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.