May fit when
- Needs therapy after hospital discharge
- Recovering after surgery, fall, stroke, or illness
- Needs a plan to return home safely
May not be enough when
- Long-term housing without therapy needs
- Emergency symptoms
- Dementia supervision alone without rehab goals
Questions families should ask
- What therapy intensity is provided?
- Is the setting inpatient rehab, skilled nursing rehab, outpatient therapy, or home health?
- What is covered by Medicare or insurance?
- What is the discharge target?
- Who trains the family?
Coverage and payment questions
- Medicare and insurance rules depend on medical necessity, qualifying stays, authorizations, therapy intensity, and network status.
- Ask whether Medicaid waiver, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, private-pay contracts, or Medicare-covered medical services are relevant.
- Request written fee schedules, care-level rules, and discharge or transfer policies.