Acute Care Rehab

While you are in the hospital, it is important for you to safely stay active and well-nourished so you can recover quickly. The nursing staff will encourage you to be out of your bed in a chair or walking in your room/hallways or eating while you sit up in a chair or at the edge of the bed. A hospital stay can often result in deconditioning and these activities will help to maintain your strength while you while you are being cared for in our hospital. Our therapy services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.

Who would benefit from therapy services while in the hospital?

If you have an illness or injury that has changed your ability to move around, take care of yourself, perform basic daily activities, or eat and drink safely you may need physical, occupational, speech language pathology, and/or audiology services during your acute care hospital visit. The goals of therapy include identifying functional deficits compared to your baseline function, implementing a treatment plan, and making recommendations for continued therapy after you leave the hospital to help you return to your most optimal level of independence. You may receive therapy several times a week or daily based on the goals of treatment and your needs.

Do patients automatically receive therapy services?

Therapy services are not automatically received when you are in the hospital as they are physician ordered based on your needs or medical condition. If you experience any changes in your normal baseline of mobility, basic daily activities or swallowing during your stay, be sure to mention these to your care team. Care may also be focused on prehab (therapy prior to a surgical procedure) as well as early intervention to meet your needs. We provide one on one, individualized and comprehensive treatment plans and encourage active patient and care partner/family participation. Acute care therapy is evidence based and a strong collaboration and communication is provided with the multidisciplinary care team and physicians. Acute care services may occur bedside, within a gym setting, and/or wound care suite providing evaluation, treatment and education. Common treatment interventions may include

• Mobility training (walking with an assistive device or with weight bearing limits, transfers from bed to chair or commode, bed mobility)
• Self-care skills training (dressing, bathing, toileting, self-feeding, use of assistive devices)
• Cognitive assessment and treatment
• Speech and Swallowing therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Education and training for patient and caregivers

Discharge

Your therapist will work with you and your multidisciplinary care team and physician to make a discharge recommendation. This recommendation may continue to be updated and evaluated based on your progress and goals. Several options may be recommended for your discharge from the hospital.

• Home – Home care or outpatient therapy services may be recommended if you need additional therapy and support once you are at home. Most outpatient services and specialty services are offered at each of the Northside outpatient rehab locations.
• Skilled Nursing – Skilled nursing facilities provide short term therapy services and nursing care.
• Inpatient Rehabilitation – This setting is recommended for patients that require intensive therapy and medical care. Patients must be able to tolerate 3 hours of therapy a day.