Physiatrists
Our physiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They visit with patients and staff daily and meet with the clinical rehabilitation team weekly to discuss each patient's progress. Acting as a team leader, the physiatrist directs and determines the medical and rehabilitation services patients need during their stay and for discharge.
Rehabilitation Liaisons
Liaisons review and evaluate potential patients for the inpatient program. They meet with patients and families prior to admission; they will explain the program and services and offer tours of the facility to help with the decision making process. In addition, they work in partnership with the case managers and social workers from the referring facility and with the admitting physicians and nursing at the inpatient rehabilitation center to ensure a smooth transition.
Rehabilitation Nurses
Our nurses specialize in rehabilitation, and many hold rehabilitation nursing certificates. This allows our nursing staff to provide the most updated care to our patients. The nursing staff also carry out individualized therapy programs set by the rehabilitation team, such as assisting patients with brushing teeth, bathing and dressing. They also provide bowel and bladder training and medical care necessary to promote good health.
Physical Therapists
Our physical therapists help patients improve their mobility, including stair climbing, walking and wheelchair mobility. Techniques used by physical therapists include those that improve range of motion, strength, balance, coordination and endurance. They also offer education on safety, mobility and adaptive devices.
Occupational Therapists
Our occupational therapists help patients develop, restore and maintain their ability to perform tasks in daily living and work environments. Techniques used by occupational therapists help improve basic motor skills, decision making, abstract reasoning, problem-solving and perceptual skills. In addition, they focus on memory, sequencing and coordination. They also offer education on safety, mobility and adaptive devices.
Recreational Therapists
Our recreational therapists help patients develop realistic life plans, including the necessary skills for returning to positive life opportunities. They also introduce patients to modifications and alternatives such as healthy lifestyle practices, time management, social skill development, leisure interests and problem solving for community barriers.
Speech Therapists
Our speech therapists treat patients with swallowing, speech, memory and cognitive dysfunctions. Patients focus on regaining speaking, understanding language, writing, communication, memory, reading, eating and swallowing skills.
Neuropsychologists
Our neuropsychologists are involved when patients have concerns with cognitive, emotional and social changes and offer suggestions to patients and caregivers to help ease transition to independence.
Social Worker
Our social workers meet with every patient upon admission to assess any anticipated discharge needs. They support patients and their caregivers and arrange for post-discharge services and adaptive equipment.
Additional Team Members
The following are additional rehabilitation team members who may be part of the rehabilitation team:
- Hospitalist/Specialist - These doctors follow patients for medical conditions that existed prior to admission, as well as any new medical conditions requiring specialized care.
- Case Manager - Our case managers work with the patient's social worker to coordinate healthcare and community resources. Case managers are registered nurses who assist social workers with special medical care for patients upon discharge, such as home IV therapy.
- Dieticians - Our registered, licensed dieticians provide patients with nutritional assessments, counseling, education and also monitor nutritional needs.
- Pastoral Care - Our Chaplains can be involved with patients and caregivers upon request to provide emotional and spiritual support.
- Volunteers - Many of our volunteers have experienced the rehabilitation process themselves and are well equipped to offer encouragement and support to patients and caregivers.
- Interpreters - Our interpreters help with communication between patients and the rehabilitation team. This service is coordinated through our Social Service department.
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) - This state agency promotes patients returning to employment, when appropriate. Services are coordinated through the patient's social worker.