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Choosing a Rehabilitation Unit / CARF

Choosing a rehabilitation facility:

Rehabilitation services are provided in many different places, including the following:

  • acute care and rehabilitation hospitals
  • subacute facilities
  • long-term care facilities
  • home health agencies
  • hospitals
  • inpatient rehabilitation centers
  • outpatient rehabilitation centers
  • community health settings
  • private practice
  • schools
  • industrial health centers

When investigating rehabilitation facilities and services, some general questions to ask include the following:

  • Does my insurance company have a preferred rehabilitation provider that I must use to qualify for payment of services?
  • What is the cost and will my insurance company cover all or part of the cost?
  • How far away is the facility and what is the family visiting policy?
  • What are the admission criteria?
  • What are the qualifications of the facility? Is the facility accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)?
  • Is the facility well maintained, clean, and safe?
  • Has the facility handled treatment for this type of condition before?
  • What are the staff's credentials?
  • Is therapy scheduled every day? How many hours a day?
  • What rehabilitation team members are available for treatment? How is the patient and family included in planning care?
  • What type of patient and family education and support is available?
  • Is there a physician on site 24 hours a day?
  • How are emergencies handled?
  • What type of discharge planning and assistance available?
  • What can be done if care is unsatisfactory?

What is CARF?

The Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a private, not-for-profit organization that accredits rehabilitation programs with the following services:

  • adult day services
  • assisted living
  • behavioral health services
  • medical rehabilitation

CARF helps to promote and assure standards of quality for these programs and focuses on optimal outcomes for persons served.

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LVH Info Line: 610-402-CARE
Cedar Crest & I-78, P.O. Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105-1556

 
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