IRF Services Offered

REHABILITATION THERAPIES PROGRAM

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Recreational Therapy

RECOVERY

Positive results can occur with the guidance and encouragement of professional therapists, family involvement, ongoing communication and a generous helping of your own determination. During your rehabilitation stay, you’ll be challenged to restore your abilities while working with our therapists and following a rehabilitation plan customized to enhance your recovery and achieve the identified objectives.

SUCCESS
Though we can’t predict when illness and injury may occur, we can do our part to plan for a positive recovery. Through the years, we have witnessed numerous success stories while working with a variety of orthopedic, cardiovascular and neurological conditions, to name just a few.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy trains a person to achieve increased independence after a physical illness or injury. Relearning the daily tasks of living, from personal grooming and dressing to cooking and housekeeping, are stressed in Occupational Therapy. A patient needing special equipment for mobility and independence may need occupational therapy to learn how to and become accustomed with using such equipment. The occupational therapist works closely with the other therapists so that the interaction of the therapies will expedite the patient’s healing process. Because of this cooperation, the activities and level of techniques used vary from simple to complex, as necessary. Most importantly, the patient is actively involved in a variety of exercises so that their maximum physical and emotional strengths are used toward their recovery.

In summary Occupational Therapists focus on enhancing independence in these activities of daily living:

• bathing
• dressing
• eating
• toileting

 

The Therapists utilize adaptive devices and techniques for:

• energy conservation
• and maximizing hand, arm, and upper body strength.

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical Therapy is designed to restore muscular strength and control which may have been lost due to illness or injury such as stroke, arthritis, fractures and back pain. Many physical therapy techniques are employed as patients and therapists work to restore as much joint motion and muscular strength as possible.

Forms of hydrotherapy (treatment in or with water, including whirlpool treatments), heat or cold treatments, soft-tissue release, may be used for a personal therapy regimen. If necessary, patients may also go through gait training and joint mobilization and strengthening exercises. Often, due to strokes or extreme injury or illness, physical therapy will include passive movement and patterning or neurodevelopment training which prevent stiffness and help restore and re-educate the communications network between the brain and muscles. Through the use of any one or a combination of all available methods of physical therapy, the primary goal is rehabilitation.

In summary, Physical Therapists focus on promoting optimal independent mobility, strength, and balance by:

• effective pain management
• therapeutic range of motion techniques
• education of proper body mechanics
• utilizing assistive devices
• promoting wound care management.

 

SPEECH THERAPY
Speech and language disorders caused by illness or injury may impair expression, comprehension, sound production and articulation. Difficulties with swallowing may also occur, especially following stroke, laryngeal cancer, head injury or Parkinson’s disease. The inability to swallow or to communicate is extremely frustrating, but those functions may be restored through an aggressive therapy program. Because the greatest progress is made early on in the treatment of these disorders, the therapist may work quickly with any patient requiring speech therapy. Difficulties overcome through speech therapy include aphasia, apraxia, dysphasia, and other articulation disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. The rehabilitation process centers on restoring as much of the original ability to communicate as possible.

In summary Speech/Language Pathologists focus on:

• effective communication
• cognitive skill
• swallowing abilities through:
  1. assistive communication devices
  2. muscle retraining
  3. diet modifications
  4. specialized feeding techniques.

 

The Rehabilitation Process:
The results of an illness or injury can leave a patient with a broad range of rehabilitative needs, ranging from medical, physical and cognitive to social, emotional and vocational needs.

Patients who have functional limits in such areas as mobility, communication, endurance, thinking and self-care can benefit from our rehabilitation programs.
We address each patient’s situation with a plan of care that utilizes professionals from a range of rehabilitation specialties- therapists, nurses, social services, dieticians, physiatrists, psychologists and other physicians.

Working together in an interdisciplinary program, the team coordinates all aspects of the patient’s rehabilitation program to maximize results and restore the highest possible level of function.

We specialize in:

• Individualized care planning to meet the discharge needs of the patient.
• Experienced therapy staff
• Evaluations completed within 24-hours upon admission (pending physician orders)
• Physical Therapy (PT)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Speech Therapy (ST)
• Recreational Therapy (RT)
• Interdisciplinary “TEAM” Conference Meetings
• Expedited length of stay (LOS) for patients to return home.

 

Our staff members share a commitment to the caring and hard work that rehabilitation entails. The team sets goals and carries out programs based on the special needs of each and every individual patient.

When the patient is evaluated upon admission, we measure his or her abilities in terms of “real-life” activities: Can the patient regain independence in dressing or bathing? Is walking a possibility?

From these evaluations patient and family interviews and “TEAM” conferencing, realistic treatment goals created are targeted toward regaining the highest possible level of functional independence. Progress is measured as patients work toward their goals and, as appropriate, a progressive range of higher goals are implemented and pursued.

Rehabilitation is hard work. The road back is often long and frustrating, as it challenges the mind, body and spirit.

Our team of professionals specializes in understanding the individual needs of our patients and in adjusting the pace of rehabilitation to maximize each patient’s opportunities for a successful recovery.

LEVELS OF CARE:
Acute Rehabilitation: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility “IRF”

• Acute “Rehab” provides an intensive multidisciplinary, coordinated team approach primarily promoting “special” rehabilitative health care services for the injured or disabled in anticipation of restoring lost function following an acute illness or accidental injury.

• The goal of an “IRF” is to achieve self-sufficiency or attain the maximal level of functional independence with a more aggressive approach resulting in a shorter length of stay (LOS).

• Rehabilitation therapy averages a minimum of 3 hours/day of 2 or more disciplines (PT, OT, ST) at least 5-days/week.

• Physicians are actively coordinating multi-disciplinary care & are typically available 24 hours/day.

• Rehabilitative Nursing, as part of the integrated team, provides direct, skilled care, assessments & teaching every shift. Direct nursing care averages 5 hours/day.

• Management of complicated surgical wounds requires care & assessments several times/day, if applicable.

• Individual may have a medical/surgical condition that is stable enough to allow the individual to fully participate in therapies.

 

Sub-Acute Rehabilitation: Skilled Nursing Facility “SNF”

• Sub-acute “Rehab” provides a less intensive, less aggressive rehab approach while providing medical care to the injured or disabled in anticipation of improving functional capabilities lost following an acute or chronic illness or injury.

• The goal of an “SNF” is to facilitate attaining the maximal level of functional ability with a less aggressive approach than an “IRF” while addressing the medical needs of each individual patient.

• Rehabilitation therapy averages a minimum of 0.5-2.0 hours per day, at least 5 days per week.

• Physicians are typically available intermittently.

• Nurses provide direct, skilled care assessments at least once per day.

• Management of stable wounds requires care & assessments at least once per day, if applicable.

• Individual may have a medical/surgical condition that does not require hospitalization but is not stable enough to allow the individual to fully participate in therapies.

OUTPATIENT THERAPY

A great benefit to participating in our Outpatient Therapy Program is that you may continue working with the same therapists you became accustomed with during your inpatient stay. This creates a more comfortable environment for both you and the therapist, eliminating the need to start over with new clinicians, which could extend your valuable recuperation.

The Advanced Specialty Hospital’s Therapy Program is an interdisciplinary team approach working together with physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists and other related professionals to set goals and treatment plans. with special training and expertise in providing a total comprehensive rehabilitation program. The program objective is to promote each patient’s optimum level of functional independence within their home and the community.

For each patient to realize their goals, an individualized treatment plan is developed based on a personalized assessment, and the program is implemented by the entire rehabilitation team. Regular reviews of the plan are conducted by the therapy team, and revisions are made in order to assist the patient in reaching maximum functional levels.

Examples of some diagnosis / conditions that may be helped with outpatient therapy:

• Hand Injuries
• Cardiac issues
• Parkinsonism
• Arthroplasty
• Neurological issues
• Orthopedic conditions
• Other Musculoskeletal conditions
• Rheumatic conditions
• Cognitive Disorders
• Speech Problems related to physical conditions

ACCELERATED CARE PLUS PROGRAMS “ACP”

Advanced technology partnered with proven therapies designed for maximum rehabilitation potential…

Electrical Stimulation
Uses gentle electrical currents to increase circulation, stimulate the release of pain-relieving endorphins, retrain movement patterns and decrease muscle disuse atrophy with a focus on improving gait, transfers and functional activity performance. Accelerates neuromuscular re-education and reduces spasticity, making it effective for post stroke rehabilitation.

Ultrasound
Produces a deep heating of muscles, tendons and connective tissue to increase blood flow and tissue extensibility, while reducing pain and inflammation. Accelerates improvement of range of motion in contracture management by providing deep heat and pain control prior to stretching.

Shortwave Diathermy
Produces thermal effects like ultrasound, but is more appropriate for larger joints and surface areas including the neck, lower back, hip, and knee. Increases blood flow, treats muscle spasms, joint stiffness and contractures. Is also effective for post surgical pain, edema and pain management for osteoarthritis.

Omnicycle
Developed around the complex needs of the geriatric population, the Omnicycle accommodates post-acute patients who may not typically be able to participate in therapeutic exercises due to lack-of-strength, coordination, paralysis and other conditions. Its unique patented design facilitates upper and lower extremity exercise in three separate motor-assisted modes including:
o “Passive” (full motor-assist with no patient participation)
o “Active-Passive” (partial motor-assist with some patient participation)
o “Active” (no motor-assist with full patient participation).

ACP Therapy Definition
The challenges faced today in the health care industry have never been more demanding. Patients & families want short, aggressive therapy stays in a rehabilitation hospital. At Advanced Specialty Hospitals, our focus has shifted to meet this need. In doing so, Advanced Specialty Hospitals has partnered with Accelerated Care Plus (ACP). We’re providing our rehabilitation centers with highly advanced technology and equipment which may assist in achieving patient and family goals. The staff receive ongoing training on the most recent technological advances, treatment options and rehabilitation services.

This ‘state of the art’ equipment may provide effective solutions for a wide range of prevalent conditions. This advanced technology assists our therapy team, to provide more effective treatment plans while helping patients and families achieve their goals more quickly, making Advanced Specailty Hospitals the popular choice when searching for a Medicare Certified Rehabilitation Hospital.

Clinical Solutions for a wide range of prevalent conditions:

• Pain
• Falls
• Edema
• Neurological & CVA (Stroke)
• Contractures
• Dysphagia
• Pre & Post Surgical Recovery
• Urinary Incontinence
• Chronic Wounds

 

“ACP Programs” have been successful in helping patients get back to living more independently and facilitating more successful rehab outcomes. “ACP” offers turnkey clinical solutions with patented medical technologies, proven clinical pathways, and on-site education enhancing clinical outcomes for patients.

“ACP” has developed clinical pathways specifically designed for sub-acute and chronic care geriatric populations. These clinical solutions were created to address a wide range of prevalent conditions:
· Pain · Edema · Contractures · Urinary Incontinence · Falls · Neurological & Stroke motor dysfunction · Post-surgical Recovery

“ACP’s” therapeutic electrical modalities, all meeting FDA standards, have been used to successfully treat orthopedic and neurological injuries for over two decades. These modalities have been effective in the management of pain, muscle and circulatory dysfunctions associated with urinary incontinence, contractures, osteoarthritis and falls among the aging population.

The “ACP” programs have expanded the scope of services provided to treat a broader range of patients and medical conditions.

“ACP’s” clinical solutions improve quality of life and can enable patients to reach more desirable discharge goals.

“ACP” is evidence-based and has been extensively published.

AMPUTATION PATHWAY PROGRAM

The amputation program at Advanced Specialty Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital has been designed to provide intensive quality care, and to focus on medical and rehabilitative needs of those who have experienced a loss of one or more limbs.

The mission of the Program is to achieve the highest level of functional independence for our patient.

Patient populations this program may address:

• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
• Diabetes
• Traumatic amputation
• Scheduled surgical amputations
• Infection
• Cancer
• Residual limb revision

Services can include:

• Pre-operative meeting with the professional team
• Support groups
• Educational resources
• Caregiver/Patient training
• “Prosthetic Camp”
• Resources for prosthetic device

Treatment goals for our inpatient rehabilitation stays can focus on balance and strengthening, activities of daily living, transfer, mobility and energy conservation. Additionally, the medical team will assist our patient with range-of-motion exercises, prevention of contractures of residual limb and proper body positioning techniques.

Successful rehabilitation depends on the following:

• Type of amputation
• Level and degree of limb
• Overall health of the patient
• Family and caregiver support

The professional team has a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Our team comprises medical doctors, physiatrists, nurses, case manager, occupational, physical and recreational therapists, and psychologists. Working together, our team will assist our patient in restoring maximum mobility and proper limb function.

Phases of the Program vary by physician protocol:

• Prevention of contractures
• Preparation and treatment of residual limb
• Promotion of proper healing
• Extremity strengthening
• Balance development
• Independent functioning
• Desensitizing treatment
• Edema management

Patients may return to Advanced Specialty Outpatient therapy program for prosthetic-training. Dependent upon each individual’s healing process; they may require further inpatient stay.

Vision:
To achieve the highest level of functional independence for patients who have experienced a loss of o ne or more limbs.

 

STROKE PROGRAM -In Conjunction with Accelerated Care Plus-

A Comprehensive Program which includes New Key Fronts with Stroke Rehabilitation

Program Key Points…

The Stroke Program at Advanced Specialty Hospitals Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital has been created to provide intensive rehabilitation and quality care with evidence-based practice to optimize outcomes for stroke survivors.

A stroke is a disease of blood vessels in the brain, and can result from obstructed blood flow to the brain (ischemic) or a ruptured vessel or bleed in the brain (hemorrhagic). Suffering from a stroke is a life-changing event in which the rehabilitation process is of the utmost importance in recovery.

Our rehabilitation team is dedicated to finding workable solutions to the most difficult situations. This task is accomplished by approaching every patient and family with ingenuity, perseverance and creativity while motivating survivors to relearn basic skills that a stroke takes away. Our Team provides strategies to survivors and their caregivers so that they can address and overcome stroke-related disabilities.

The overall goal of rehabilitation is to improve function so the stroke survivor can become as independent as possible. Our Team’s goal is to help restore a survivor’s quality of life while at the same time, assisting and educating their caregivers as active participants in their loved ones’ plan of care.

Services can include:

• Monthly Stroke Support Group
• Educational Resources
• Patient and Caregiver Education and Training
• Home Assessments
• Orthotic Resources
• Outpatient Follow-up Therapies (OT, PT, ST)
• Community Outings

Issues addressed in our Stroke Program include, but are not limited to:

• Inability to walk
• Weakness
• Balance Deficits
• Sensory Deficits
• Problems with Activities of Daily Living
• Bowel and Bladder Issues
• Pain
• Body and Spatial Neglect
• Communication Deficits
• Behavioral Changes
• Depression
• Nutrition Modifications

Treatments include:

• Gait training
• Strengthening
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
• Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy (mCIT)
• Balance retraining
• Functional activity retraining
• Bowel and Bladder programs
• Pain management
• Compensatory Mobility Strategies
• Physical and Cognitive therapeutic “challenge”
• Emotional support
• Nutritional education
• Rehabilitation Nursing
• Medication Administration and Education

Stroke Program utilizes mCIT and FES because they have proved to be “key fronts” in capitalizing on neuroplasticity (the brain’s inherent ability to compensate for damaged neural pathways by making new connections in the brain). FES is a “facilitator” or “helper” in eliciting greater gains and better outcomes than exercise alone.

Multi-Disciplinary Team:

• Physician services
• Rehabilitation Nursing
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Recreational Therapy
• Social Services
• Psychologist
• Physiatrist
• Dietary Counseling

Successful outcomes may depend on:

• Severity of stroke
• Overall health prior to stroke
• Patient Outlook and Involvement with therapies and recommended plan of care
• Caregiver/Family Support