Choosing a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center

Three women are engaged in a therapeutic exercise with colorful plastic cups. The woman in the middle is stacking them, assisted by a woman in a pink shirt and another woman smiling beside her. A vibrant painting hangs on the wall behind them.

How to compare brain injury rehabilitation programs?

Choosing a rehabilitation facility for recovery from a brain injury is one of the most important decisions you will make. It’s crucial to be confident about the quality of care you or a loved one will receive. At Shepherd Center, we want to help you make an informed decision by providing some important criteria and questions to consider when selecting a facility.

While the final decision will depend on individual circumstances, such as insurance and location, every rehabilitation program has features you can evaluate to determine the best fit for your needs.

Important criteria for selecting a facility

When comparing rehabilitation facilities, it’s best to look at a few options before making your decision. Here are some key factors and questions to help guide your choice.

Look for a specialized comprehensive program that is experienced caring for your type of injury for your age group.

Questions to ask

  • Does the hospital specialize in brain injury and complex stroke, or is it one of many services they offer?
  • How many patients are treated in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program each year?
  • How many years of experience with brain injury patients does the hospital have?
  • What is the average age of patients in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program?
  • Does the hospital have a special program for adolescents and young adults?
  • Is the facility equipped to manage life-threatening emergencies on-site?
  • Are patients able to begin rehabilitation if they have significant medical challenges?
  • Does your program offer inpatient treatment for patients with a disorder of consciousness, including those in a coma, unresponsive wakefulness or minimally conscious state?
  • What is the patient to nurse ratio?
  • What stages of the continuum of care does the facility provide?
    • Intensive care (ICU)?
    • Inpatient rehabilitation?
    • Post-acute rehabilitation (Day Program)?
    • Outpatient services?
    • Transition support program?
    • Ongoing health and wellness activities?

Look for a program with a variety of integrated supportive care services for patients and families going through a significant life event.

Questions to ask

  • What types of support services are available?
    • Peer support?
    • Individual and group therapy?
    • Psychotherapy?
    • Family Counseling?
    • Vocational counseling?
    • Substance misuse counseling?

Look for a program with engaged staff that has a track record of success in returning patients to healthy lives with purpose, and as much independence as possible.

Questions to ask

  • What percent of patients in brain injury and stroke rehabilitation return to home rather than go to long-term care facilities?
  • What is the ventilator weaning rate for patients who arrive using a ventilator?
  • How many patients need rehospitalization for any reason within 30 days of discharge from their rehabilitation program?
  • How often and for how long each day do patients get treatment by specialists such as speech, recreation therapists, psychology, and neuropsychology if they are medically able?
  • What is the employee engagement rate? This is a measure of the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace. The national average for all industries is 4.1 out of 5.0.
  • Does the hospital have a clinical research program focused on improving treatments and outcomes?

Look for a program that meets the needs of both patients and their families.

Questions to ask

  • Are there low-cost or funded living arrangements for family members? What is the cost?
    • What style housing is it? How far from the hospital?
    • How long can you stay? How do you qualify?
  • Are activities planned for patients and families on weekends and evenings?
  • Is there family counseling available?
  • Is there training for family members on how to be future caregivers?
  • Is there support for after discharge?

Look for services that go beyond the minimum covered by most insurance plans.

Questions to ask

  • What value added services are offered?
    • Recreation therapy?
    • Vocational therapy?
    • Assistive technology consultations?
    • Adaptive driving instructions?
    • Peer support?
    • Facility animals assisting with independence and emotional support?

Look for a hospital that earns top marks and rankings.

Questions to ask

Does the hospital have key recognitions and accreditations that help validate the organization’s qualifications, including recognition as a Model System by the National Institutes of Health, accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of RehabilitationFacilities (CARF), and recognition as a top hospital for rehabilitation by U.S. News and World Report?

Download our center comparison worksheet

To help you compare and contrast up to three rehabilitation facilities, we offer a worksheet titled “Questions to Ask When Choosing a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.” This tool is designed to assist you in evaluating the important factors that will help determine the best facility for your care.

Download Brain Injury Program Guide (PDF)

Why choose Shepherd Center for brain injury rehabilitation?

Unmatched expertise in brain injury care

We are a leader in brain injury rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive approach that is uniquely tailored to each patient. With cutting-edge technology and a team of highly trained specialists, we help patients maximize their recovery potential and improve their quality of life.

Specialized services and facilities

Our inpatient rehabilitation program is designed specifically for people with brain injury, featuring advanced therapies, medical management, and innovative treatment options to address the complexities of brain injuries.

Multidisciplinary team approach

You’re supported by a dedicated team of professionals — including physicians, therapists, nurses, and psychologists — who work together to create personalized care plans. This collaborative approach ensures holistic treatment, addressing both your physical and emotional needs.

Continuum of care and lifelong support

Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave Shepherd Center. We provide a seamless continuum of care, including transitional services, outpatient therapy, and community reintegration programs. Our ongoing support helps patients adapt to life after rehabilitation with confidence and independence.

Shepherd Center is worth the trip

While other facilities may be closer, few match Shepherd Center’s level of specialization and expertise in brain injury rehabilitation. We’re proud to be a leader in helping patients recover, rebuild, and reclaim their lives after injury.

Our compassionate care, innovative therapies, and commitment to your long-term success make us the clear choice for brain injury rehabilitation. Choosing Shepherd Center means choosing a brighter future, no matter where you’re coming from.

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