Recover close to help.
A recovery stay at Willowmere means a few weeks in a furnished suite for an older adult who can leave the hospital but should not yet manage alone: after a joint replacement, a fall, an illness or a surgery. Guests have meals, daily living support and caregivers close by, while the therapy prescribed by their doctor happens a short walk down the hall.
Willowmere is an assisted living community, not a skilled nursing facility. Recovery stays suit guests whose doctor has cleared them for an assisted living setting, with physical, occupational or speech therapy provided by outside therapy providers who see guests in our therapy gym or in their suite.
Many guests come to us straight from the hospital, others from home a few days after discharge when it becomes clear that the stairs, the bathtub or the cooking are not yet manageable alone. Either way, the suite is furnished and ready, meals arrive at the same times every day and someone is always close by to help.
Before the guest goes home, our nurse meets with the family to review medications, any equipment that will be needed and the help that will make the first weeks easier. If more support is wanted, our in-home care team can continue visits at home with caregivers the guest has already met.
Recovery is easier when the basics are taken care of. Guests do not have to cook, clean or climb the stairs at home, and they can rest between therapy sessions without worrying about the next meal. Family members can visit whenever they like, join a meal in the Hearth or sit in on a therapy session when both the guest and the therapist agree.
Our nurse keeps a close eye on the details that matter after a hospital stay: medications started or stopped at discharge, follow-up appointments, wound care instructions from the surgeon and any changes the therapists recommend. Questions go to the guest's own doctor, and families hear about anything important the same day.
When the doctor says it is time to go home, we help with the practical side too: arranging the ride, packing up the suite and sending a short written summary of the stay to the family the same day.
Guests who later need more help at home can continue with our in-home caregivers, and those who enjoyed the stay are always welcome to come back for a visit, a class or a Sunday meal with family.
Most recovery stays run between one and eight weeks: a week or two after minor surgery, two to four weeks after a hip or knee replacement, and longer after a serious illness. The guest's doctor decides when it is time to go home, and we extend or shorten the stay to match, confirming new dates and the rate in writing.
From hospital to suite
Hospital discharges move quickly. Calling us before the discharge date gives the most choice of suites.
A family member or the hospital discharge planner calls with the expected date and needs.
Our nurse reviews discharge orders, medications and mobility with the family.
Guests arrive straight from the hospital or from home; the suite is ready and furnished.
Before checkout, we share notes for home and help arrange home care if wanted.
What a recovery stay covers
The daily rate covers the suite and daily support. Therapy is arranged through the guest's doctor and therapy provider.
- Furnished suite near the therapy gym
- Three meals a day and snacks
- Help with bathing, dressing and getting around
- Medication support
- Rides to follow-up appointments
- Housekeeping and laundry
Who you will see during a stay
Recovery stays bring together a small group of people, all in one building.
Caregivers
Help with daily living at the times in the short-stay care plan, day and night.
Our nurse
Reviews discharge orders and medications and keeps the family informed.
Visiting therapists
Outside therapy providers work with guests on the plan their doctor ordered.
The front desk
Books rides to appointments and answers family calls whenever they come in.
Recovery stay questions
Related: respite stays and in-home care after the stay.