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We want to make your arrival at Brooks as stress-free as possible in order to help you feel at home and turn your attention to your rehabilitation. In addition to your family, who we look to as an important asset in your rehabilitation, we have a complete team of specialized caregivers ready to go to work for you. Your team will include a case manager and patient advocate, who will help to coordinate every stage of your care.
Before you arrive at Brooks there are also a few preparations you and your family members can make, which will facilitate the admissions process and get you started on your way to recovery.
What to bring to the hospital
- Insurance cards and complete insurance information
- Clothing – There are no hospital gowns at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. In order to promote as much independence as possible, patients dress each day in their own clothes for therapy. You and your family are responsible for providing clean clothes. Arrangements can be made to assist out-of-town families and those unable to provide clean clothes. If you need assistance, please notify your case manager. A washer and dryer are available while you are a patient. Please bring the following items of clothing for five to seven days:
- Long pants are preferred, but long shorts may be worn if desired. Regular belted slacks and/or warm-ups are recommended. Jeans are not recommended for patients with spinal cord injuries as they are too constricting.
- Shorts may be recommended for patients with lower limb amputations.
- Shirts and blouses. T-shirts may be recommended for patients with neck or back braces.
- Underwear.
- Shoes and socks. You should bring shoes that tie. Make sure they have rubber soles. Velcro closures are also acceptable.
- Sleep wear. Patient gowns are also available
- Lightweight jacket or sweater.
- Swimsuit for those participating in aquatic therapy programs.
- Personal toilet articles, such as shampoo, hair dryer, soap, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste and a shaving kit
- Personal items such as a radio, pictures, reading materials, leisure time items and portable music players are allowed. Rooms are equipped with free televisions and clocks. All electrical items must be checked by the Maintenance Department before being used in the hospital.
For any other small items—including essential toiletries, snacks and gifts—the hospital also has a Gift Shop located in the lobby. The Gift Shop hours are:
Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday closing time is 4:00 p.m.)
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Medical History
Before you arrive at Brooks, please take the time to print out and complete our online Medical History form, and if applicable, the Medicare Secondary Payor form. This will allow us to identify any preconditions that may prevent you from being able to receive rehabilitation treatment from us. It also allows us to begin creating an individualized treatment plan and recovery goals for you immediately upon the start of your inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation at Brooks. Please find the appropriate forms below.
If you need to request copies of your medical records, please complete the Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information form below and either fax it to 904-858-7213 or mail it to:
Brooks Rehabilitation
Medical Records Department
3901 University Blvd. S.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Medicare Secondary Payor Form
Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information
Medications
All personal medications should be sent home with a family member after your physician or nurse has documented them in your medical record. This policy ensures that we can keep an accurate record of all medications you are taking while in the hospital. During your stay, only the medications prescribed by your rehabilitation physician and supplied by our pharmacy will be administered. This policy assures safety for all patients due to the possible incompatibility of certain medications.
Advance Directives
If you have a Living Will, or any other Advance Directive, you are asked to bring a copy to be placed in your medical record. If you have not made a declaration, or if you are unable to provide a copy to us, our staff will assist you in completing one upon request.