In the Musculoskeletal and Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit, you will work with a team of health care professionals to help you recover and prepare for your discharge.
Before Your Stay
Our program service coordinator can be contacted if you require any clarification regarding the program. If you are coming from acute care, the discharge planner, social worker or case manager will likely have provided information about the rehabilitation program.
When You Arrive
A nurse will meet with you and your loved one shortly after your loved one arrives. They will welcome you and:
- Tell you about the services available while you are at Toronto Rehab
- Gather information about any private insurance you may have or other health benefits you may receive
- Gather any other relevant information, such as advance directives
- Help you get settled and quickly as possible
- Answer any questions you may have
What to Bring
For your stay, bring the following items. If you forget to bring anything with you or if you arrive in our inpatient unit after visiting our emergency department or transferring from another hospital, a friend or family member can bring the items after you have been admitted.
Documents and Information
- Health card (OHIP card).
- Information about private health insurance or other health benefits. If you have private health insurance or receive other health benefits, this may help to cover the cost of
preferred accommodation if you request to stay in a semi-private or private room.
- A copy of any advance directive (power of attorney or living will) you may have.
- Contact details for other health care providers who have been involved in your care to help us ensure continuity in your care.
- The names, addresses and telephone numbers of your family members, friends or other emergency contacts and your family doctor.
Medications
- A complete list of medications you are currently taking, including prescription medications, non-prescription medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
Clothing and Personal Items
- Loose, comfortable clothes to wear during the day that are easy to put on and appropriate for exercise, such as sweatshirts and sweatpants.
- Clothes to sleep in, such as a nightgown or pyjamas and a robe.
- Socks and comfortable shoes with non-skid rubber soles, such as running shoes. For individuals with limited movement in their arms or hands, we recommend bringing shoes with velcro straps.
- Slippers (rubber soles and closed backs are preferred).
- Toiletries, such as a toothbrush, tissues or lip and skin moisturizer. Please
do not bring any
scented products.
- Electrical supplies such as a razor or blow dryer. Please show your nurse any electrical items you bring, as items need to be checked to make sure they can be used safely in the inpatient service.
- Hearing aids and batteries, dentures and eyeglasses.
- Walker, wheelchair or other mobility aids, labelled with your name and phone number.
If you forget to bring anything with you, you can bring the items after your loved one has been admitted.
You may also want to bring:
- A cell phone and/or a phone card for local and long-distance calls.
- Small personal items, such as books or magazines.
- A personal device for music or entertainment, and headphones or earplugs so as not to disturb other patients. Free UHN guest wi-fi is available throughout the hospital.
- A small amount of money for newspapers, coffee or other small purchases in the hospital.
- Anything else that will make your loved ones stay more comfortable.
We do not take responsibility for your money or valuables. If you choose to bring them into the hospital, you are doing so at your own risk.
During Your Stay
Your Treatment
You and your family will work closely with our rehab team to complete a detailed assessment of your health and to develop realistic and achievable rehab goals specific to your situation.
Monitoring Your Health
Your rehab team will work with you every day. We will talk with you about how you are doing and answer any questions you may have. If you want to speak with a member of your rehab team at any other time, please let our staff know.
You may have blood tests,
x-rays,
ultrasounds,
CT scans or other tests performed during your stay. If we recommend that you receive any of these tests, we will discuss them with you in advance, and we will meet with you afterward to discuss the results.
Visitors
We encourage you to have family members, friends and other supportive visitors during your stay. You are welcome to meet with visitors in your room, in the common lounge areas and in the visiting areas outdoors.
Learn more about
visiting patients at UHN »
Amenities
Throughout our hospital, you, your family and other visitors can find a range of amenities that will make your stay more enjoyable and comfortable. Learn more about
amenities at UHN hospitals.
Eating and Drinking
You will have a chance to tell us about your food preferences and allergies when you are admitted to the hospital. This information will be entered into our computer system, and your meals will take into account your preferences and allergies, as well as the diet plan specified by your doctor.
Medications
If you are taking any medications before you enter the hospital or if our health care professionals order new medications during your stay, we will provide your medications at the required times.
For each medication, you should know:
- The name of the medication
- Why you need it
- How much to take
- When to take it
- Any side effects it may cause
If you want to know more about your medications, you can ask your pharmacist, doctor or nurse at any time.
Hand Washing
It is important to wash your hands well and often while you are in the hospital. Washing your hands will reduce the chances that you will become sick or get an infection.
You can learn more about
infection control at UHN.
How Long Will Your Stay Be?
Your length of stay will be determined on an individual basis when you arrive, based on your rehab goals and function.
Preparing for Your Discharge
We will work with you and your family to start planning early for your safe and successful discharge from our rehab program.
At the end of your inpatient stay, we will arrange if needed:
- Referrals to the Home and Community Care.
- Referrals to outpatient rehabilitation services or clinics.
- A prescription for any medications you require.
- A list of follow-up appointments (if applicable) or referrals to other doctors or therapists you may need to see after you leave.
- A discharge package will include information about recommended equipment, supplies and exercises to do at home.
On your discharge day, you will be expected to leave the unit by 9:00 am. Please ensure arrangements are made well in advance to avoid delays in your discharge time.
If you have any questions about your discharge or your care needs before you leave the hospital, don't be afraid to ask a member of your team. We are here to help you.
