Your rehabilitation experience

We will partner with you to establish a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. This creates a care environment that is responsive to your needs, expectations and future goals. If there is anything we can do to enhance your stay, please let us know.

You and your family members are encouraged to ask questions. We will help you understand what to expect from your rehabilitation experience from the time you begin to the day you leave -- and in the months and years to follow.

You will be greeted by our admissions team who will make every effort to assign and get you settled into your room quickly.

Although we coordinate the many details of your transfer to Kessler Institute with your referring physician, case manager, insurance carrier and acute care hospital, we will still need to obtain some information and signatures from you or a designated family member. We will also provide you with important documents and information about your rights and responsibilities as a Kessler patient.

Members of your treatment team will meet with you soon after your arrival to orient you to the rehabilitation process and familiarize you with our hospital campus, policies and programs.

NOTE: care-related interpreter services are available free of charge for patients with limited English proficiency.

Shortly after your arrival, you’ll meet with a number of people who help direct your care and treatment.

• You will be evaluated by your Kessler physician, physical, occupational and/or speech therapists, rehabilitation nurses, dietitians and others, as needed.
• Please inform your Kessler physician about any prescription or non-prescription medications you take regularly, including dosage, frequency and the condition for which it is prescribed. Please speak with your Kessler physician before bringing any medications from home.
• A copy of your drug regimen is provided on admission. We will review it with you so everyone involved in your care clearly understands your needs. Your Kessler physician will prescribe and monitor any additional medications required during your stay.
• Based on your individual needs and rehabilitation goals, you will receive a detailed therapy schedule and information about equipment, recreational activities and other services.
• You will meet your case manager who helps coordinate your stay and plan for discharge. Your length of stay is determined by the rehabilitation team and based on your needs, goals and progress.
• Food and nutrition services will provide a menu for your meal selections. Assistance will be provided to those with special dietary needs. (See “meeting your nutritional needs” below.)

Your care and safety are important.Our security staff helps ensure everyone’s safety.

Please help us maintain a safe environment by following the guidelines posted throughout our hospital. This includes:

• Asking a staff member for assistance when you need to get in or out of bed or a wheelchair, or use the bathroom.
• Making sure that everyone washes their hands before and after any interaction and/or uses the hand sanitizers that are located throughout our hospital.
• Having family and friends check with a nurse before bringing any food or beverages to you in case there are dietary restrictions.

Please leave any valuables, jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks or large amounts of cash at home. If you need to have certain items available to you, speak with a member of

It takes a dedicated team of rehabilitation specialists, along with support and administrative staff, to ensure quality care, treatment and individual progress. You and the team of doctors, nurses, therapists, psychologists and neuropsychologists, dietitians, pharmacists, case managers and others, will work closely to reach your rehabilitation goals. To learn more about your team, click here.

In addition, at Kessler’s West Orange, Saddle Brook and Chester campuses, you may have the opportunity to work with one of our canine companions. These specially trained dogs provide for motivation and comfort, engaging patients in various activities that support the rehabilitation process.

Rehabilitation involves hard work, patience and determination. It can be demanding, physically and emotionally, but the more you put into your program, the more you are likely to benefit. •

• Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation by your physical and occupational therapists. They will assess your abilities, identify any deficits and review your medical and personal history. A speech language pathologist (speech therapist) may also be involved, if you have any communication difficulties.
• Based on this information, your team will work with you and your family to establish goals and develop an individualized treatment plan combining the most effective therapies, technologies and support services.
• You will participate in an intensive rehabilitation program for a minimum of three hours per day, five days a week or 15 hours per week as tolerated. Additional therapy sessions will be scheduled as warranted. Sessions generally occur between 9 a.m. – noon and 1 - 4 p.m.
• The skills and strategies you acquire will be reinforced by your nursing staff for self-care (bathing, grooming, etc.) and recreation therapists through a wide range of leisure and social activities.
• Your progress and treatment plan will be carefully monitored and updated to help you reach your goals.

Open communication between you and your team is critical. Ask questions, express any concerns, share your feelings and seek information or support whenever needed.