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Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
Strong Memorial Hospital
We are a team...
With you at the center
Together, we will establish your goals as you work with Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists.
Every year, our Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit helps hundreds of people who have experienced serious physical disabilities.
We offer a comfortable 20-bed unit, with both single and double rooms and 24-hour care within the hospital. We have up-to-date therapeutic facilities and equipment, including a therapy gym, a furnished "living skills" apartment, and a car to practice transfers in.
Perhaps most importantly, we focus on your strengths, not your limitations. Our team has the expertise and sensitivity to give you the emotional and physical support you need to make progress in your rehabilitation.
Who Qualifies
The decision to admit a patient to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is based on a variety of factors including your ability to tolerate therapy that takes a total of 3-hours per day, medical stability or limits on participation, and the strong belief that working with us will improve your overall functional ability. This broad characterization applies to people with a variety of diagnoses.
What to Expect
When you arrive on the Rehabilitation Unit, your rehabilitation team will work with you to create an individualized plan with clear goals to help guide your progress. Once you begin rehabilitation, you willparticipate in at least 3 hours of therapy, spacedthroughout the day. This may be a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreation, etc.— whatever it takes to help you restore your independence and return home.
Determining Length of Stay and a Discharge Date
The team will set a tentative discharge date when we evaluate your condition and prognosis and discuss goals together with you. We develop a detailed and individualized program to improve your functionality. During your say, we'll remain communicative about your progress with you, your family members, or care providers. If it appears that you will meet your goals and we believe you can safely return home before the tentative date, an earlier discharge will be arranged. Our team will shepherd you through the transition, whether you require assistive devices and modifications to your home, home services, or additional treatment or rehabilitation in our Clinton Crossings, YMCA, or Physiatry Clinic locations.
If the team feels your stay should be extend, we will review this recommendation with you and your insurance carrier. If all agree, a new date may be considered.
Examples of Average Lengths of Stay
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Quadriplegia: 2-6 weeks
- Paraplegia: 2-4 weeks
Stroke
- 2-4 weeks
Amputation
- Above the knee: 1-3 weeks depending on if you are fitted with a prosthesis
- Below the knee: 1-2 weeks
Multiple Trauma
- 1-3 weeks
Orthopaedic
- Less than 1-2 weeks
Support Groups
The Rehabilitation Unit offers weekly information/support groups for patients who have suffered strokes or spinal cord injuries. The stroke support group is open to family members in addition to patients.
Support groups provide you with an opportunity to:
- Discuss concerns and/or feelings you may have regarding your illness/injury
- Learn additional information about your illness/injury
- Learn about resources available to you in the community
These groups are facilitated by various members of the rehabilitation team and are an important part of the rehabilitation process.
Family Meetings
At some point during your stay at the Rehabilitation Unit, we will meet to discuss your progress, discharge, the additional continued care, and services you require. This is a great opportunity for you all to ask questions, raise concerns, and participate in developing a workable discharge plan.
Weekend Passes
After you and your family members have learned how to care for your needs, we’ll give you a "pass" to leave the hospital. Your time away is a great opportunity to practice your new skills in your home, or out in the community. It also gives you an opportunity to identify any problems or obstacles that were unexpected. Then we’ll work together on any problems you discover. If an overnight pass cannot be arranged, you and a family member may be able to use our Independent Living Skills Apartment to try out your skills in a home-like setting.
Independent Living Skills Apartment
Our state-of-the-art model apartment is an area located in the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. During the day, you can use the apartment to practice everyday tasks such as cooking, self-care skills, and housekeeping. The apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. We also have a real car right here in our gym, and we’ll help you practice getting in and out of it. Here, with professionals nearby, you can safely improve your skills and build confidence in your abilities. Together, we’ll also identify areas that may still need improvement or adaptation.
Canine Visitation Program
In addition to a combination of physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy, we also offer pet therapy through our Canine Visitation Program. Our specially trained dogs engage patients and help boost their spirits.
Home Evaluations
Certain assistive equipment or modifications may be needed in your home. Weekend passes play an important part in discovering your needs and potential obstacles. Family members may help by taking measurements of doorways and spaces or videotaping the home. We can then help make recommendations for modifications. We can even help you find contractors and provide ramp-building instructions. If needed, a therapist may tour your home to evaluate it for safety and accessibility.
