COVID-19

Facing an unprecedented challenge — together

Are you or a loved one experiencing the side effects of COVID-19?

COVID-19 is no different from an injury. Research shows the sooner you begin vigorous rehabilitation, the better your outcome will be. We see this proven daily.

We developed the ReCOVery℠ Program for patients who are:

Experiencing challenges around COVID-19 and prolonged hospitalization.
Fighting symptoms at home.
Challenged by persistent “long-haul” symptoms weeks or months after the infection has cleared.

Led by board-certified physiatrists using the latest COVID-19 research and treatment, our multifaceted program offers everything from a short round of physical therapy to extensive rehabilitation to help adults and children battling the virus.

David and Charlunda Thompsons of Inkster

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Mary Free Bed’s inpatient ReCOVery℠ Program is specifically designed for COVID-19 rehabilitation following hospitalization. We’ll help you regain strength and confidence so you can safely return home.

Rehabilitation is provided by:

Physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation
Occupational therapists
Physical therapists
Speech-language pathologists
Respiratory therapists
Pain specialists
Psychologists
Nutritionists

Team members focus on:

Cognition
Deconditioning
Respiratory function
Stroke/Neurologic injury
Other conditions associated with the virus

Patients see a board-certified rehabilitation physician daily and receive a minimum of three hours of customized daily therapy at least five days a week. Respiratory therapists are available 24/7, and psychology services also are offered.

Contact Us
Ask for a referral, or call us directly: 616.840.8790.
Email: admissionscoordinators@maryfreebed.com.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

If you or your loved one is recovering at home from COVID-19 or still experiencing persistent symptoms, Mary Free Bed’s ReCOVery℠ Program can help.

Whether COVID-19 is a primary or secondary diagnosis, outpatient services are available as clinically appropriate. We can help with:

Neurological symptoms

Headaches
Loss of smell or taste
Memory difficulties and “brain fog”

Physical symptoms

Chronic pain
Deconditioning
Dysphagia
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches or pain
Rapid heartbeat
Respiratory problems
Sleep issues
Stroke/Neurologic injury

Psychological symptoms

Anxiety
Depression

Our multidisciplinary ReCOVery ℠ teams are led by board-certified physiatrists. Depending on your needs, treatment may include physical, occupational, speech and/or respiratory therapy, psychology, pain rehabilitation and nutrition.

ReCOVery ℠ Supportive Treatment Group
COVID-19 takes not only a physical toll, but also an emotional, mental and social one. Our Supportive Treatment Group is facilitated by a health psychologist specially trained in managing chronic conditions. Participants receive mental health support, education on symptom management and coping skills development.

Locations

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
235 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.840.8005

Mary Free Bed at Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan – East
5800 Foremost Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616.949.3583

Mary Free Bed at Cancer & Hematology Centers of West Michigan – Muskegon
6425 S. Harvey St.
Norton Shores, MI 49444
231.798.4866

Mary Free Bed Holland
3290 N. Wellness Drive, Building D, Suite 150
Holland, MI 49424
616.294.4066

Virtual Services

We also provide treatment virtually throughout Michigan. Just call 616.840.8005 or 800.668.6001.

Visitor Policy

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, we’re limiting the number of people coming into our buildings.

Inpatients
All visitors will sign in at the West Entry check-in desk, be screened (see questions below) and must wear a surgical or homemade mask (or a face shield if you’re medically unable to wear a mask). We’re helping patients stay connected with loved ones through virtual visits and by phone.

Adult inpatients: Two visitors – When you’re admitted, you’ll choose two designated adult visitors for the duration of your stay.
Mary Free Bed Kids: Two visitors – A maximum of two designated parents/caregivers will be determined at the time of admission for the duration of the patient’s stay.
ReCOVery℠ Unit: (or patients currently in isolation for COVID-19) No visitors – These areas are for patients recovering from COVID-19.
Sub-Acute Rehabilitation: Patients who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and unvaccinated patients who complete the CDC-required 14-day quarantine period are allowed TWO designated adult visitors.
*Visits are scheduled through Sub-Acute Rehabilitation recreational therapy by calling 616.840.8831. Visits must be scheduled one business day in advance; same-day requests cannot be accommodated due to the volume of requests. No one younger than 18 may visit.
Inpatient rehabilitation (Network locations) – Follow visitor policies at the Network hospital.

Outpatients

Outpatient therapy— One adult family member/caregiver at Mary Free Bed locations. (At Network locations, follow visitor policies.)
Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics – One adult family member/caregiver.

Visiting hours – Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily at our hospital on the main campus in Grand Rapids. Visitors may take patients outside on the third-floor terrace, weather permitting.

SAR visiting hours – Hours at 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visits are limited to one hour and must take place in designated areas on the Sub-Acute Rehabilitation floor. Outdoor visits are permitted if the patient is appropriate to go outside and can be transported by family to the outdoor seating areas. Patients must be signed out/in with the recreational therapist or nurse when leaving/returning to Unit.

Screening – Everyone (patients, designated visitors/caregivers, employees, vendors) is screened for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors upon arrival at a Mary Free Bed location.

You’ll be asked:

Do you have ANY of the following symptoms that have started or gotten worse in the past 48 hours:
- Fever >100
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Vomiting
Do you have two or more of the following symptoms that are NEW or have worsened in the past 48 hours?
- Chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, congestion/runny nose, fatigue or nausea
Have you had a vaccination for COVID-19 in the last three days?
Have you had close contact with someone who is suspected of or has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days WITHOUT wearing PPE?

If you answered YES to the any of these questions:

You will not be allowed to enter.
If you’re a patient, please call to reschedule your appointment.

Mary Free Bits

Every case of COVID-19 is different. Symptoms vary from person to person, and so does the rate of recovery. Rehabilitation helps.

We’ve put together a series of short videos filled with helpful tips from Mary Free Bed clinicians. From quick-and-easy exercises to strengthen your lungs to what to eat to improve your energy, we think you’ll find these “Mary Free Bits” helpful as you recover at home.

“Listen to your body,” said Dr. Kelly Armstrong, a Mary Free Bed physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “If something doesn’t feel right or you’re struggling with the pace of symptom improvement, reach out to a medical professional.”

She warned it’s possible to contract COVID-19 more than once, so follow mask, social distancing and handwashing guidelines.

Gaining Strength