Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation sets itself apart by offering specialized sub-acute rehabilitation in the unique setting of the fifth floor of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. Unlike traditional programs that are often located within nursing homes or retirement communities, Mary Free Bed provides a distinctive environment designed for recovery, ensuring easier access to hospital resources and a higher level of coordinated care. Through a joint venture with Trinity Health Senior Communities, the program is able to deliver an elevated standard of sub-acute care, helping patients recover more efficiently from illness, injury, or surgery and facilitating a timely return home.
Patients at Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation benefit from a comprehensive, customized approach to short-term inpatient rehabilitation. Upon arrival, each individual is evaluated by a therapist within 24 hours, and care is tailored to their specific needs and abilities. Depending on what is most beneficial, patients receive at least one hour of daily therapy up to seven days a week. The program supports adults of all ages and a wide variety of conditions, focusing on maximizing independence and quality of life. An important element of the therapeutic environment is the inclusion of loved ones in therapy sessions, emphasizing the role of family members as part of the recovery team.
The facility itself is thoughtfully designed to promote healing and comfort. Patients stay in private rooms equipped with ceiling lift systems, and therapy gyms featuring specialized technology are easily accessible on the floor. There are common spaces for relaxation, including social areas with fireplaces and televisions, as well as glassed-in nooks at the ends of halls that offer scenic views of the city. The neighborhood dining area serves fresh meals daily, while amenities like a salon and spa room contribute to the sense of well-being. An apartment within the unit allows patients to practice everyday living skills—such as cooking—in a safe and supportive setting, and those able to walk can benefit from the advanced Tollos ceiling-mounted mobility technology.
A multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts and skilled nurses leads the recovery process. The staff includes board-certified rehabilitation physicians who are carefully matched to each patient’s needs, registered nurses with rehabilitation and wound care certifications, as well as nurse technicians. Occupational therapists work closely with patients to help them regain independence in daily activities like getting dressed or grocery shopping, while physical therapists focus on building strength, mobility, and overall independence. Psychologists address emotional well-being, which is recognized as an essential part of the healing process, and recreational therapists help patients return to favorite activities or discover new sources of enjoyment. Speech-language pathologists are available to assist patients with speaking, swallowing, breathing, and related functions as needed throughout their stay.
Following graduation from the sub-acute program, many patients continue their progress through outpatient therapy coordinated by Mary Free Bed. Their ongoing care is overseen by the same multidisciplinary team, ensuring continuity and furthering patient-centered goals. Family education and support remain integral components of the recovery journey. The program’s specialty services are tailored to enhance and enrich every individual’s life, with the rehabilitation team working collaboratively to secure the most beneficial services and programs for each patient. The environment created at Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation truly encourages healing, independence, and a smooth transition back to home.
