At Whittier, we want you to know that you have choices when you need more care after a hospital stay.

doctor and hospital patient discussing choices regarding care after discharge

It is essential to remember as patients–the customers in healthcare–you always have choices and need to know your options before making a decision.

In today’s fast-paced, heavily regulated healthcare arena, many people are shuttled through the system half in a daze, moving from one healthcare facility to the next level of care in what may seem a random process.

Imagine you’ve had an illness or an injury and have received treatment in a general hospital. You no longer need to stay there, but your doctor, family, or you don’t feel you can manage at home, or you’ve gone home and are experiencing difficulty. 

At Whittier, we want you to know that you have several options to explore within the constraints of your insurance coverage or financial resources.

Acute Rehabilitation

Depending on your diagnosis, injury, illness, or extent of your decreased ability to care for yourself, transfer to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) or Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) for a comprehensive acute rehabilitation program to improve your medical and physical condition may be your best option.

Skilled Nursing Facility

If your needs are not as extensive or comprehensive, a stay at a skilled nursing facility may be the best option for continued recovery.

Your Physician

Know that you have a right to choose a physician – someone to help you navigate the healthcare system, and who is receptive to your questions and concerns when you see them.

Home Health Services

If you can manage your daily activities at home but need nursing care or therapy on an intermittent basis, home care is likely optional.

Community Services

There are many community-based services. Some of these services are:

  • Adult Day Care
  • Assisted Living Centers
  • Elder Services
  • Private Pay Companions 
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Questions to ask your hospital social worker or discharge planner

  1. What do I need to function at home safely and independently?
  2. Where can I get the best care after being discharged from the hospital?
  3. Ask for a list of all rehabilitation hospitals, all skilled nursing facilities, and all home care agencies.
  4. Ask what is available through elder services or the council on aging. 
  5. Ask about any financial impact of your decision.

Why Choose Whittier Health Network?

Our team of interdisciplinary professionals provides inpatient + outpatient rehabilitation, long-term acute care, and transitional care, providing our patients with a seamless continuum of care throughout their rehabilitation journey. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Whittier when you need specialized care after your illness, injury, or surgery:

  • Whittier offers all levels of post-acute rehab services tailored to your individual patient needs.
  • Our interdisciplinary team approach supports excellent outcomes. 
  • Our staff cares for medically complex and critically ill patients in a rehabilitative setting. 
  • We are family-owned, and our executive leadership supports patient-centered care by empowering our employees to share their creative solutions to identify barriers to safe discharges home.
  • We have helped thousands of patients return home after an injury or illness, illustrated by our superior clinical outcomes.
  • We conveniently serve patients in greater Boston, MA, and New England.

Whittier Health Network was founded by Dr. Alfred L. Arcidi and his sons in 1982. Alfred J. Arcidi, Senior Vice President, says: “My father had a vision of a healthcare delivery system that incorporated traditional family values in everyday practices. The guiding principle behind all care at Whittier is to treat patients as if they are family members – every patient is treated with dignity, respect, and care. At Whittier, our goal is to ensure that patients have the freedom to make the choices that are important to them and their families.”

It’s important to know that you always have a choice in your healthcare options. It is your road to recovery.

Contact one of our admission coordinators to discuss how we can help you or your loved one regain health and independence after an injury, surgery, or other acute medical condition.

 

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