Services

Therapy

Physical Therapy- Movement is the focus of physical therapy. The physical therapist, working with the physician and other team members, will evaluate the disabilities as a result of the brain injury and will develop a rehabilitation program designed to improve the quality of muscle tone, coordination, balance, strength, endurance joint flexibility, and mobility. Mobility could be walking or learning to use the wheelchair independently. Physical therapy will also evaluate and determine the need for a wheelchair or other type of adaptive equipment needed to allow someone to move about the facility.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps patients in the program improve their physical capabilities and skills needed for independent daily living. The occupational therapy programs will be designed to teach the person how to take care of personal needs, dressing, bathing, and use of prosthetic and adaptive equipment to accomplish self-care, work, and leisure tasks. They will also work with the upper body to ensure movement and decrease tone and/or contractures along with cognitive retraining.

Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic recreation is a vital element in the rehabilitation program and team members assist with the development of new leisure skills and are able to return to previous recreational interests. The recreational/activities staff design a program based on the abilities and interests of the patient. The Certified Occupational Therapist (COTA) will work with the family and provide services to help the patient make a smooth transition back home and into the community.

Speech and Language Pathology

Communication is one of the most important aspects of daily life. Speech pathology will assist with relearning how to communicate again. They also assess and establish a treatment program for swallow disorders and assist with eating as well as work on thinking and memory skills.

Social Services/Case Management

To best meet the needs of our patients, the social worker will need to meet with a family member soon after admission. Family members are educated about brain injury and their special role in recovery. Support and participation of the family are essential to the rehabilitation process. The social worker, in coordination with the treatment team, assists the family and significant others with social, emotional and financial needs that may arise after a severe brain injury. Family meetings with the treatment team as well as times for the family to participate in therapy sessions. The social worker will manage discharge planning and explore available resources for a successful transition into the community. They are also available to provide guidance for tools such as social security disability or Medicaid applications.

Neuropsychology Services

The neuropsychologist provides services under a contract arrangement and works with the treatment team towards helping the patient and families. The neuropsychologist may perform formalized neuropsychology testing when the patient is able to communicate and follow directions. The neuropsychologist will assist the team in establishing a plan for intervention with cognitive, behavioral and emotional issues and treat the patient as appropriate.

Psychiatric Consultations

The nurse practitioner for the psychiatric contract group works with the treatment team to determine if there are medications that can assist in the rehabilitation program. Medications for increased arousal and alertness may be beneficial for some patients. Many persons who have suffered a brain injury may have anxiety or depression that they may need treatment to alleviate these symptoms to ensure they can fully participate in the rehabilitation program.

Dietary Services

The dietitian works closely with the physician, nurses, speech and occupational therapy to determine specific dietary needs. Special diets, food allergies, and food preferences are considered. The team is alert to swallowing difficulties, chewing issues or altered appetites. The dietitian is available to help the patient and the family with individual needs or diet instructions. Family cooperation with diet plans is requested.