What to Expect

When you arrive at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, you’ll be greeted and admitted into the medical center, and provided an orientation to the unit. The rehabilitation physician will review your case to determine which interdisciplinary team members should be involved in your care, and each member of this team will then perform an evaluation.

We encourage you to participate in setting the goals that will be incorporated into your individualized plan of care. Daily treatment sessions are scheduled based on your specific needs. You’ll be preparing to return to your daily routines, so you’ll wear street clothes during the day. The skills you’ve learned during therapy sessions are practiced throughout the day with your rehabilitation team.

We invite your family and caregivers to participate in the rehabilitation process, and will arrange family training sessions as needed. Since optimal results depend on your full participation in your rehabilitation program, we recommend that visitors come for brief periods in the evening or on weekends. If medically necessary, your doctor may order visitation restrictions.

What to Bring

Patients are advised to bring the following personal items:

• Comfortable clothing (jogging suits, house dresses, pants, loose fitting shirts, knit tops, etc.)
• Robe and nightclothes
• Coat or sweater
• Socks and underwear
• Low-heeled, comfortable shoes
• Toiletries and cosmetics
• Special shoes, braces or other walking devices.
• Dentures, hearing aids, glasses, etc.

The items should ideally be labeled. Other valuables, especially money or jewelry, are best left at home.

To help ease the transition from the rehabilitation unit back to your community, your case coordinator will begin to discuss discharge planning early in your stay. A nurse case manager or social worker will help you with your needs, including arranging for family and/or caregiver training to facilitate a seamless transition back to your daily routines. This includes ordering any special equipment you need, and providing you with referrals to home care, outpatient therapy or community services.