Encompass Health Corp. has announced a significant expansion of its national rehabilitation network with plans to build a new, freestanding 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Fishers, Indiana. The project marks a major investment in the region’s growing healthcare infrastructure and reflects rising demand for advanced, specialized rehabilitation services across Hamilton County and nearby communities.
The forthcoming hospital will be designed to provide comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a wide range of debilitating illnesses, injuries and complex medical conditions. These include strokes and other neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, major orthopedic conditions and other functional impairments that require structured inpatient rehabilitation. Encompass Health, one of the nation’s largest providers of post-acute care and rehabilitation services, emphasizes that the facility will equip patients with the intensive therapy and medical oversight needed to regain independence and restore quality of life.
A Comprehensive Approach to Rehabilitation Care
According to Encompass Health, patients will have access to an integrated, multidisciplinary model of care that combines medical management with therapeutic services tailored to individual patient needs. In addition to 24-hour nursing support, the hospital will provide physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology—three pillars of rehabilitation that help patients rebuild mobility, communication, daily functioning and cognitive skills.
Specialized rehabilitation nurses, highly trained therapists and board-certified physicians will coordinate treatment plans, ensuring that each patient receives evidence-based, personalized care. The emphasis on teamwork—where medical, therapeutic and support staff collaborate closely—has long been a hallmark of Encompass Health’s approach and is expected to be a defining feature of the new Fishers facility.
State-of-the-Art Design and Patient-Centered Features
The hospital’s layout and amenities will reflect modern best practices in rehabilitation design, focusing on comfort, safety, privacy and an environment that encourages patient progress. The planned features include:
- All private patient rooms, allowing for greater comfort, confidentiality and reduced risk of infection.
- A large, fully equipped therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies that support gait training, mobility improvement, strength building and neurological recovery.
- An activities of daily living (ADL) suite, a simulated home-like environment where patients can practice essential everyday tasks—such as cooking, dressing or bathing—before returning home.
- An in-house dialysis suite to support patients with kidney conditions who require ongoing treatment during rehabilitation.
- On-site pharmacy services to ensure efficient medication management and patient safety.
- A therapeutic outdoor courtyard, offering opportunities for mobility training, outdoor therapy exercises and recovery in a calming, natural environment.
- A spacious dining room, designed to promote social interaction and support nutritional needs during recovery.
These design elements aim to make the rehabilitation environment both highly functional and supportive, creating a space where patients feel encouraged and empowered throughout their healing journey.
Meeting the Growing Need for Rehabilitation Services in Indiana
Hamilton County and the broader Central Indiana region have experienced significant population growth in recent years. With this growth comes increased demand for specialized healthcare services, particularly for rehabilitation following major medical events such as strokes, traumatic injuries, orthopedic surgeries or neurological conditions. Encompass Health’s decision to invest in Fishers underscores a strategic effort to expand access to high-quality rehabilitation options in a region where patient needs continue to rise.
Abe Sims, president of Encompass Health’s MidAtlantic region, emphasized the importance of expanding services in Indiana. “We are pleased to further expand our presence in Indiana to help meet the growing need for inpatient rehabilitation services,” Sims said. “We look forward to providing high-quality, compassionate care to help patients recovering from illnesses and injuries regain independence and return to their communities.”
Sims highlighted that the new facility aligns with Encompass Health’s commitment to offering patient-centered care that prioritizes dignity, recovery and long-term quality of life. The company continues to broaden its footprint nationwide, recognizing that rehabilitation plays a critical role in post-acute healthcare and in improving outcomes for patients who require intensive recovery support after hospitalization.
A Strategic Addition to Encompass Health’s Indiana Network
The Fishers hospital will strengthen Encompass Health’s presence in the state and complement its existing rehabilitation locations, which include:
- Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital in Newburgh
- Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital – Downtown in Evansville, a satellite location
Together, these facilities serve patients across Southern Indiana and beyond. The addition of a rehabilitation hospital in Fishers will extend Encompass Health’s reach into Central Indiana and ensure that patients in the region have more accessible options for inpatient rehabilitation care.
By integrating the new facility into its broader network, Encompass Health aims to create seamless pathways for patient care, allowing for better coordination with local hospitals, primary care physicians, orthopedic and neurological specialists, and community health organizations.
Expected Opening in 2027
The hospital is projected to open its doors in 2027, bringing new healthcare jobs and advanced rehabilitation capabilities to Fishers. As the planning and construction phases move forward, Encompass Health is expected to collaborate closely with local healthcare partners, community leaders and regulatory agencies to ensure that the facility meets all clinical, operational and community standards.
Once operational, the hospital will join Encompass Health’s nationwide network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, which collectively care for tens of thousands of patients annually. These facilities are recognized for delivering evidence-based rehabilitation that improves functional outcomes, reduces hospital readmissions and supports smoother transitions back to home and community life.
A Commitment to Community Impact
Beyond its clinical services, the new rehabilitation hospital is anticipated to contribute to broader community health and economic development in Fishers. The project will create healthcare jobs across nursing, therapy, administration, pharmacy, facilities operations and other fields. It will also help reduce gaps in access to rehabilitative care, ensuring that residents do not need to travel long distances to receive the intensive services necessary for recovery.
Encompass Health’s investment demonstrates the organization’s long-term commitment to serving Indiana communities with high-quality care, cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies and compassionate clinical expertise.
