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Rehabilitation and Therapy

Center for Rehabilitation

Our hospital campus is designed with the latest therapeutic technology.

Welcome to the Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital

CARF-accredited and delivering excellence in rehabilitative care for more than 30 years.

Our team of specially trained healthcare professionals at the ChristianaCare Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital (CRWH) is dedicated to your rehabilitation to help you regain or improve the skills needed for daily life. Patients receive nursing care, management of medical problems by medical staff and rehabilitation in our state-of-the-art center. We are internationally recognized and accredited as a Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility with specialty accreditations in stroke, brain injury and amputation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Virtual Tour

We invite you to take a 360-degree virtual tour of the Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital. Tour our private rooms, transitional living apartment, gym and more!



Our “hospital-within-a-hospital” setting provides the highest level of therapeutic and rehabilitative care to all our patients with real-life simulation environments and activities. Our goal is to help you return to functioning as independently as possible when you return home.

ChristianaCare is ranked as one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World ReportWe provide a multi-disciplinary team approach under the direction of a physician who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The core care team includes rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, recreational therapists, case managers and social workers. Access to other ChristianaCare specialties includes nutritionists, behavioral health and pastoral care. We also partner with orthotic and prosthetic specialists whenever needed for our patients.

Patients receive at least three hours of therapy each day and frequently include two or more types of therapy. Therapy services are available seven days a week. Our team holds multiple specialty certifications including, certified rehabilitation nurses, certified neurology rehabilitation specialists, LSVT BIG and LOUD certifications and VitalStim® certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide three hours of daily daytime therapy services to all our patients, seven days a week.

Daily therapy includes two or more types of therapy:

  • Physical therapy (PT)
  • Occupational therapy (OT)
  • Speech therapy (ST)

Therapy sessions usually last about 45 minutes each. Sessions are in the morning and afternoon, and rest breaks are built into the daily schedule. Weekend sessions may be longer with fewer sessions during the day.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians are on-site and see patients most days during the week, with a minimum of 3 times per week. All care for each patient is coordinated under the direction of the PM&R physician with access to other physicians, hospitalists, etc.

Given that we are a “hospital within a hospital,” there is access to other physician specialists for consultation(s) as appropriate such as, cardiologists, infectious diseases, endocrinologists, neurologists, etc.

You must be 18 or older with a recent injury or debilitating illness requiring regular inpatient care from a physician and skilled nursing.

You must also require at least two types of therapy:

  • Physical therapy (PT).
  • Occupational therapy (OT).
  • Speech therapy (ST).

You must be able and willing to follow directions, participate in your therapeutic plan and have family support with the ability to eventually return home.

Our rehabilitation team will help to determine if you are eligible for admission to the CRWH. We accept most major insurance plans. 

3 to 5 sets of clothing that are light and loose-fitting. Include pajamas, a light sweater or jacket, comfortable shoes or sneakers and toiletries. You’ll need to have a family member or other support wash or replace your laundry during your stay.

Bring shower supplies. You’ll be able to take a shower every other day. Your participation in showering helps your care team see the progress you have made.

Please do not bring money, credit cards or other valuables with you. 

Absolutely. We have many different options available to help manage your pain, including:

  • Medications.
  • Ice or heat therapy.
  • Position changes.
  • Distraction or meditation practices.
  • Support.
  • A quiet environment.

Your safety is our highest priority. We will do everything we can to keep you safe and prevent you from falling, including:

  • Checking on you every hour or so during the day and every 2 hours at night or more frequently as needed.
  • Ensure you have everything you need, including helping you to the bathroom, getting you something to eat or drink and making sure you are in a comfortable position with your call button within reach if you need help.
  • We also use safety alarms and equipment on the beds and chairs when needed to serve as a reminder for patients to call for help.

Help us help you!

  • Use your call bell before you get out of a bed or chair.
  • Wear shoes or socks with a grip on the bottom when you get up or out of a bed or chair.
  • Keep the wheels locked on your wheelchair when staying in one place.
  • Do not bend over while in a wheelchair, as the chair can tip over.
  • Ask questions! We want you and those helping you once you return home, to have all the information needed for your safe return to daily activities.

We encourage your family to visit you at the Center for Rehabilitation and see your progress! They are a key to your rehabilitation process. Your family is encouraged to attend therapy sessions and, if able, participate in family training to support you and your recovery.

  • Wilmington Hospital's visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There is no restriction on the number of visitors per patient, but please check the Visitors Information Page for updates before your visit. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older.
We treat patients with a wide variety of conditions including, but not limited to:
 
  • Stroke
  • Brain injury
  • Limb loss (amputation)
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Cancer complications
  • Kidney failure
  • Fractures and other orthopaedic conditions
  • Traumas and multiple injuries
  • Neurologic disorders
  • Medical debility

We provide 24/7 registered nursing services for every patient all year long. Our nurses work under the direct supervision of the PM&R physician and collaborate with consulting specialty physicians and others on your care team to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Our registered nursing capabilities include:

  • IV Antibiotic therapy.
  • Skilled wound care.
  • Feeding tube care.
  • Ostomy care on a case-by-case basis.
  • CHF and COPD management.
  • Diabetes management.
  • Pain management.
  • Stroke recovery.
  • Catheter care.
  • Hospice and palliative care are available.
  • Hemodialysis.

The core care team includes rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, recreational therapists, case managers and social workers. Access to other ChristianaCare specialties includes nutritionists, behavioral health and pastoral care. We also partner with orthotic and prosthetic specialists whenever needed for our patients.

Team members include:

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor
  • Rehabilitation nurses and patient care technicians
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Recreational therapists
  • Social workers and case managers
  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Dietician

The CRWH is an inpatient rehabilitation facility located on the 6th  floor of Wilmington Hospital. There are many benefits to being a “hospital within a hospital,” including access to specialty physician referrals, on-site testing and labs without leaving the hospital and urgent acute care needs. Additionally, if you are admitted from one of our ChristianaCare hospitals, there is streamlined communication via our employees and our electronic health record.

Not at all! The CRWH is truly a “hospital within a hospital” setting, so we can conveniently transport you from your room to another location within the same hospital building for all your testing needs. We can also coordinate specialist visits if necessary, during your stay.

You can manage your care by using the ChristianaCare Patient Portal. You can use the patient portal to review your records and test results, message providers, schedule appointments and more. If you do not yet have a portal account, you can easily sign up for a free account today.

We offer free self-parking, valet service (for a small fee) and shuttle service plus electric car charging stations on all parking garage levels. Click here for more information about parking at Wilmington Hospital and a map.

Patients at the Center for Rehabilitation can use the CBORD Patient app, a self-ordering mobile application, to order their own meals during their stay. The CBORD mobile solution for patient meal ordering makes it easy to receive personalized and safe meal delivery service.

Please see the below link for instructions on downloading and using the CBORD Patient app on your cell phone, tablet or any other app-capable device. If you do not own a device, we can provide one for you to use throughout your stay.

Otherwise, a dedicated dietary hostess will visit you before each meal to help you place your order. Meals will be brought to you, in your room or our dining room if you need assistance eating. Our Nutrition Services team will work with you to pick out your meals each day.

Ordering Meals During Your Hospital Stay

Your healthcare team and care manager will work with you and your family or support person to ensure a safe discharge home. Follow-up care, such as skilled home care nursing, home-based therapy visits, outpatient therapy visits and physician outpatient visits, will be scheduled before your discharge. Your case manager will work with you and your family to arrange these plans.

Before you are discharged, your doctor will recommend any necessary prescription medications. Your case manager will work with you to determine which pharmacy you prefer.

Any medical equipment recommendations, such as a walker, tub bench, etc., will be made for you once you’re at home. Your case manager will coordinate these needs with you so you have the necessary equipment to continue your recovery process.

Remember, your outpatient rehabilitation care can continue with our physiatry team (if needed) after your discharge. Outpatient services are available at these 11 locations.

The Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital is the stepping stone to help you reclaim your independence and activity level that puts you back on the road to your best health.

Amenities

Caring for you at the Center for Rehabilitation and beyond!

The Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital features the latest barrier-free and advanced rehabilitation technologies. Innovative simulation environments, including a fully furnished residential apartment, help you regain confidence with everyday living skills and prepare you to return to your daily routine safely and independently. Our comprehensive rehabilitation facility and highly skilled care team support excellent patient recovery every day.  We can do the same for you!

Our goal is to help you recover quickly and prepare you to return home to the activities you enjoy the most. To support your recovery at home, ChristianaCare offers home health services and outpatient therapy services.

Testimonials

"All of the Rehab Staff were very kind and helpful to me during my stay. I even had the Recreation Rehab person play bowling with me using the Wii system."

"My rehabilitation was much more than I expected. EVERYONE was in tune with what was going on. I improved remarkably. The program [at the Center for Rehab] is excellent, and I highly recommend it. The program lived up to its reputation."

"I just cannot say enough about what a wonderful experience I had at the Wilmington Rehabilitation Center. I had a very unusual injury, being without one arm and one leg on opposite sides. The people made me feel human, respected, cared about and heard. The techs were amazing. The therapists were so dedicated and interested in furthering my progress. Dr. Eschbach was on top of my care, very kind and always checking in."

"My care in acute rehab was world-class on every level. Everyone's expertise and caring were outstanding. Special kudos to the therapists and their assistants. I doubt there's any other place where I could have received the expertise, intensity, continuity of care, emotional support and encouragement I received throughout my stay. I was able to come home comfortable and confident in my ability to take care of myself. Even the menu was healthy and tasty once I discovered alternate choices."

"I was very happy to leave your facility and very sad to leave the people! Everyone on your staff was wonderful."

"Absolutely excellent care. The nurses were fabulous. The therapists were wonderful. Communication was great and the food was delicious. Absolutely no complaints and I had a partial leg amputation. Thank you!"

Learn More about Our Program

Want to learn more about us? Fill out the form below or call us at 302-733-1029.

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Awards and Accreditations

Contact Us

ChristianaCare Rehabilitation Services

Center for Rehabilitation
501 West 14th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

Fax a referral: 302-733-1303

Emergency entrance of Wilmington Hospital