Specialty Program
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your Heart Had a Scare. Your Recovery Shouldn’t.
Why Legacy
Why Use Legacy Post Acute Care?
Legacy’s dedicated cardiac rehabilitation program gives you a medically supervised, structured path back — not just from a procedure, but toward a stronger version of yourself.
CMS 5-Star Rated.
The Honest Picture
What Nobody Tells You About Going Home After a Heart Event
The hospital saved your life. But discharge day is often when the hardest work actually begins — and when families feel most alone.
“After my cardiac bypass, I spent three weeks at Legacy. The cardiac rehab therapists were top-notch, and the nurses were responsive and proactive with my pain management. I left stronger and more confident thanks to their support.”
— Rich S., Legacy Cardiac Bypass Recovery Patient
Heart attacks, cardiac bypass surgery, valve replacements, and congestive heart failure are all different — but they share one truth: the first four to eight weeks after the event are the most critical window for long-term recovery. Patients who receive structured cardiac rehabilitation during this period return to their lives faster, have fewer readmissions, and report a better quality of life. The question isn’t whether you need cardiac rehab — it’s whether you’ll get it in a setting equipped to deliver it safely.
47%
Reduction in hospital readmissions with structured cardiac rehab post-discharge
3×
More likely to return to independent living vs. home discharge alone
24/7
Skilled nursing and physician oversight at Legacy
The Legacy Difference
Why Families in the Martinez Area Choose Legacy for Cardiac Recovery
Most post-acute facilities offer therapy. Legacy offers a complete cardiac recovery environment — built specifically for how the heart heals.
Dedicated Cardiac Rooms
A purpose-built cardiac wing — specialty-trained nurses, cardiac recliners, and a cardiac communication board for post-cardiac patients specifically.
Physician Oversight
Medications are adjusted, labs reviewed, and your progress tracked by a physician who knows your case.
Registered Dietitian & Heart-Healthy Meals
Recovery is inseparable from nutrition. Our RD crafts heart-healthy meal plans that support your goals — not institutional food dressed up as “healthy.”
Therapists Who Specialize Here
Our PT and OT teams are well-versed in post-cardiac recovery — they know what cautious progression looks like, and when to push.
The Equipment Difference
Advanced Rehab Tools That Accelerate Recovery
Most facilities have a standard therapy gym. Legacy has specialized orthopedic equipment that lets therapists push recovery further — safely.
Variable-Grade Parallel Bars
Adjustable-height parallel bars that support safe gait training at every stage — from first steps to independent walking.
Dynamic Stair Trainers / Ramp
Step training in a controlled, supervised environment — essential prep for returning to a home with stairs or a ramp.
Omnicycle Equipment
Low-impact cycling that promotes joint mobility, circulation, and cardiovascular conditioning without stressing the surgical site.
Balance & Proprioception Boards
Targeted fall-prevention training that rebuilds the proprioceptive feedback the nervous system loses after surgery and immobility.
Therapeutic Modalities
Ice, heat, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound — used strategically to manage swelling, pain, and tissue healing between sessions.
The Recovery Roadmap
What Your Cardiac Rehabilitation Looks Like, Week by Week
Recovery isn’t a straight line — but it does have a structure. Here’s how we approach the journey.
1
Days 1–3
Arrival & Assessment
A comprehensive clinical assessment — cardiac history, medications, mobility, and goals. We coordinate with your hospital for continuity and flag concerns before therapy begins.
2
Week 1
Gentle Activation
Controlled, monitored exercises rebuild cardiovascular endurance at a pace your heart can handle. Pain is actively managed so you stay comfortable enough to engage.
3
Weeks 2–3
Building Stamina
Therapy progresses to functional independence — dressing, bathing, stairs. Nutritional counseling begins and your Registered Dietitian meets with you personally.
4
Weeks 3–4
Discharge Planning
Transition planning starts early — home-safety assessments, home-health referrals, medication reviews, and family education. You leave with a plan, not just a prescription.
What’s Included
Everything in Your Cardiac Care Plan
-
Dedicated cardiac wing with cardiac recliners and purpose-built recovery suites
- 24/7 skilled nursing and physician oversight — around the clock
- Heart-healthy meals by a Registered Dietitian with personal consultations
-
Specialized cardiac care team — in-house nurses, PT, OT, and therapists
-
Daily therapy focused on circulation, stamina, and safe functional movement
-
Family involvement, regular updates, and discharge guidance included
Insurance & Coverage
What to Know About Coverage
Most cardiac rehabilitation stays at Legacy are covered — at least in part — through Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurance. Coverage varies based on your plan, diagnosis, and length of stay. Our admissions team reviews your specific benefits before you arrive, so there are no surprises.
(925) 228-8383
Not sure whether you’re covered? Our admissions team will walk you through it — no obligation, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiac Rehab Questions, Answered Honestly
Many patients transfer with 2–5 days of post-surgery, once they are medically stable. Our admissions team coordinates directly with the hospital’s case managers to make the transfer seamless. If medically stable, admission to Legacy within 24-48 hours of discharge clears.
Most cardiac rehab stays at Legacy range from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of event, the patient’s baseline condition, and recovery progress. Your Physician care team will set goals and update discharge projections throughout your stay — you’re never left guessing where you stand.
No — and the distinction matters. Outpatient cardiac rehab is typically for patients who are already stable and living at home. Inpatient post-acute cardiac rehabilitation at Legacy is for patients who still need round-the-clock monitoring, nursing support, and medically supervised therapy before they are ready to go home safely.
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Family members are welcome to attend care conferences, meet with the care team, observe therapy sessions, and receive discharge education. We believe recovery is a shared process, and families who are prepared make a real difference in long-term outcomes at home.
Most skilled nursing facilities have a general therapy program. Legacy has a dedicated cardiac wing staffed by specialists — nurses, therapists, and dietitians who focus specifically on post-cardiac patients. The physical environment, the meal planning, the monitoring protocols — all of it is built around cardiac recovery, not general rehabilitation.
Yes. Our in-house physicians coordinate with your cardiologist throughout your stay — sharing progress notes, flagging changes in status, and ensuring continuity in your medication management. We are a bridge in your care continuum, not an island.
Get Started
The Next Step Starts With One Call
Whether you’re planning a transfer from the hospital or researching options for a loved one, our team will answer your questions, verify your benefits, and help you decide if Legacy is the right fit. No pressure.
☎ (925) 228-8383 · 📍 1790 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553 · Open 24/7