WELCOME TO OUR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Rehabilitation Center NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS IN THE COMMUNITY
Location: REHABILITATION CENTER AT EL CAMINO HOSPITAL LOS GATOS 355 Dardanelli Lane (off Knowles Drive) Los Gatos, CA 95032 For driving directions, please visit our Web site at www.elcaminohospital.org/losgatos.
HELPING YOU THROUGH THIS UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Whether you or your loved one is recovering from a stroke, brain injury, an orthopedic or neurological condition or a traumatic injury, your most fervent desire now is to be able to return to some level of functioning, improved health and the life you were living before you were sick or injured. This journey to recovery begins at the Rehabilitation Center at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos with a group of highly trained professionals who care about you. We are committed to helping you get back your sense of well-being and independence. Our goal is to help you prepare for living outside of the hospital again. We can t tell you that this will be an easy road for you. It s work, but it may be the most important work of your life. Why you are here Your injury or illness has likely left you with some degree of loss of function, including loss of balance and coordination; weakness in your arms or legs; difficulty swallowing; not being able to communicate, feed yourself, dress yourself, take care of your daily hygiene or do regular housekeeping tasks. Our rehab team is here to provide early, intensive therapy to help you recover to the fullest extent possible, and to help you relearn old skills and new techniques to help you adapt to your condition. We provide a supportive, caring environment and strive to instill in our patients the confidence they need to achieve as much independence as possible and to help them regain the lives they treasure. When you arrive We will ask you to sign paperwork giving your consent to the care team to provide your treatment and to bill your insurance company. If you are unable to sign yourself, you will need to have a family member meet you at the Rehab Center to sign for you, or they will need to call in advance to give verbal permission to treat and bill. We will also ask your permission to post your name on our schedule board, transmit your information to Medicare and take a photograph of you during your stay (optional). www.elcaminohospital.org For more information about Rehabilitation Center, call 408-866-4030
What to expect during your stay here During the initial phase of your treatment, you may be asked to participate in a series of evaluations. We base each patient s treatment program on the needs that are identified during these complete assessments. When your treatment program begins, we will need your best efforts during all activities, including participation in our dining program. In turn, we will keep you informed on how we think you re progressing. All patients are expected to participate in three hours of therapy a day, at least five days per week. Therapy may take place in both individual and group treatment settings, and sessions will be scheduled for various times throughout the day. We encourage family members to be involved in your treatment by providing moral support and attending family training sessions. We may ask to have a conference with your family to talk about your goals, the progress you ve made and your plans for discharge. Your program will be challenging, but you can expect our full support and encouragement. Your needs and goals are our top priority. A special place in which to heal We hope you will feel as comfortable recovering at our center as the staff does working here. From the open rehab gym with garden views to the spacious therapy area to the comfortable patient rooms, the center offers a wonderful healing environment for both body and spirit. Patients eat all three meals in our sun-filled dining room. Our apartment, with its kitchen facilities, offers a place where patients can practice the skills they will need when they return to independence and home. We also offer convenient ground floor access and ample parking. 2
What you should bring A week s supply of comfortable clothing Loose-fitting shirts or blouses Loose-fitting pants or shorts Sturdy, low-heeled shoes or sneakers Undergarments/socks Nightgown or pajamas Robe Sweater Insurance cards and identification Advanced Directive paperwork if you have signed such a document Remember to bring all necessary personal items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, cosmetics and toiletries. Photographs and hobby items, such as books, puzzles and needlepoint, can help you adjust to your new environment. It is best to leave valuables (cash, jewelry) at home. When it s time to leave At the Rehabilitation Center, our highest priority is to prepare patients to return to their homes and communities. We are pleased to say that our success rate in returning patients to their homes and communities places us in the top 25 percent of rehab hospitals nationally for all patients. For stroke patients, we are in the top ten percent. To prepare for home, our team helps patients regain a level of functioning in several areas including: Eating/swallowing Dressing/bathing Toileting Walking, climbing stairs, transferring from bed, to chair, to standing Problem solving Communication Medication and health management 3
You must have a safe discharge plan to return to home. If you live alone, you may need to make arrangements to have family or friends assist you during your initial weeks at home. Prior to your discharge, your case manager will meet with you and your family to discuss any services or equipment you may need after you leave the hospital. We may even schedule a home visit to identify any potential hazards or necessary modifications. A temporary leave, or pass, may be granted prior to discharge in order to give you and your family an opportunity to practice new skills outside of the hospital. You will receive a follow-up call about two weeks after discharge and again at three months to discuss your concerns and to check on your progress. Your rehab team The medical director is a physician specially trained in rehabilitation who will coordinate your overall treatment program and oversee the efforts of the rehab team. The rehabilitation nurses will give you around the-clock personal care and are a good resource for any questions you or your family may have about your recovery. Physical therapists will teach you exercises that may help improve your balance, strength and mobility. If necessary, they also will instruct on safe and correct use of mobility devices such as walkers and canes, braces and artificial limbs. Occupational therapists focus on improving your everyday living skills, including bathing, dressing and eating. They also may train you on equipment that will help you better perform these activities. 4
Speech therapists will assess and treat your ability to communicate, problem solve and reason. They also may address problems with swallowing. Your case manager will explain the different details of your stay, explore with you the many changes in your life as well as coordinate your discharge. Other members of the rehabilitation team may include a dietician, neuropsychologist, orthotic/ prosthetic consultant and others. This is a team that knows how to get patients back into life. Additional information El Camino Hospital Los Gatos Rehabilitation Center accepts Medicare, MediCal, worker s comp insurance, and most major health insurance carriers. Our staff can provide you with more detailed information on these and other issues. Please let us know if you have questions. 5
About El Camino Hospital As an independent, nonprofit hospital with campuses in Mountain View and Los Gatos, we are empowered to do whatever it takes to bring you the finest quality care. Our leadership helps foster a dynamic, collaborative, innovative environment. El Camino Hospital physicians actively seek out the latest treatments and technologies to benefit our patients. And all of our nurses, staff and volunteers share our commitment to excellence. Together, we do our utmost to bring you compassionate, comprehensive medical care that is truly state-of-the-art. Our key medical specialties include cancer care, heart and vascular services, genomic medicine, urology, orthopedic and spine surgery, rehabilitation services, senior health, and women s health. For a more detailed look at our capabilities, please visit our website at www.elcaminohospital.org. El Camino Hospital Los Gatos 815 Pollard Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 408-378-6131 www.elcaminohospital.org is a federally registered servicemark of El Camino Hospital 2012 El Camino Hospital F-1352_LG_InpatientRehabPatient Mar12 1500 Need a doctor referral? Visit our Web site or call the El Camino Hospital Health Line at 800-216-5556.