Steps to Home (For Short Term Care)

What is the Steps to Home Program?

This is the step from acute care to home. Our skilled care program assists patients in improving their physical, emotional and social functioning through rehabilitative therapies.

Who would benefit from the Steps to Home Program?

Patients who need rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery
Patients recovering from a stroke
Patients who need IV therapy
Patients who need to regain strength after an illness or injury

Who is involved in providing this care?

Patients receive skilled evaluation, rehabilitation and treatment services five to seven days a week or as prescribed. The interdisciplinary team providing these services includes:

Physicians: Qualified physicians care for each patient and are available 24/7. These physicians may also request consultations with other specialists during your stay.

Nurses: Skilled nurses provide daily personalized care to each patient.

Certified Nursing Assistants: Skilled CNAs provide attentive and specialized care.

Case Management: Case management professionals coordinate with the referring institution to facilitate a smooth transition into the program and assist with coordination of services needed to safely return home.

Physical Therapy: Qualified physical therapists provide therapeutic exercise, range of motion and assist with gait training.

Occupational Therapy: Qualified occupational therapists will assist patients with the ability to provide self-care such as bathing, feeding and dressing.

Speech Therapy: A qualified speech therapist is available to assist patients who may have swallowing difficulties.

Pharmacy: Our pharmacist is available to advise physicians on the dosages, interactions and side effects of medications. The pharmacist is also available if the patient or family member has questions about prescription drugs.

Dietitian: Our certified dietitian is available to provide a dietary assessment to determine nutritional needs, track progress, make dietary recommendations and provide nutrition education.

Activities Coordinator: The activities coordinator provides activities to meet the patients' interest and to provide for the patients' physical, mental and psycho-social well being.

Are loved ones and guests permitted to visit?

Support and encouragement of family and friends are extremely important to patient recovery. We invite and encourage loved ones to visit often. Patient care conferences are also a vital component for recovery, and family members are invited to attend.

What happens after discharge from the Steps to Home program?

Each patient makes progress based on their specific medical condition. The team will continually monitor your progress and focus on what's needed to safely transition back home.

Upon discharge, you may be referred to home health or outpatient services for additional treatment to help you safely return home.

How do I pay for Steps to Home?

Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of these services under the "Skilled Nursing" benefit. St. Luke's Hospital's case management team will obtain an authorization from your insurance company prior to transferring you into the program. Admission to this program can come from within St. Luke's Hospital or other area hospitals.

Steps to Home

St. Luke's Hospital
101 Hospital Drive, Columbus, NC 28722
Phone: 828-894-0916
Fax: 828-894-0947