Someone with SCI is usually sent to a hospital for instant care for the injury. Sometimes they are moved from one hospital to another with SCI specialized services. For example, a person at a small community hospital might be moved to a Level 1 trauma center. Often surgery is needed to stabilize the spine. After surgery, the individual will be sent to an intensive care unit, where they will stay until they are stable. Then, individuals are usually sent to an inpatient rehabilitation center [link to how to choose inpatient rehabilitation]. Inpatient rehabilitation strengthens individuals and prepares them for life after the injury. Some are moved to a skilled nursing facility [link to how to choose a SNF] for more care before returning home. There are different paths after SCI. Some people face a health concern, sending them to a SNF or long-term acute care hospital before a complete recovery.  Either way, the end goal is for SCI individuals to get specialized SCI care to restore their movement. At home, they may need to join outpatient therapy programs for more recovery. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, average time spent in acute care after the injury is 19 days, and average time spent in rehabilitation is 37 days. This can be different for each person.  This short time means that you need to get ready for life after the injury quickly.  As one study participant put it: “I feel the time in rehab is so short, it’s hard to get everything you need.” Making the most out of time in rehab benefits SCI patients.