Inpatient Care

Overview | Team | Admissions
Rehabilitation Advisory Council | Patient Stories

The Team

Every individual, regardless of ability, has the potential to achieve a dignified, satisfying and productive life. At our Inpatient Rehabilitation Units, a multidisciplinary team partners with each patient to maximize their potential and to help them achieve as much independence as possible.

One of the most important aspects of this partnership is the weekly team meeting, held in accordance with our patient- and family-centered care model. During these meetings, the patient and their family discuss the patient's progress, and realistic and meaningful goals are set.

Second only to the patient in importance, the patient’s loved ones – family and friends – provide support, advocacy, and encouragement. Many of our patients have acknowledged the support of their loved ones as one of the primary factors in their successful rehabilitation. Our rehab teams recognize this and make every effort to include family and friends in all aspects of the rehabilitation journey.

The members of our rehabilitation teams include: a rehabilitation physician; a psychologist; a neuropsychologist; nursing staff; physical, occupational, and recreational therapists; a speech pathologist; a rehabilitation counselor; a social worker; and other health professionals. This team works together to ensure that the patient receives the most advanced and effective treatment available.

Rehabilitation Physician
Our rehabilitation physicians (called ‘physiatrists’ because of their specialized training in physical medicine and rehabilitation) are nationally recognized for their expertise in rehabilitation. As the team leader for the patient’s rehabilitation process, the attending physiatrist directs the patient’s care and supervises the care plans and training of residents who also participate on the team.

Rehabilitation Psychologist
The rehabilitation psychologist provides the knowledge and compassion needed to help guide the patient through the psychological adjustment concurrent with any rehabilitative process; this support begins during a patient’s stay in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and is available after the patient leaves the hospital.

Neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist might be recommended by a psychologist or the attending physiatrist. The neuropsychologist meets with the patient to assess any issues with thinking skills, such as memory, attention, and problem solving. The neuropsychologist might also prescribe a more extensive battery of tests once the patient leaves the hospital.

Nursing Staff
Many of the nurses on staff at our facilities are certified in rehabilitation nursing. Within the Inpatient Rehabilitation program, the rehabilitation primary nurse oversees the daily care, education, and coordination of treatment and training. Additionally, the patient may consult with a nurse practitioner (ARNP), who has received specialized training to diagnose and treat common medical problems, or a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), who specializes in a specific aspect of nursing, such as pain management or wound care.

Physical Therapist
The physical therapist works with the patient to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and balance in a variety of daily activities. These include moving in bed, using a wheelchair, and walking.

Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist provides training in independent living skills, endurance, self-care, and upper body/hand function. The Occupational Therapist will also provide training for the patient in any assistive technology that might be needed for returning to school or work.

RecreationalTherapist
A recreation therapist assesses and/or designs activities to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of individuals disabled as a result of trauma or disease. At a minimum, recreation therapists have a bachelor’s degree.

Speech Pathologist
The speech pathologist assists patients to improve memory, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Rehabilitation Counselor
The rehabilitation counselor works with the patient and family on preliminary planning for when and how to return to work or school. The counselor provides education and assistance with Family Leave, ADA accommodations, short term and long term disability, and other resources. Rehab counseling can also assist with assessing needs for assistive computer technology and job modifications.

Social Worker
The social worker assists the patient to coordinate services during the patient’s stay and post-discharge. This includes helping the patient and patient’s family gather the information needed during the rehabilitation process, as well as providing the patient an expert with which to discuss living situation questions, post-discharge services, housing and economic concerns, and relationship issues.

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