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

  • In the home by home health agencies

  • Hospitals

  • Inpatient rehabilitation centers

  • Outpatient rehabilitation centers

  • Community health settings

  • Private practice

  • Schools

  • Industrial health centers

  • Veterans Affairs medical centers

  • Military health care 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 doctor on site 24 hours a day?

  • How are emergencies handled?

  • What type of discharge planning and assistance is available?

  • What can be done if care is unsatisfactory?

What is CARF?

CARF stands for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. It is a private, not-for-profit organization that accredits rehabilitation programs with some of 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 people served.

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