Subacute Rehab at Home

Home-Based Rehabilitation in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

With our Subacute Rehab at Home program, also known as SARAH, trusted doctors, nurses and therapists deliver the rehab services you need at home. At UMass Memorial Health, we use telehealth technology so you remain connected to our team 24/7.

Studies show that home-based programs like ours improve outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. They also lower your risk of complications and hospital readmissions. Our innovative approach allows you to rehabilitate in familiar surroundings and closer to loved ones, promoting quicker healing.

What Is Subacute Rehabilitation?

Subacute Rehab at Home helps patients who need rehab after a recent surgery, illness or injury. It includes tailored therapies and skilled nursing to help you transition smoothly back to daily life. Although we typically care for older adults, adult patients of any age may be eligible.

How Our Subacute Rehab at Home Program Works

We bring skilled rehab care to your home after you are discharged from the hospital. Trusted providers help you settle in and explain your rehabilitation plan. You receive daily visits from nurses or medics and therapists who help you regain strength and learn to do everyday tasks again.

We give you a tablet to easily connect with your care team anytime or participate in telehealth visits. This way, you can recover comfortably at home while getting the care you'd expect from a rehab facility.

Our Team Approach to Home-Based Rehabilitation 

A dedicated team of providers works together to deliver post-hospital care. 

• Doctor: This provider is typically a geriatrician who oversees your care and may visit you at home. A geriatrician is a primary care provider specializing in older adults.
• Nurse: A registered nurse visits you at home or via telehealth daily.
• Rehabilitation therapists: Occupational, physical and speech language therapists provide services in your home based on your needs.
• Home health aides: These individuals help you perform daily activities like bathing and dressing. They can be available 24/7 if needed.
• Paramedics: Specially trained paramedics carry out nonurgent or urgent at-home assessments.

Home-Based Rehabilitation Services We Provide

At-home rehab services we provide include: 

• Physical therapy improves strength and movement.
• Occupational therapy helps you relearn how to perform everyday tasks, like taking a shower or getting into your car.
• Skilled nursing helps manage medical needs, including medications and wound care.

Additional services supporting your recovery include: 

• Assistance with transportation to outpatient testing or appointments relevant to your rehab stay
• Coordination of medically necessary food and supplies
• Provider visits via telemedicine or in the home
• In-home diagnostic testing, like blood draws and X-rays if needed
• Medication delivery
• On-call providers available 24/7 to manage any medical issues
• Daily monitoring of vital signs
• Respiratory care, including supplemental oxygen

Home-Based Subacute Rehab Available Through UMass Chan Medical School Study

Subacute Rehab at Home is available through an innovative research study in partnership with UMass Chan Medical School. To receive these services, you must qualify to be part of our study. You may be eligible if you are determined to need skilled nursing or subacute rehab at the time of your hospital discharge and live within a specific geographic area. We also consider your medical history, rehabilitation needs and home readiness.

You may need to cover transportation co-pays and other costs depending on your insurance plan. However, these will be similar to what you would pay if you went to a skilled nursing facility.