) include recommendations for comfortable exercise clothes.

If you are transferring here from another hospital, your case manager or social worker at your acute care hospital will coordinate with you, a relative or friend to arrange transfer to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.  Transportation generally is by ambulance and you will arrive first at the Admissions Department.  We suggest that a relative or friend accompany you to assist with admission and to spend at least half a day with you.

Upon your arrival, one of our admissions representatives will welcome you, begin processing your admission, and begin orienting you to our facility so you will know your way around during your stay.  It is very important that you bring your insurance identification cards with you.  We will photocopy them so we can process your insurance claims.

For identification purposes, we will issue you a wrist band at the time of your admission.  We ask that you wear it at all times.  On your first day, you and your companion will also have the opportunity to meet members of your rehabilitation team and gain some initial insights into your treatment program.

ROOM ASSIGNMENT

Room assignments are based upon medical and equipment needs, infection control issues and roommate compatibility.  Although we will make every attempt to ensure your comfort and privacy, private rooms are limited and can only be assigned when medically necessary.

WHAT TO BRING

Because your rehabilitation program will frequently focus on therapy in the form of exercise and mobility training and because we want you to feel like yourself, you should plan to wear your own comfortable clothes during your stay.  Bring clothes that are loose and allow freedom of movement; in general, sweat suits or exercise clothes are best.

Your clothes should be washable, since you will be responsible for your own laundry.  Your family can take your clothes home or wash them here; your nurse will tell you about the laundry facilities.  We ask that you mark your clothes with your name so they don't get lost.

For your convenience, we are providing a suggested list of items to bring with you.  The number of articles you need should be based on your estimated length of stay and your level of function.  But since you will be doing your laundry, a general guideline would be to bring a week's supply.

• Toilet articles, cosmetics, shaving supplies
  Underwear
  Socks
  Pajamas
  Bathrobe
  Exercise clothes
  At least one sweater
  Bedroom slippers
  At least one pair of sneakers or other low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes for exercise
  A coat during cold weather for car transfers
  Any clothes that you may want for non-therapy hours

In addition to a list of medications you are currently taking, please bring any special equipment or assistive devices including:

• Wheelchairs
  Crutches
  Artificial limbs
  Splints
  Eyeglasses
  Hearing aid
  Dentures
  Other assistive devices

Also, please do not bring hair dryers to the hospital.  Each unit is equipped with hair dryers for your use that have met our safety standards.

VALUABLES

For security purposes, we caution you against bringing items of monetary or sentimental value. We also ask that you not keep more than $20 with you.  We can store valuables temporarily in our safe, but we request that you send them home as soon as possible.  For your peace of mind, we request that you do not have checks forwarded to you here during your stay. 

FAMILY PARTICIPATION

Your family's involvement in your care can provide encouragement throughout your treatment program and can assure that your rehabilitation will continue after you are discharged.  If distance is a problem,  Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital offers on-site overnight accommodations at the Laurels for families of patients.  For reservation information, please call 610-251-5510.

Wireless internet access is avilable thorughout the hospital to help you and your family keep in touch with work, family and friends on your personal laptop computer.  If you have any questions prior to your arrival, please call our Admissions Department at (610) 251-5655.  Check here for more answers to frequently asked questions.

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