Our goal at SSM Rehabilitation Hospital is to provide the best possible rehabilitation
services tailored to your individual needs to facilitate the transition to home and the community. Your interdisciplinary
rehabilitation team, which includes highly trained and experienced specialists in this field, will work closely with you to
advance your recovery, provide the skills and strategies to encourage your independence, and offer you and your family support
and encouragement every step of the way.
Each specialist plays a significant role in the rehabilitation process:
The Case Manager serves as the
primary contact for the patient and family. His or her role on the team is
to direct the patient's rehabilitation and coordinate with everyone involved in
the patient's care. The case manager also provides ongoing communication with
the patient, family, attending and consulting physicians, referral sources and insurance
companies. In addition, he or she helps patients and families access
needed services, and prepare for identify available resources for the return home.
Physiatrists are the main medical
doctor on the rehabilitation team. A physiatrist is either an M.D. (Medical Doctor)
or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) with a specialty in physical medicine
and rehabilitation. The physiatrist assesses patients at admission to rehabilitation
and directs the patient's medical care, monitoring the course of rehabilitation to help the
patient attain optimal function. Your physiatrist stays in contact with
your other physicians to address special issues and keep them updated on your rehabilitation
progress. The physiatrist makes contact with all patients daily and meets with families
as needed during the rehabilitation stay.
Nurses and nursing assistants provide
the patient with 24-hour-a-day nursing care. Our nurses have specialized training
in rehabilitation and provide the patient's daily medical care, support and education.
They encourage patients to use techniques learned in therapy. Unlike in other
nursing units, rehabilitation nurses encourage patients to do as much of their own care as
functionally possible, since the goal is to teach independence and challenge each
patient to achieve their maximum potential.
Neuropsychologists are clinical
psychologists who specialize in studying brain behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists
have extensive training in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous
system. Their role on the rehabilitation treatment team is to address psychological
needs and concerns, helping patients and families adjust to changes in their life.
They offer assessment, treatment, and consultation and education.
Physical Therapists and Physical
Therapy Assistants provide assessments, treatment and therapy programs
to help patients gain greater mobility, muscle strength and performance, and joint
motion and balance. They also work with patients to improve their ability
to perform daily activities. Treatment often includes walking, transfers (moving
from bed to chair, for example), balance, therapeutic exercise, and cardiovascular
endurance training. They recommend and provide training on any assistive devices
to improve mobility, such as crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs and artificial
limbs or braces.
Occupational Therapistsand Occupational Therapy Assistants work with patients
to regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning,
health, well-being and security. Treatment focuses on helping individuals regain
greater independence with activities for daily living, often referred to as ADLs. These may include eating, dressing,
and personal care. Your occupational
therapists may use a variety of activities and tools to improve your strength, movements
and motor skills. They will provide
training on adaptive techniques or devices as needed, such as one-handed techniques,
reachers, dressing aids or environmental modifications. They also will help simulate your home environment or real life situations
as part of your therapy.
Speech Therapists (also referred to as Speech-Language
Pathologists) evaluate speech and language, memory, problem-solving, hearing and
swallowing skills in order to develop a treatment plan for improving problems related
to a patient's injury or illness. Treatment may focus on expressive
language (talking, naming, writing), receptive language (understanding and reading),
swallowing, and/or diet recommendations.
SSM Rehabilitation Hospital's holistic team approach includes Pastoral
Care. Members of the Pastoral Care staff can help patients
and families address their hopes and fears in facing recovery and the hard work
of rehabilitation, as well as the unique spiritual and emotional needs in reaching
their goals. They can help patients and families discover value amidst the
personal and physical changes from their injury or illness. Pastoral Care chaplains are
available to visit, listen, comfort, and address any spiritual needs, whatever the
denomination or preference. They can also help in contact a patient's faith communities
or church, and encourage ministers of all faiths to visit at any time during the
patient's stay.
Dietitians supervise methods of feeding and caloric needs, and monitor feeding tolerance to assure patients receive adequate nutrition.
