What to Expect
What to Expect During Your Stay at a Citadel Post-Hospital Care Center
A stay at Citadel is designed to support your recovery after a hospital stay in a safe, attentive, and comfortable environment. From the moment you arrive, our goal is to help you heal, regain strength, and move confidently toward your next step.
At Citadel, we understand that transitioning from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility can come with questions for both patients and families. Our team is here to provide medical care, therapy, support, and guidance throughout your stay.
Arrival and Getting Settled
When you arrive at a Citadel center, our nursing team will welcome you, help you get settled into your room, complete an initial assessment, review your medications, and make sure your immediate care needs are addressed.
We will also review your hospital information, medical history, physician orders, and any special care needs. This helps our team begin developing a personalized care plan focused on your recovery, safety, comfort, and goals.
You and your family are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and let the team know what matters most to you during your stay.
Within the First 24 Hours: Evaluations, Introductions, and Care Planning
Within your first 24 hours, you will begin meeting additional members of your care team. This may include physicians or nurse practitioners, physical, occupational, or speech therapists, social workers, dietary team members, and other support staff.
Therapy evaluations may begin during this time, depending on your condition and physician orders. These evaluations help determine your current strength, mobility, daily living abilities, communication needs, swallowing needs, and other areas that may benefit from therapy.
The team will also begin discussing your recovery goals. Whether your goal is to return home safely, regain independence, improve strength, or better manage a medical condition, your care plan will be tailored to you.
The First Few Days: Establishing Your Routine
As your care plan takes shape, you will begin settling into a daily routine. Your schedule may include nursing care, medication management, therapy sessions, meals, rest periods, visits from family, and opportunities for social or recreational activities.
Depending on your needs, your care may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, IV therapy, or other specialized medical treatments. Your care team will continue monitoring your progress, adjusting your plan as needed, and helping you understand what to expect each step of the way.
Daily Care and Support
Each day of your stay is designed to support meaningful progress toward your recovery goals. Nurses are available 24/7 to address your medical needs, administer medications, monitor changes in condition, and coordinate with the broader care team.
Therapy is often an important part of recovery. Physical therapy may help improve strength, balance, walking, and mobility. Occupational therapy may help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and safely managing routines at home. Speech therapy may support communication, cognition, or swallowing needs.
Therapy is available seven days a week, and your therapy plan will be based on your individual needs and physician orders.
Meals & Activities
During your stay, you will receive three daily meals, with dietary accommodations based on your needs. Dietary team members may work with you and your care team to support your nutrition, preferences, and overall well-being.
You will also have access to recreational and social activities, common areas, and spaces where you can visit with family and friends. We encourage you and the people important to you to stay connected and involved throughout the recovery process.
Communication & Care Updates
Family involvement can be an important part of a successful recovery when the patient chooses to include others in their care. Our team encourages open communication and welcomes questions from patients and, when appropriate, those involved in their care.
Throughout your stay, the care team may provide progress updates, care plan meetings, and discharge planning discussions. These touch points are designed to help keep you informed, supported, and confident as you move through your recovery journey.
Planning for What Comes Next
Discharge planning begins early in your stay. Even while you are focused on daily recovery, our team is also helping prepare for your next step.
For some patients, the goal is returning home safely with support from family or home health services. For others, the next step may include assisted living, independent living, or long-term care. Your care team will help evaluate your progress, discuss options, and support a safe transition.
Our goal is not only to support you during your stay, but to help you feel prepared for life after discharge.
Helpful Tips for Your Stay
To help make your stay more comfortable, we recommend bringing comfortable clothing, supportive shoes, and any personal items that help you feel at home. Please label personal belongings whenever possible.
Most importantly, ask questions anytime. Our team is here to help you and your family feel informed, supported, and cared for.
Moving Forward with Citadel
A post-hospital care stay is about recovery, healing, and rebuilding independence. At Citadel, every touchpoint is designed to support your progress, answer your questions, and help you move toward your next step.
At Citadel, we make people better.