What to expect

Our specialized team at UCSF Health Saint Francis Hospital is committed to helping you regain your sense of well-being and independence. Your customized rehabilitation program will be challenging and rewarding, with the ultimate goal of your return home. This guide is designed to introduce you to your team and prepare you for what to expect during your stay.

Your team of experts in rehabilitation

Rehabilitation physicians are doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatrists. They provide clinical direction, act as your rehabilitation team leader, and oversee your treatment plan.

Rehabilitation nurses will provide you with around-the-clock care throughout your stay, including medication and pain management, monitoring of vital signs, wound care, bowel and bladder training, and emotional support. Many of our nurses are Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses and have advanced training in rehabilitation services.

Occupational therapists will work to improve your daily self-care activities, your fine motor skills, and higher level activities like meal preparation, money management, and community reintegration, emphasizing activities you need or want to do.

Physical therapists will work to restore your strength, range of motion, function and mobility that has been lost due to injury, illness or disease.

Speech therapists will assess and treat you for any problems with feeding, swallowing, speaking, memory, or problem-solving. They will teach you strategies and techniques to improve your memory, attention and communication skills.

Social workers/Care coordinators will work with you and your family to prepare you for a successful transition to your next living situation. They provide referrals to home and community resources, equipment deliveries, dietary and medication instructions, arrange home therapy and future appointments. They begin reviewing your discharge plan after your initial evaluations are complete and continue to work with you and your family throughout your stay.

Preparing for your stay

Rehabilitation is a dynamic process that requires active engagement by the patient and any available family members or caregivers. The goal of rehabilitation is to maximize your independence.

What to bring with you:

Personal items can make your stay more comfortable. We recommend someone bring you the following for your stay with us:

  • Several changes of comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that you can move in easily. Include pants/sweatpants, shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts, socks, undergarments, pajamas, and walking shoes. We are able to do laundry on site once a week.
  • Toiletries: we provide toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, conditioner, and skin lotion, but you may wish to bring your own preferred toiletries and cosmetics.
  • Electronics: laptop computer, tablet, cell phone, chargers. For your convenience, we provide free wi-fi.
  • Hearing aids, dentures, eyeglasses.
  • Personal items: you may wish to bring family photos, a favorite pillow, reading material, etc., to make your stay more pleasant.
  • Any corrective devices or equipment you are currently using: braces/splints, canes, wheelchairs.

Medications

Only medications prescribed by your rehabilitation physician are allowed during your stay with us. Your current list of medications is communicated to us by your referring physician upon transfer to our facility.

Financial arrangements

Medical care at both Saint Francis and UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital is covered by most insurance plans. We verify your insurance and if necessary obtain pre-authorization prior to admitting you to our program. Some insurers require us to report your progress at intervals in order to authorize continuation of the rehabilitation plan. We encourage you and your family to ask questions and stay informed about your eligibility during your stay.