How to Choose a Rehabilitation Provider
When you are choosing a provider for rehabiliation or other services, you may have many questions. Below are some suggestions for questions to help you make an informed choice.
Do the services match your needs?
When you are choosing a provider, you might ask:
- What services do you offer?
- Where are you located and are you close to public transportation?
- What are your hours?
- Will the staff use language that I understand? Will there be bilingual staff or sign language interpreters if I need them?
- How can your services help me?
- Am I eligible for services?
- Will my services be covered by insurance, government funding (such as Medicare or Medicaid), or other resources?
- What will be my out-of-pocket expenses?
- Can I talk to other people who have used your services?
How do you feel when you walk in?
Your impressions are important when you visit a provider. Even if you do not need help in making decisions about your services, it is wise to ask a trusted friend or family member to go with you for another opinion. Here are some things to look for:
- How do the staff members respond to the people receiving services?
- Are people treated with dignity?
- Do the staff members appear to respect cultural differences?
- Do the premises appear to be well maintained, clean and safe?
- Is the building accessible? Are there features like handrails, elevators, automatic doors and ramps for people who need them?
What do staff members tell you about the services?
When you talk with staff members, you may have lots of questions.
- What services can I get?
- How long does it take to begin services?
- How often will I receive services and how long will they last?
- How will the services be individualized to meet my needs?
- How will reasonable accommodations be provided if I need them?
- How will I be involved in planning my services?
- What are the opportunities for my family or others to participate?
- What benefits can I expect from the services I receive?
- What can I do if I am unhappy about the way I am treated or the services I receive?
- How will my privacy be protected?
- If I need transportation, how can you help?
- If I need other assistance, such as help with feeding or toileting, is it available?
What about quality?
You will feel better about a provider that is concerned about quality and the satisfaction of the people receiving services. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
- What have been the results for people like me who have used your services?
- Are people you serve involved in planning for the future of your organization?
- Is the organization involved in community advocacy effort? What advocacy and community groups are involved with your organization?
- Are your staff members licensed, certified or credentialed for the work they do?
- Are your services accredited by an internationally recognized organization?
Where can you find an assurance of quality?
Look for CARF accreditation. It shows that the provider is committed to meeting international standards of quality.
This information is from The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
