Becoming a Patient

Welcome! It is our pleasure to serve you. We look forward to helping you achieve the best recovery possible. Prior to arrival, each patient’s case is reviewed by one of our physicians. Your clinical referral liaison will alert you if and when your case has been approved for admission. If you or your loved one has not yet been assigned a clinical referral liaison to guide you through the admissions process, please refer to the admissions process section below.

During your stay at Sheltering Arms Institute, your care will be under the direction of one of our physicians. Your physician will communicate and collaborate with your primary care physician or surgeon as needed.

It is helpful if a responsible family member or friend can come with you upon arrival to provide information during the admission process, especially if communication is difficult for you. If this is not possible, please send a telephone number where this person can be reached.

What is the Admissions Process to Become a Patient at Our Hospital?

  1. Ask your case manager, social worker or physician to send a referral to the admissions department at Sheltering Arms Institute via NaviHealth, AllScripts or fax (804) 877-4001 including:
    • General information including name, date of birth, address, emergency contact and insurance information
    • History and physical
    • Medication administration list
    • Most recent physician notes
    • Therapy evaluation(s) and most recent therapy treatment notes
  2. A clinical referral liaison will be assigned to your case to evaluate your healthcare needs by visiting you, speaking to your family, and reviewing your medical chart.
  3. Once the clinical referral liaison gathers all necessary information, he or she will review your case with a Sheltering Arms Institute physician to determine if you meet the criteria for inpatient rehabilitation.

For more information on how to send a referral or becoming a patient, please call (804) 877-4000.

Why Are Potential Patients Evaluated?

Sheltering Arms Institute is considered a hospital; therefore, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires us to:

  • Admit patients who have medical needs that require physician oversight while receiving rehabilitation.
  • Verify that patients need at least two of the three following disciplines to be considered as a candidate:
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy

Where Do Our Patients Travel From?

Sheltering Arms Institute Patient AdressesSheltering Arms Institute is a regional destination hospital. People from all over the mid-Atlantic region choose us for their physical rehabilitation, from central to southwest Virginia, Virginia Beach to Northern Virginia, Maryland to North Carolina, and beyond. More than 100 health systems have referred patients to Sheltering Arms Institute.

Each pin on this map is representative of the zip code a patient/patients were discharged to since June 2020.

What Should You Bring During Your Stay?

The list below is intended to help make your stay more effective and comfortable. Please label all of your clothing with your name. Do not bring valuables such as jewelry, credit cards and cash to the hospital. Sheltering Arms Institute is not responsible for items that are lost or stolen. Sheltering Arms Institute is a tobacco and vape-free campus (including e-cigarettes and smoking/smokeless types).

  • All medical insurance cards, including Medicare and Medicaid, and a picture ID.
  • A copy of your Advance Directives or Living Will.
  • A list of all medications (over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements) including dosages. Please do not bring your medications with you. If it is necessary to bring home medications, we will alert you and have the pharmacy label them for you.
  • If you use any of the following items, please bring them with you: eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures, wheelchair, braces, prostheses, special eating utensils, etc. Bring any containers used to store the items. Please label all assistive devices (walker, cane, wheelchair, etc.) with your name.
  • Washable slacks or sweatpants (3-4 pairs)
  • Shirts/blouses (3-4)
  • Washable sweaters or sweatshirts (2-3)
  • Seasonal outdoor apparel, if applicable
  • Socks (3-4 pairs)
  • Comfortable rubber-soled shoes or sneakers.
  • Sleepwear (pajamas, robe, slippers with rubber or non-slip soles)
  • Special soaps/lotions/bath items
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste and denture care products
  • Razor/shaving cream (electric razor is best)
  • Deodorant and cosmetics
  • Brush/comb

Cafeteria Hours / Meal Times

There is a cafeteria for family members and visitors on the first floor. Meals for patients are served in the Sheltering Arms Institute patient dining area. Supervision and instruction are provided as needed.

Meal times are:

  • Breakfast: 8-9 a.m.
  • Lunch: 12-1 p.m.
  • Dinner: 5-6 p.m.