Frequently Asked Questions about RHI's Spinal Cord Injury Program

Please bring several changes of comfortable clothing that are easy to put on and take off such as T-shirts, sweats and non-skid soled shoes. Also be sure to bring glasses, hearing aids and a list of contact numbers. Personal care items are allowed unless contraindicated in your care.

Family training is an essential part of the Spinal Cord program. Our goal is to make sure that you feel comfortable and competent with all care prior to discharge. If you are not physically able to assist with these tasks, we ask that you still learn all appropriate areas of assisting your loved one so that you can direct their care and ensure that safe care is being provided at home and with future caregivers. You and your loved one will also be scheduled to attend the Spinal Cord Education Series, where all aspects of care will be reviewed in more detail.

While we encourage patients to get out of their rooms, please check with staff if it is appropriate to take the patient to other areas of the hospital, especially outside. The patient may have specific needs that require staff to be present when outside of the room or family to be trained.

We encourage caregivers to attend therapies with the patients; however, there may be some sessions where caregivers may be asked to step out of sessions for various reasons. These decisions are made in the best interest of the patient.

In order to maintain safety of both patients and caregivers, all caregivers must be cleared by therapies before physically assisting with transfers or mobility tasks.

Please check with the nurse prior to bringing in outside food and drinks. Depending on the diet ordered, there may be some restrictions. If you have items that need to be refrigerated, please label them and your nurse will store in the unit patient refrigerator.

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not restricted within the facility, but please keep in mind that any loss or damage to a device is the responsibility of the owner. RHI provides free wi-fi access on site. We ask that cell phones not be taken to therapy. If you are on the cell phone when therapy or nursing is trying to work with you, we will ask you to hang up and return the phone call when the activity is completed.

Your ability to return to work, or do other activities, will depend on the severity of your injury and your individual situation. We encourage you to strive to return to activities that you were able to do prior to your injury and will help you set realistic, individualized goals.

The need for therapy after the hospital stay will depend on your individual circumstances. RHI offers several different resources to help support you after you leave the inpatient setting, including outpatient therapy available at multiple locations.

Please call 317-329-2000 to make arrangements for touring the facility. Calling ahead is recommended so a tour guide will be ready for you.

If you are interested in being admitted to RHI, you should ask the discharge case manager or social worker at the hospital to notify RHI that you would like RHI to evaluate you for admission. A family member may also call the RHI admissions department to make the referral. An RHI Clinical Liaison will come evaluate you to see if you meet the RHI admission guidelines. RHI must also determine whether you meet the Medicare / insurance criteria for admission as well.

Payment varies case by case.

The care coordinators at the hospital where you are currently staying will be happy to make arrangements for you. In some cases, family may be able to transport you to RHI.

Due to the increase of respiratory illness in Marion County, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana will implement the following visitor restrictions effective December 5, 2022:

• NO VISITORS under the age of 18 are currently allowed
• Visitors with the following symptoms such as cough & fever, sore throat & fever, or 'flu' or 'influenza' are restricted from visiting
• Restricting visitation to immediate family as identified by patient - limit to two visitors at any one time inside the hospital.  (No limit per day, may swap)
• All families/guests/volunteers/vendors/staff must be vigilant about hand washing and covering coughs 
• Mask at all times when interacting with a patient
• Overnight stays are only approved for designated caregivers
• Exceptions will be provided in special circumstances such as end of life situations

Weather permitting and with approval of their nursing unit, patients are encouraged to go outside with assistance.

Visitors are not permitted to spend the night out of respect for privacy of the other patients. Accommodations can be made for caregivers and caregivers at nearby hotels at discounted rates.

Your dog may visit with the written permission of your physician, and upon the provision of proper documentation of current vaccinations. Please note that you will be issued a special tag for the dog’s collar. Your dog will not be allowed to visit without the special tag.

Yes, all patient rooms have phones for local calls and can receive calls. Long distance calls can be made using a calling card.

All RHI facilities are smoke free. Caregivers and visitors need to leave RHI property if they wish to smoke. Patients are not allowed to use tobacco products and cannot leave the property. Patients may speak with their physician to obtain medication to address this issue while they complete their rehabilitation at RHI.

Rooms are semi-private at RHI.

Yes, wifi access is available to our patients and their caregivers.

Caregivers are responsible for laundry, and laundry facilities are available on each unit for caregivers to use. Tide detergent is available free of charge. Caregivers may also take clothing home to be laundered.  

A pending discharge date will be established by your treatment team based on your rehabilitation goals, progress toward the goals, and medical stability. Your RHI care coordinator will help coordinate transportation with you. Discharge is usually around 10:00am.

Length of stay varies and is dependent on the patient’s diagnosis and progress. Your RHI team will be able to better estimate your length of stay once initial evaluations are completed. Assessments are individual and are not pre-determined.

A discharge day target will be determined by a weekly conference including your physician, discharge planner, charge nurse and therapists.