Rehabilitation works best when the patient, family and rehabilitation staff work together as a team.
Rehabilitation team members provide individual therapy programs with a focus on function. They work with the patient and their family to develop effective rehabilitation goals and discharge plans.
The Rehabilitation Team includes:
Patient & Family
Actively participate in the rehabilitation process so that they can achieve the best outcome possible.
Dietitian
Attends to the client's individual dietary needs; develops a plan for the client following discharge.
Nurse
Provides 24-hour care, administers medications and treatments, provides instruction and education to patients/families and assists patients to adapt therapy skills to daily activities.
Physiotherapist
Evaluates each patient's physical status and develops individualized therapy programs to improve strength, muscle tone, coordination and mobility using therapeutic exercise and equipment.
Occupational Therapist
Works with patients who have difficulty with daily activities. OTs help people to become more independent. They look at a patient's safety and memory to complete tasks like dressing, bathing, cooking, transportation, etc. They offer recommendations for special items like wheelchairs, pressure garments, splints and bathroom equipment.
Doctors
Physiatrists (doctors of physical medicine) and neuro/psychologists (doctors of psychology) work with members of the team and other physicians to coordinate individual treatment programs.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Works with patients who have difficulties in understanding what they hear or read and/or expressing their ideas through speech and writing. The SLP also assesses patients who have dysphagia (swallowing problems) and helps them to eat and drink safely in the most natural way.
Social Worker
Provides support and counseling as needed for the patient and their family, and facilitates a safe and effective discharge plan.
Rehabilitation Assistant
Works under the supervision of the Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist to provide individual or group therapy programs.
Respiratory Therapist
Evaluates, treats and cares for patients with breathing disorders.