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
• home health agencies
• hospitals
• inpatient rehabilitation centers
• outpatient rehabilitation centers
• community health settings
• private practice
• schools
• industrial health 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 physician on site 24 hours a day?
• How are emergencies handled?
• What type of discharge planning and assistance available?
• What can be done if care is unsatisfactory?

What is CARF?

The Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a private, not-for-profit organization that accredits rehabilitation programs with 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 persons served.