Who is the primary doctor in acute rehabilitation?
Although your primary care physician and specialists are welcome to continue following
the patient, an SSM Rehabilitation Hospital physiatrist will be treating the patient as their rehabilitation
doctor. If the patient is admitted from another acute hospital setting and his or
her primary care physician or specialists are not on staff at SSM Rehabilitation Hospital, the physiatrist
will refer the patient to the appropriate specialist or primary care physician on
staff at SSM Rehabilitation Hospital.
Who determines the patient’s length of stay?
The patient’s rehabilitation team determines an estimated length of stay based on the progress
and needs of the patient. This information is then communicated to the family and
the insurance company by the case manager. Please note that the initial discharge
date is an estimate only, and may change as the patient progresses in therapies.
Length of stay also is determined by payer sources (Medicare, Medicaid or private
insurance), the patient’s need for 24-hour hospital care, the patient’s continued
progress, the patient’s participation, and insurance plan benefits. The average
length of stay for a severe brain injured patient is 4-6 weeks.
What will my insurance pay for when I leave?
Since every insurance company and plan is different, please see your case manager
to discuss your plan coverage.
How many visitors can the patient have?
Visiting hours for non-family members are after 4 p.m. The specific hours are listed
on the door of the Brain Injury Unit. It is advisable that no more than two visitors
visit at a time for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Family members who will be
involved in the direct care of the patient at the time of discharge are welcome
to visit and participate during therapy hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is helpful
if the therapists know you are going to attend therapies, so please make an appointment
with your case manager to be involved in therapy.
What complications are associated with swallowing difficulties?
Swallowing difficulties can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Even more seriously,
swallowing problems can cause foods or liquids to go into the airway, leading to
a form of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia. You should plan to use the recommended
diet textures and liquid consistencies for the near future, only changing the diet/liquid
when the speech-language pathologist determines that it is safe.
Do speech and language problems go away?
Speech and language problems are determined by the type and extent of the brain
injury. There is no rule on when or how much improvement will be made. A speech-language
pathologist can aid in the recovery process.
How long will recovery take?
The recovery process is different for every individual and there is not a set amount
of time. The healing process can take years.
Can the patient drink alcohol?
Alcohol affects your problem-solving, coordination, reaction time and vision, areas
often already impacted by the injury. Alcohol should not be used because it makes
the problems worse.
Will the patient be able to drive?
Possibly. Deficits in the skills required for driving – visual, motor and cognitive
– will have to resolve sufficiently to allow instantaneous problem-solving and reaction
needed to safely operate a vehicle. Referrals for testing a person’s necessary skills
and functions can be made after discharge home. Computerized and “on the road” testing
are often necessary.
What kind of support is available in the community for the survivors of brain
injury and their loved ones?
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri, Kansas and Illinois all offer resources,
education and other support. Call the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO)
at 1-800-377-6442 for more information. For a current listing of support groups
in your area, visit these web sites:
- Missouri: www.biamo.org
- Illinois: www.biail.org (also includes contact
information for the Brain Injury Associations of Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and Wisconsin)
