Rehabilitation is a team effort. Specialists in all areas of rehabilitation guide and teach the most important team member in the care process – the patient and their family members and caregivers.
Here is a list of other team members and their responsibilities.
- The Physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in rehabilitative medicine. The physiatrist manages medical care, directs the rehabilitation team and consults with other physicians regarding patient care.
- Consulting Physicians from other specialties may be asked to consult, recommend, or treat, depending on other injuries or circumstances unique to the patient. These specialties include pulmonary disease, orthopedics, cardiovascular problems, gastroenterology, or other areas.
- Rehabilitation Nurses work closely with physicians and the Rehabilitation Team to respond to medical nursing and therapy needs. Rehabilitation nurses assist with skin management, bowel and bladder training, and other self-care skills as needed. 24-hour registered nursing coverage is provided.
- Occupational Therapists assist our patients to improve strength and coordination, regain independence in normal activities of daily living and achieve skills so they can return home and to work.
- Physical Therapists help patients regain strength, balance, coordination and endurance so they can walk, climb stairs, use a wheelchair and manage other physical activities that enhance mobility.
- Speech-Language Pathologists help patients with memory, thinking, swallowing, communication, and language skills.
- Respiratory Therapists help individuals with breathing problems. Programs are individualized to deal with various pulmonary problems including tracheostomies and weaning patients from dependence on ventilators.
- Rehabilitation Therapy Assistants aid therapists in providing for therapy needs.
- Social Services act as a resource for patients and their family members. Our Social Worker coordinates many aspects of care, including education, team conferences, communication with insurance companies, and discharge planning. They also function as the Patient Representative and are available to address any other questions that arise during a rehabilitation stay.
- Dietitians review patient’s nutritional needs and provide nutritional education and counseling.
- The Neuropsychologist that specializes in brain-behavior relationships is here to support and educate patients and family members so they are better able to deal with life changes. The neuropsychologist administers a series of tests to evaluate the patient’s cognitive, emotional, intellectual, and academic/vocational skills. Their role on the rehabilitation team is to assist in the identification of intact and problematic cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The neuropsychologist also provides supportive psychotherapy.
- Rehabilitation CNA’s assist nurses in caring for medical, nursing and therapy needs.
- Spiritual Care & Support is provided by local volunteer clergy. They offer spiritual and emotional support patients and their families cope with life changes. Your own clergy are always welcome.
