What to Expect

Most patients arrive at Chelsea Hospital by ambulance or a transport van from University of Michigan Health or another health system. If transportation is required, it will be coordinated by your hospital case manager, and they will also coordinate insurance coverage for the transportation. If any out-of-pocket expenses are needed for transportation, your case manager will let you know.

When you arrive at Chelsea Hospital, you will be taken immediately to your room and be greeted by a member of your care team. All of our inpatient rehabilitation rooms are private and have private bathrooms. One adult family member is welcome to stay the night if they wish to do so.

During your Inpatient Rehabilitation stay, you’ll interact with many members of the Chelsea Hospital and University of Michigan Health team:

• University of Michigan Health Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians and neuropsychologists specialized in complex rehabilitation care
• Rehabilitation nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Speech language pathologists
• Recreational therapists
• Dietitians
• Social workers and case managers
• Rehabilitation engineers
• Orthotics and Prosthetics
• Wheelchair Seating experts
• Spiritual Care
• Respiratory Therapy
• Patient Navigator
• Rehab Aides
• Each care team member will provide individualized care to assist in obtaining your goals in order to achieve the highest possible quality of life.

While you are in Inpatient Rehabilitation, you will receive three hours per day, five days a week of intense physical, occupational and, if indicated, speech therapy. Therapy is provided by a rehabilitation specialist who will assist you in gaining function and independence during your stay through various advanced practice approaches that are research-based and best practice treatments. Family members and/or caregivers are encouraged to attend all therapy sessions to gain education and experience in caring for their loved ones. It is important for family training and education during the stay so caregivers, patients and treatment team are comfortable with the transition home.

Our U-M Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians (PM&R) are skilled in managing the most challenging and complex cases. They specialize in rehabilitation services to oversee care, assessing goals and determining needs during the stay. You will continue to follow with a PM&R physician after discharge.

Nursing care is provided 24-hours a day, seven days a week by registered nurses who specialize in rehabilitation, including complex issues such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Nursing to patient ratios stay at a smaller scale to allow for increased quality of care to promote recovery and healing.

Our multidisciplinary team meets regularly to discuss progress and needs of each patient. They will coordinate care along with the patient and caregivers to allow for personalized care and support along the road to recovery.

To make your stay more comfortable, considering bringing the following items:

• Hearing aids and batteries
• Eyeglasses
• Comfortable pants and shirts
• Pajamas
• Shoes, preferably laced with rubber soles
• Socks
• Undergarments
• Personal care items, such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc.
• Assistive equipment, such as a walker, cane, braces, etc.
• Books/other activities
• Phones/tablets for staying connected with family and friends

The Rehabilitation Admissions team will obtain authorization for admission to inpatient rehabilitation. The team will also validate your level of insurance coverage and inform you if there are any gaps in coverage. Throughout your stay, insurance may request further authorization. If this is necessary, the admissions coordinators and treatment team will complete the necessary paperwork.

Admission to inpatient rehabilitation will be billed separately from your acute care stay.

Upon discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, continued therapy and medical services may be warranted. Your rehab case manager will assist in coordinating the follow-up services necessary, including next steps in therapy and further medical appointments after discharge.

We utilize an electronic medical record system enabling your physician and care providers to share your medical records and up-to-date care plans in a secure manner. You can access information about your hospital stay, lab/test results, and doctor visit summaries through your patient portals.

To access your records at Chelsea Hospital, visit www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/mychart to log in to your account. If you do not have a Chelsea Hospital / Trinity Health patient portal account, the care team will assist you in setting one up when you arrive.

If you are a University of Michigan Health patient, visit www.MyUofMHealth.org to register for or log in to your account. For information about U-M Health’s portal visit www.UofMHealth.org/patient-visitor-guide/patient-portal.

To better manage your accounts, you can link your Trinity Health and MyUofMHealth.org portal account together and view your health records using one long-in. To link your accounts, contact the U-M Health Patient Portal Help Line at 734-615-0872.

Whether or not you link your accounts, your physician and care providers will have access to all your health records from both locations.