Our 30 bed short-term rehabilitative unit, Birchwood, offers an innovative and advanced approach to short-term rehabilitation.  As a preferred provider for many Connecticut and New York Hospitals, our clinical collaborations and pathways integrate expertise from top rated hospitals and practitioners.

Rehab specialists provide comprehensive care utilizing state of the art equipment and therapeutic modalities which are necessary to treat a wide range of medical conditions.  Individuals may receive physical, occupational and speech therapies up to three hours per day, seven days a week in our rehab gym.

A collaborative team of therapists, nurses and practitioners work closely in the development of individualized accelerated recovery programs to optimize a patient’s independence and the management of chronic conditions.

• Cardiac Disease
• Diabetes
• Fractures
• Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
• Neurological – Muscular Disease
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation
• Wound Care

All the Comforts of Home

We want your short-term stay to be productive, as well as comfortable.  Our short-term Birchwood Rehab neighborhood offers all of the comforts of home, including the following complimentary amenities:

• Spacious private rooms
• Wi-Fi access
• Free local telephone
• Daily newspaper, upon request (including local, national and business publications)
• In-room meal service
• Selective Menu
• Complimentary salon or barber visit upon admission
• Interfaith and spiritual services
• Recreational activities

Early treatment intervention and a consistent therapy program are critical to post surgery recovery and pain.   From the day you arrive, our objective is to help you regain the strength necessary to function at home as quickly and safely as possible.

Our Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Program addresses a broad range of medical procedures.

• Cardiac Surgery (CABG, TAVR, Pacemakers)
• Orthopedic Surgery (Joint Replacements, Fractures, Spinal surgery)
• Pulmonary/ Thoracic Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Wounds / Plastic surgery

Our award winning therapy team excels at providing patients with the support and encouragement necessary to overcome physical limitations and achieve optimum levels of functioning.  Individualized rehabilitation programs address a broad range of orthopedic conditions and offer a full continuum of services including:  physical medicine, pain management, rehabilitation nursing and Physical and Occupational Therapies.

Innovative technology in both state of the art equipment and therapeutic modalities are used in conjunction with traditional therapies including the Omnicycle for cardio, orthopedic and pulmonary function gains, balance and mobility training, activities of daily living training and biomechanical re-education.

• Joint Replacement
• Fractures
• Cervical and Lumber Injuries
• Arthritis and Osteoporosis
• Amputations

Our speech therapist uses the state of the art Synchrony Device for dysphagia treatment.  This device gives patients biofeedback to improve the strength of their swallowing control.

Candlewood Valley offers a Pulmonologist directed Respiratory Care Program to treat patients with Asthma, Emphysema and other forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Our Pulmonary Team recognizes the psychosocial and physical needs of patients with chronic respiratory conditions.  On-site respiratory therapists provide education and individualized exercise programs that address proper breathing technique, energy conservation, nutrition, oxygen and the avoidance of COPD exacerbations.

Treatments and supportive care services include nebulizers, inhalers, C-Pap, Bi-Pap, Sleep Apnea Treatment and Management, Oxygen Support, Tracheostomy Care, Pleurex Catheter Care, IV Lasix, steroids, antibiotics and nutritional counseling.

Our nursing staff is IV Certified and can administer intravenous Lasix, Dilaudid, steroids, antibiotics, analgesic pumps and TPN, when indicated.  Portacath, Hickman, and PICC line management are expertly managed and maintained to promote healing and recovery.

Stroke recovery begins at Candlewood Valley.  Our well-organized, multi-disciplinary approach to post acute stroke rehabilitation can help minimize neurologic impairments related to speech, cognitive ability and motor skill.

Because stroke survivors often have complex rehabilitation needs, progress and goals are different for each patient.  Our team will work closely with you and your loved ones during all phases of your rehabilitation and recovery so that you may become as independent as possible in your daily life.

Our collaborative team of experienced clinicians excels in Stroke Rehabilitation and we offer a broad range of support services and modalities that can optimize functional restoration.

• Physical, Occupational, Respiratory and Speech Language Therapies
• Specialty Physical Medicine
• Gait, balance and mobility training
• Adaptive Training
• Dysphagia Therapy
• Vital Stimulation
• Nutritional Counseling
• Social Worker and Psychological Support Services

When your next stop is home or to an alternate level of care, our Short Term Rehab team will meet with you to develop a safe and successful transition.  While considering your goals and expectations, our team will assess your functional abilities and arrange for any adaptive equipment or devices that you may need to safely return to your home.  Home health care services may be referred, if necessary.

Nurses and practitioners will review your medications, assist with follow up appointments and discuss care protocols necessary for your health and well being.  Our Registered Dietician will review your dietary requirements and provide nutritional counseling.

Our dedicated team works together with patients and their loved ones in order to develop an effective discharge plan that will promote individual independence and ensure continued progress.

Our top notch therapy team is led by Dr. Jennifer Tuz.  They recently received the EXCELLENCE AWARD from the Preferred Therapy Network.  This is the 5th year in a row the Candlewood Therapy Team has won this award.  This particular award is based on quality assurance measures as determined via an annual audit.  Our therapy superstars scored 97%  on their audit!

As if that wasn’t enough, the Candlewood Therapy Team also won the very first Clinical Excellence Team Award!  This award is based on the strength of the clinical skills in the department, and also the fact that we take in many therapy students and foster their education and skills.

Not to continue bragging…..but…six of our therapist are on the Preferred Therapy Clinical Ladder.  This is a growth program for team members.  Out of 2000 therapists in the network, only 20 are on the Clinical Ladder, and 6 of those therapists are on the Candlewood Therapy Team!  This program recognizes therapists who attend seminars to improve their own skills, mentor students and also volunteer in their community.

We couldn’t be more proud of our fabulous, caring and talented Candlewood Therapy Team!