Blake Medical Center

Celebrate Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Week

When you hear the term “Rehab” one thinks of celebrities going to a drug and alcohol rehab center. Inpatient Rehabilitation is not that kind of rehab. Acute care inpatient rehabilitation is for any person who has experienced a decline in function and/or ability to perform activities of daily living and has the potential for improvement could be a possible candidate for the acute inpatient rehabilitation program. Rehab is essential to achieving and maintaining the highest level of functioning and independence.

September 18^th through September 24^th 2011, Rehab Centers celebrated National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation was established by Allied Services in 1996. Its mission is to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation; develop programs which aim to increase opportunities for the nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities, and help those who are disabled live up to their fullest potential through rehabilitation. The not-for-profit foundation is headquartered in Scranton, Pa. In 1990, a presidential proclamation designated the third week of September as National Rehabilitation Week.

Examples of candidates for inpatient rehab:

• Stroke
• Amputation
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurological disorders
• Major multiple Trauma
• Bone Fractures
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Severe Arthritis
• Medically Complex

Length of Stay

Upon admission to rehab, a patient is evaluated by the rehabilitation team and an individualized treatment plan is established. Progress towards team goals are evaluated at a minimum, on a weekly basis by your rehabilitation team. A patient’s length of stay on the inpatient rehabilitation unit is determined by:

• active participation in the rehabilitation program
• ability to progress towards goals
• ongoing authorization by the payor source
• the involvement of family, friends and significant others
• a safe discharge plan

Rehabilitation Team:

The interdisciplinary team of specialists includes:

• Physiatrists (physician specializing in rehab)
• Neuropsychologists
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Therapists
• Therapeutic Recreational Therapists
• Rehab Nurses

Criteria for admission

A doctor’s order is required to request an inpatient rehab consultation. Intake or Outreach Coordinators receive referral information and triage for the appropriate type of rehab.

Persons admitted to the Rehabilitation Program:

• Medically stable
• Have a qualifying diagnosis as determined by the rehabilitation physician
• Need 24 hour rehabilitation nursing care
• Need daily visits from our physicians and 24 hour nursing care
• Tolerate three hours of intensive therapy at least five days a week
• Have the potential to make functional gains
• Have a plan to return home or to a community setting as deemed appropriate upon completion of the rehabilitation program
• Have authorization from a payor source

Accreditations & Awards for Inpatient Rehab Centers

• Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
• Certified Rehab Registered Nurses (CRRNs)
• The Joint Commission and the Commission

The goal of the rehab interdisciplinary team is to maximize your highest level of independence.

Tags: Terry Doire