Preparing for Your Stay

Safety is a top priority. We ask that all patients, family members and visitors help us maintain a safe environment by following the guidelines posted throughout the hospital. Security staff is also on hand to help ensure everyone’s safety.

You will have a nursing call button to use when you need assistance. A staff member will respond as soon as possible. If you are unable to press the button, other devices are available. Please discuss this with your nurse. For your safety, there is also an emergency call button in the bathroom.

We advise you to leave any valuables, jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks or large amounts of cash at home. If you need to have certain items with you, please speak with our security office or nursing staff for more information.

Visiting hours and guidelines. The support of family and friends is important to the rehabilitation process.

Visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

• Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation encourages visitors and has liberal visitation guidelines though we do ask you to sign in/out for each visit. We have common areas where larger groups can gather if needed.
• Overnight guests are welcome. You should check with the nursing supervisor on duty regarding the availability of a sleeper chair.
• Pets are not allowed into the facility. It may be possible under certain circumstances for a pet to meet the patient at a location on campus with appropriate, staff-approved supervision.

Please note: visitors are not allowed in treatment areas, unless they’ve been asked specifically to participate in a training or education session. We recommend scheduling visits later in the day, so you can focus on your therapy. To respect the needs of all our patients, we ask that you have no more than two visitors in your room at one time. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Parking. Parking vouchers can be purchased for a discount of $3 through the admissions office in the lobby. Weekly parking passes are also available.

As you prepare for your stay at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, please be sure to bring:

• Home medication list
• Washable, loose-fitting trousers or sweatpants (preferably not denim or corduroy)
• Pajamas/nightgowns
• Undergarments
• Ribbed cotton socks (non-elastic tops)
• Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes with good support
• Long/short sleeve shirts or knit tops
• Sweater and/or sweatshirt/fleece
• Outdoor jacket or coat
• Laundry bag and extra hangers
• Preferred toothbrush, toothpaste, denture care products, soap, shampoo, conditioner
• Comb, brush and hair products; hair dryer
• Deodorant
• Shaving supplies
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing aids
• Medical equipment issued by hospital
• Items to meet special needs

If you use any respiratory or dialysis equipment at home be sure to discuss this with your Baylor Scott & White Rehabilitation liaison before you arrive at our facility.

If you have special or custom assistive equipment that you used at home or in the hospital, bring it with you. This might include a special brace, custom walker, slide board, or ice/cooling device (such as a Polar Ice machine and sleeve).

Baylor Scott & White Rehabilitation provides basic items for routine personal hygiene such as bath wash, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Please leave all valuables at home. Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Laundry. Please set up a laundry schedule with family members or friends to keep your clothing and personal items clean.

Personal equipment. Individuals who have their own wheelchairs, walkers, canes, braces or other aids should bring them. Please label items clearly with your name and indicate “Personal Property.” Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation is not responsible for the maintenance and/or upkeep of personal items, nor for any loss of or injury from this equipment.

For safety reasons, we ask that you thoughtfully consider the risks of bringing personal electrical devices such as curling irons and other items that may produce heat and present other hazards into the patient care environment. Please be advised that staff may prohibit the use of such items if it is deemed a significant risk to your safety or the safety of the patient care setting.

Interpreter services. Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation offers care-related interpreter services free of charge for patients with limited English proficiency and services for individuals with other communication difficulties.

Telephone service. Our hospital also provides telephones in each room. Family and friends outside the hospital may reach you by calling the dedicated phone number that is posted in your room.

Television. In-room, basic area cable service is provided free of charge. Televisions are also located in lounge areas for your enjoyment.

Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi service is available using our guest wireless network.

Personal phone and devices. Cell phones, laptops or personal music/video players are permitted in your room or appropriate public areas. They are not permitted in therapy gyms or other treatment areas. In addition, you may use hairdryers, electric shavers, etc. for your personal needs. These items must be inspected and tagged by our maintenance staff.

Mail. Mail is delivered daily, except Sunday and federal holidays.

Smoking. The use of tobacco products is not permitted anywhere on Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation property, including: parking lots, patio areas, sidewalks, walkways and other outdoor spaces. Smoking is also not permitted in any vehicle while on our property. Similarly, no candles or devices with open flames are permitted inside the building.

Alcohol and drugs. The possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs is not permitted under any circumstances and will subject the patient to discharge. Medical testing is mandatory in cases of suspected substance abuse. If an individual would like counseling for drug or alcohol dependency, we will refer him/her to one of our psychologists.

We value relationships with our patients and their families based on mutual respect, trust and understanding. It is the foundation of a successful rehabilitation experience. To help optimize your recovery and make your stay at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation as rewarding as possible, we ask that you abide by the following guidelines:

• Please provide staff with all relevant information necessary to develop and implement your plan of care and ensure coordination of insurance and medical benefits.
• An informed patient is the cornerstone of a safe and effective rehabilitation environment. We encourage you to ask questions about your care plan.
• Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be responsible for a portion of your bill for services provided. You are obligated to fulfill your financial commitments.
• Please assist us in maintaining a safe and quiet healing environment. Be respectful of other patients, staff, hospital policies and property.
• All patients are expected to be active participants in the rehabilitation process, following the agreed-upon treatment plan and clinical instructions. Skills learned in therapy sessions, particularly those related to activities of daily living, should be applied and practiced on the nursing unit and in dining/leisure areas as recommended by your treatment team. Each patient accepts the consequences of his/her informed participation in the agreed upon plan.
• Observe posted visiting hours and visitor rules. Note that family members and/or caregivers will be provided with specific information if training or education sessions are scheduled.
• Please understand that it might become necessary to transfer you to another room or floor during your Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation stay. We appreciate your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience.
• Discharge is scheduled for 10 a.m. If, for any reason, you are unable to leave at this time, your belongings will be held for you in a secure area so that we may prepare your room for another patient.