Why Short-Term Rehabilitation Matters After Surgery

You’ve just undergone surgery or experienced a serious health event. The hospital stay is over, but you’re not quite ready to manage independently at home. This in-between phase—when you need more than home care but less than long-term hospitalization—is exactly where short-term rehabilitation makes all the difference.

At River Garden in Jacksonville, our short-term rehabilitation program is specifically designed to bridge this critical gap. For 80 years, we’ve helped patients safely transition from hospital to home with personalized therapy, professional medical care and the support needed for a full recovery.

What Is Short-Term Rehabilitation?

Short-term rehabilitation (often called “short-stay rehab” or “skilled nursing rehab”) is a temporary, intensive recovery program for individuals who need professional care and therapy after:

Joint replacement surgery (hip, knee, shoulder)
Stroke or neurological events
Major surgical procedures
Serious falls or fractures
Cardiac events
Other medical conditions requiring skilled clinical care

Unlike long-term care, short-term rehab is focused on one clear goal: helping you recover strength, mobility and independence so you can return home safely.

Why You Can Not Skip This Important Step

Many people wonder: “Can I just recover at home?” While that might seem appealing, here’s why short-term rehabilitation is crucial:

1. You Need Professional Guidance

Going straight home after surgery or a health crisis can be risky. Without professional oversight, you might:

Develop complications that go unnoticed
Fail to follow proper recovery protocols
Risk re-injury from doing too much too soon
Miss important warning signs of problems

At River Garden, our 24/7 medical team monitors your recovery closely, manages medications and intervenes immediately if complications arise.

2. Intensive Therapy Accelerates Recovery

Research consistently shows that intensive, professional therapy dramatically improves recovery outcomes. Our short-term rehab program provides dedicated one-on-one therapy sessions tailored to your specific needs:

Physical Therapy (PT): Restores strength, balance and mobility to help you move safely and independently
Occupational Therapy (OT): Builds skills for daily living through adaptive strategies and cognitive support
Speech Therapy (ST): Enhances communication, swallowing function and cognitive abilities

Each therapy session is personalized to your condition, goals and progress, ensuring you receive exactly the support you need.

3. You Avoid Burdening Family Caregivers

Post-surgical care is complex and demanding. Family members often feel overwhelmed trying to provide:

Medication management
Wound care
Mobility assistance
24-hour monitoring
Transportation to therapy appointments

Short-term rehab allows your family to visit, support and focus on your emotional well-being while professionals handle the medical and therapeutic care.

Conditions We Specialize in Treating

River Garden’s short-term rehabilitation program has extensive experience with a wide range of conditions:

Orthopedic Care

Joint replacements, fractures, back pain, spinal procedures and mobility challenges

Neurological Conditions

Stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and related disorders

Post-Surgical Recovery

Safe, supported healing after any major surgical procedure

Chronic Conditions

Arthritis, osteoporosis, COPD, cardiac concerns and chronic pain management

Mobility & Strength

Muscle weakness, gait training, balance disorders and vestibular issues

Specialized Support

Amputee rehabilitation, orthotics, prosthetics and adaptive strategies

Speech & Swallowing

Communication disorders, cognitive challenges and swallowing difficulties

What to Expect at Short-Term Rehab at River Garden

From the moment you arrive, our team focuses on creating a comfortable, supportive environment where you can heal and thrive:

Comfortable Accommodations

Private rooms for rest and recovery
Cable TV, Wi-Fi and phone service included
Inviting common spaces for socializing
Beautiful views of our 40-acre campus

Personalized Care Plans

Every patient receives an individualized recovery plan developed by our interdisciplinary team. Your plan addresses:

Specific medical needs and conditions
Therapy goals and milestones
Pain management strategies
Nutrition and wellness
Emotional and social support

Dedicated Therapy Sessions

You’ll work one-on-one with licensed therapists who specialize in your condition. Sessions are scheduled based on your energy levels and recovery pace—never rushed, always focused on your progress.

Seamless Hospital-to-Home Transition

We coordinate closely with:

Your hospital discharge team
Your primary care physician
Specialists involved in your care
Your family members
Home health services (if needed after discharge)

This ensures nothing falls through the cracks during your recovery journey.

How Long Will You Stay?

The length of short-term rehabilitation varies based on your condition, surgery type and recovery progress. Most stays range from 10-21days. Your therapy team regularly assesses your progress and adjusts your treatment plan to ensure you’re ready for a safe return home.

Medicare and many insurance plans cover short-term rehabilitation when medically necessary. Our admissions team can help you understand your coverage and answer financial questions.

Why Choose River Garden for Short-Term Rehab?

Located in Jacksonville’s peaceful Mandarin area, River Garden offers distinct advantages:

80 Years of Excellence: Nearly a century of trusted senior care and rehabilitation expertise
Beautiful Campus Setting: Recover surrounded by 40 acres of serene, landscaped grounds with lake views
Comprehensive Expertise: Specialized programs for orthopedic, neurological and complex medical conditions
Measurable Outcomes: We track your progress with clear metrics and adjust treatment accordingly
Continuum of Care: Access to additional services if needs change during recovery
Compassionate Staff: Our team treats every patient with dignity, respect and personalized attention

Real Recovery Starts Here

The days and weeks following surgery or a major health event are critical to your long-term recovery. Don’t leave this important phase to chance. Professional short-term rehabilitation provides the medical oversight, intensive therapy and supportive environment you need to heal properly and return home with confidence.

At River Garden, we’re committed to helping you achieve your recovery goals and regain the independence you value. Our experienced team is ready to create a personalized rehabilitation plan designed around your unique needs and circumstances.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is facing surgery or recovering from a health event, we encourage you to:

Contact our admissions team to discuss your rehabilitation needs
Schedule a tour of our short-term rehab facility
Learn about insurance coverage and the admission process
Meet our therapy team and ask questions

Call River Garden today or visit rivergarden.org to learn more about our short-term rehabilitation program. Your successful recovery starts with the right support—and we’re here to provide it.

River Garden Senior Services is a licensed skilled nursing facility proudly serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946.