Just Referred? Here's What to Expect.

When a patient is referred to our inpatient program, a rehabilitation admission nurse liaison will complete a review of the medical record. This will provide an assessment of the patient’s condition to identify his/her needs and evaluate the patient’s eligibility for the program.

To be eligible for admission to our inpatient program, the patient must:

  • Be medically stable
  • Require 24 hours per day of skilled rehabilitation nursing care and physician services
  • Have the potential to tolerate three hours of intensive therapies per day, at least five days a week
  • Have the ability to learn and/or have family support for education and training to ensure a safe plan for discharge

Your care team will work with you and your family on an individualized plan of care for therapy and will plan for your care at home before you are discharged. You will receive a binder with your personal goals, education, resources and summary reports that will accompany you during your stay and will then go home with you and your family. This can be used as a reference throughout your recovery after discharge.

Are you considering treatment in our Outpatient Neurologic Rehab Program? Learn more. 

Your nurse and a rehabilitation doctor will perform an initial assessment shortly after you arrive. Within 24-48 hours after admission, you will be evaluated by our therapy team. During your first week, your assigned Case Manager will meet with you and begin the discharge planning process (regardless of your length of stay in rehab). Preparing for a safe discharge is our number one priority from your first day with us. In order to ensure that all is in place, your Case Manage will begin planning for a Family Meeting and Family Training session within the first 7-10 days of your stay. Your care team will formally meet weekly to discuss your progress, however teammates communicate multiple times a day to coordinate care.

Learn more about potential members of your care team in the Inpatient Rehab Program at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

What to Bring (or Not)

Generally, socks, underwear, sleepwear, loose-fitting pants, shirts and sneakers will be adequate clothing for your stay. For therapy, you will need to wear comfortable clothing. Most people wear warm-up suits, sweatpants or shorts with loose-fitting shirts. We recommend several outfits for maximum flexibility. Please write your name with a laundry marker on each article of clothing to prevent lost items.

The Rehab Department can provide some basic items (toothbrush, soap, toothpaste), but you will probably enjoy using your own favorite brand of toiletry items during your hospital stay. It may help you feel more comfortable if you bring the following: soap, shampoo/(conditioner), toothbrush and toothpaste, denture adhesive and cleaner, comb and brush, electric or safety razor, shaving cream, deodorant, and powder. You are free to bring any other personal items, but caution that space is limited for storage. Please label and place all toiletry items in assigned bathroom medicine cabinet.

All electrical equipment such as fans, radios, electric razors, hair dryers, televisions, computers or DVD players must be inspected by our engineering department to help ensure your safety and to meet hospital regulations.

Please bring your glasses as they are imperative to your participation in therapy.

Please leave your valuables at home or arrange to check them into the hospital safe. You should keep no more than $5 in your room at any time. Let your nurse know if you would like to check valuables into or out of the safe.

We request that you do not bring medications from home. Your physician will order any medications you might need while you are here and will advise you about which medications you should continue taking when you return home.

At the Inova Rehabilitation Center, you most likely will be assigned to a room with one other patient. While you may prefer a single/private room, single occupancy rooms are reserved for patients whose medical conditions indicate the need for isolation or reduced stimulation. A request can be made to the Rehab Admissions Department. If a private room is available, and not needed for the above reasons, we will try to accommodate your request. If not, you will be placed on a wait list.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is pleased to provide complimentary internet access for patients and visitors with wireless-enabled laptops or PDAs.

Visiting a Patient?

Please inform your friends and relatives about the best time to call or visit. Depending on your condition, it may be necessary for us to restrict the number of visitors at a given time. Large groups may be asked to use the day room or family waiting room.

There is no age limit for children who are permitted to visit you, but they must be supervised at all times.

Nursing Unit Contacts

Should you need to call a specific nursing unit, please utilize the following phone numbers:

Visiting a Unit

Please check in with the unit secretary when you arrive, prior to entering your loved one’s room. They may have vital information to convey before you enter the room. Please respect established quiet times on each unit when lights are dimmed and noise is kept to a minimum.

Leaving the Unit

Leaving the unit to go to the cafeteria, the hospital grounds, or other hospital areas is permitted with a physician’s order.

Patient safety is our number one priority. In order to reduce risk for falls in rehab, you and your visitors are expected to follow your specific fall prevention care plan.

After Discharge from Inpatient Rehab

If you’ve received an order for Outpatient Therapy, read more about the Neurologic Outpatient Rehab Programs at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and consider if our program is a right fit for you or your loved one. Should you choose an Outpatient Program at another facility, your assigned case manager can help you coordinate those services.

Learn more about our Patient and Family Advisory Council and apply

Interested learning more about the Mentor Program?