SJHS to close inpatient Rehabilitation Institute

Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) announced today that it will close its Rehabilitation Institute in Mishawaka. The facility, located at 60205 Bodnar Boulevard in the Elm Road Medical Campus, is a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit that provides intensive rehabilitation that requires a higher level of intensity than outpatient rehabilitation.

“SJHS made this decision after thoughtful consideration and a thorough analysis of regulations, trends and patient census,” said Chad W. Towner, SJHS chief executive officer. “Federal regulations dictate several requirements for patients to qualify for this level of care, and fewer patients are meeting these requirements as the industry moves to alternative treatment plans.”

Beginning Oct. 23, 2019, patients within the health system who need rehabilitation will be admitted to Holy Cross Rehabilitation or other care facilities, Towner said. Any patient currently receiving care at the Rehabilitation Institute will remain until their care is complete. The average length of stay for rehabilitation patients can be up to 25 days.

SJHS is dedicated to caring for the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of its patients, and its colleagues. Rehabilitation Institute staff will have opportunities to apply for positions in other SJHS facilities, including Mishawaka and Plymouth Medical Centers, Holy Cross, St. Paul's, VNA Home Care and Saint Joseph PACE. SJHS will make every attempt to place affected colleagues in similar roles, Towner said. There are approximately 30 colleagues working at the facility.

After the closure, SJHS will continue to provide healthcare at every stage of a patient’s life. The system provides a wide range of healthcare, from acute hospital care to community wellness, physical rehabilitation, physician clinics, home care, skilled nursing care, outpatient services, independent and assisted senior living, memory care and affordable senior apartments.

“The members of the Saint Joseph family will continue to deliver exceptional faith-based care to every man, woman and child who needs it,” Towner said.