Mission Hospital Acute Rehabilitation Unit

Learn about the renowned rehabilitation services at Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, where personalized care helps patients achieve better quality of life.

Our rehabilitation services are designed to help patients return to functional independence and achieve the highest quality of life possible. Through various programs and comprehensive exercise regimens, our treatments provide the precise and personal care each patient deserves. And to ensure lasting and effective results, our caregivers play an active role in developing and customizing treatment plans for each patient’s specific medical needs. This expert level of compassionate care is provided by multidisciplinary caregivers that includes:

Our goal in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) is to provide highly personalized care to enable people with disabling conditions to achieve their goals and to pursue life with meaning and purpose. And we've done it - our ARU consistently ranks among the top 10 percent in the nation for positive results for rehabilitative services. We are extremely highly regarded for our ability to achieve better outcomes utilizing fewer resources while returning patients to community living more than regional and national health care providers.

Providence Mission Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) offers comprehensive services to help adults and adolescents reduce physical and mental limitations caused by stroke, neurological disorders, spinal cord injury, head injury, amputation, certain orthopedic conditions, neuromuscular disorders, multiple trauma or other disabling conditions. For admission to our program patients will be evaluated for rehabilitation potential.

Our highly skilled rehabilitation team focuses on functional, practical outcomes to help you achieve the highest possible level of independence and productivity.

You will work in partnership with a team of rehabilitation experts, which include: physicians who specialize in physical medicine-as well as specialists ranging from cardiologists to surgeons; registered nurses; physical and occupational therapists; speech pathologists; care managers/social workers; therapeutic recreational specialists; neuropsychologists and dietitians. Additional team members are added as needed, such as specialists in audiology, learning disabilities, and orthotics and prosthetics.

Our highly skilled rehabilitation team focuses on functional, practical outcomes to help you achieve the highest possible level of independence and productivity.

You will work in partnership with a team of rehabilitation experts, which include: physicians who specialize in physical medicine-as well as specialists ranging from cardiologists to surgeons; registered nurses; physical and occupational therapists; speech pathologists; care managers/social workers; therapeutic recreational specialists; neuropsychologists and dietitians. Additional team members are added as needed, such as specialists in audiology, learning disabilities, and orthotics and prosthetics.

Within the first few days of admission, the rehabilitation team will conduct evaluations and discuss your functional goals and plan treatment. You and your family will be invited to attend an initial family conference. Other family conferences may be scheduled as needed.

Within the first few days of admission, the rehabilitation team will conduct evaluations and discuss your functional goals and plan treatment. You and your family will be invited to attend an initial family conference. Other family conferences may be scheduled as needed.

During rehabilitation, it is critical that secondary conditions, such as diabetes, urological issues, or respiratory complications-be successfully managed. With over 800 of Southern California's finest physicians on staff allowing us to offer patients the right expertise at just the right time.

Family visits and support are essential during recovery and rehabilitation. Your family's input is vital to your treatment. We ask that one family member be chosen as your primary contact for your care and progress reports. The family is expected to participate in the patient's therapy program at the appropriate time to assist the patient and learn the proper methods of caring for the patient. Visiting hours are flexible and are planned around treatment times.

One of the conditions to qualify for ARU is that the patient MUST participate in three hours of therapy each day. The client's schedule will include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and possibly speech therapy. Rest breaks will be provided throughout the day and are encouraged as an integral part of the recovery process.

If an ARU patient is consistently unable to participate in three hours of daily therapy, an immediate transfer to a rehabilitation center that provides a less intensive program may be recommended.

Although most patients have a set schedule, no two days in rehabilitation are exactly alike. As your abilities and needs change, your treatment and daily activities will change to ensure your continued progress.

Afternoon therapies will typically be different than those in the morning. Each patient will receive three hours of individual therapy daily. If therapy time has been missed, make up therapy sessions will be scheduled no later than the next day.

The scheduling of this conference typically occurs the day prior to the conference. Notifications/Invitations to participate will be given to the patient and any designated family upon request or as previously determined, the day prior to the conference. Conference calling is an option if previously set up for those who are unable to be present at the designated meeting time. Members of the rehabilitation team will be present including a rehabilitation physician and medical director, a neuropsychologist, a social worker and rehabilitation nurse.

Patient Care Conferences are an important component during any rehabilitation program and ensure that the client and family are prepared for homecoming. We ask that family members designated to be the client spokesperson, please make an effort to attend.

Do not buy clothes special for the rehab program. Bring in what is available and plan for approximately four days. All patients are to get dressed in street clothes that are easy to put on and take off.

Whenever possible, please leave all items of value (such as jewelry, expensive watches, large amount of money) at home. If necessary, valuables can be stored with hospital security in a safe location.

Visitor parking is located in the area between the hospital and the Medical Office Buildings (MOB's). The first 15-minute period is free and then the cost can increase up to a maximum of $7 per day. Visitors can enter through the doors marked Tower 1 entrance, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Maps are available at kiosks located throughout the hospital campus and upon request.

Long-term parking: Discount passes may be obtained at the parking booth located at the main entrance to the hospital parking, directly off Medical Center Road.

Please notify the nurse, not only when experiencing pain, but when additional medication is needed prior to scheduled therapy. This will avoid the onset of acute pain during or after a therapy session.

Drills are held routinely to make sure that caregivers are prepared for emergencies. Keeping the ARU safe and quiet is important. If visitors are in conflict with this, they may be asked to leave.

Thanks to our unique combination of advanced methods, expert specialists and exceptional outcomes, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has recognized our high level of care with accreditation for the following programs:

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

As expressions of God's healing love, witnessed through the ministry of Jesus, we are steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.