The advanced practice provider (APP) works with the attending physician to care for the medical needs of patients while they are receiving rehabilitation. The APP also assists in the coordination of rehabilitation efforts and will be by the patient’s side throughout their rehab journey.

The attending physician is a physiatrist (a specialist trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation) who leads our care team. They will admit the patient, oversee their care plan, prescribe therapy treatments and medications, communicate with their personal and/or referring physicians as needed, coordinate medical services with other specialists, and take the lead in explaining the patient's condition and its implications to them and their family/support network.

Under the supervision of our registered nurses, care assistants work collaboratively with the team to assist with patient care. Their in-depth understanding of infection control, restraints and their usage, urinary care, and mobility/lift devices allow them to offer patient-focused, assistive care. Your care assistant will be kept up-to-date on your current goals, will perform clinical duties, and will offer the best possible care to every patient.

The case manager is the patient and family’s link to our interdisciplinary care team. They help communicate changes in the patient’s health status, coordinate care and respond to the needs of the family, as well as aid in the discharge planning process. Our case managers–and all the members of the interdisciplinary team–are dedicated to helping you successfully transition back into the community.

Our Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) assesses the recreation and leisure interests of our patients to help them reach their rehabilitation goals. They will develop and incorporate specially planned activities based on the patient’s interests into their care plan, and strive to improve their physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Activities will be modified and/or assistive equipment will be used to enhance patients’ independence and return to their previous recreational lifestyle after discharge.

Our professional chaplains and spiritual care volunteers provide opportunities for patients, families, and staff to address their spiritual and religious needs, help them cope, and strengthen their spirit. The spiritual care staff provides a reassuring presence, compassionate intervention, and spiritual or religious resources for those of all faith traditions or no faith tradition. Worship opportunities are available every week, as is communion, sacrament of the sick and other blessings.

Working closely with the rehabilitation team, our dietitian ensures that all nutritional needs are met. They evaluate each patient’s nutritional status upon admission, make recommendations as needed, and monitor each patient’s nutritional progress toward recovery. The dietitian also interacts regularly with patients and their families to assist with understanding the patient’s diet and needs, identifying the patient’s food preferences and answering any nutrition-related questions.

Loved ones and caregivers play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. We encourage them to participate in education and training, attend therapy sessions, and provide encouragement. This helps families to develop a better understanding of the patient’s needs and gain confidence in helping them achieve their goals. An adult family member is welcome to stay overnight with patients if they choose, and have access to the wealth of support and educational resources, including our Patient and Family Education Center, helpful websites, hands-on training with therapists and nurses and more.

Neuropsychologists are specialists in the evaluation and treatment of people who have suffered an injury (of any kind) to the brain. A neuropsychological evaluation is typically administered to help determine any cognitive, behavioral, and/or emotional consequences from an injury. During this evaluation, a battery of tests will be performed to help in determining the patient’s rehabilitative needs. The neuropsychologist can also help provide individual counseling for the patient’s emotional needs and any adjustment to their disability.

Occupational therapists (OT) address the patient’s ability to complete daily living activities like feeding, grooming, bathing, dressing, and toilet transfers. When appropriate, they will focus on the patient’s independence with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household activities. The OT will also address upper body strength, range of motion, coordination, sensation, endurance, and visual-perceptual skills. The goal of the OT is to maximize the patient’s independence and safety with mobility skills and daily living activities to prepare the patient and caregiver for discharge.

Physical therapists (PT) will work with patients to help improve mobility, strength, and balance. PTs train patients to get in and out of bed, sit down and stand, get on and off the floor, operate a wheelchair, walk, and climb the stairs. The PT looks at how strength, endurance, and balance affect the patient’s ability to complete these activities safely and independently within their home and community environments. Age-appropriate activities, as well as previous hobbies and interests, may contribute to the plan of care.

A primary rehabilitation nurse ensures continuity and coordination of care between the patient’s therapy and medical needs. Their friendly, familiar face serves as a patient advocate, administers and manages medication, ensures proper skin and IV care, performs dressing changes, manages any specific medical devices, assists with diet choices, promotes bowel and bladder function, and is there to provide the patient and their family with education about any individual medical needs and training necessary. They will also attend clinical team meetings to share their insights to better individualize the patient’s care plan.

Our Speech-language pathologists (SLP) work with the patient, caregiver, and other members of the care team to develop and teach strategies to help patients compensate for difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning, and implement a personalized plan that helps patients effectively express themselves, as well as their ability to understand language. For patients with swallowing difficulties, they utilize innovative treatments to assess the swallowing disorder (such as Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Modified Barium Swallow, Synchrony Dysphagia Solution System, Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation) and work with our dieticians in developing safe and effective approaches to nutrition.