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Rehabilitation Center
The Rehabilitation Team is an interdisciplinary group, managed by the physiatrist, that includes the patient, family members, referring physician, rehabilitation nurses and counselors, case managers, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists and therapeutic recreation specialists. Also included on the team are dietitians, respiratory therapists, neuropsychologists, a Chaplain and other healthcare personnel as may be needed.
Because communication among caregivers is critical to a patient's well being, the team meets weekly to discuss each patient's progress. Based upon the results of these discussions, patient treatment is adjusted and/or amended as necessary.
Because our program of treatment stresses family interaction and recognizes the importance of education as a support tool, family members may be included in these meetings. Family conferences, training and home evaluations are an integral part of successful rehabilitation treatment and are routinely scheduled.
Achieving Independence
The Rehabilitation Center is just one of the many specialized services offered at Opelousas General Hospital. Located on the 3rd floor of the hospital, our self-contained inpatient unit is dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities, due o accident or illness, re-enter the community and regain their highest level of functioning as quickly as possible.
The Center assists patients in setting and achieving realistic educational, vocational, social and leisure goals. Our competent, qualified staff is able to ease the transition from hospital to home or office through comprehensive therapies and special emphasis on patient and family education.
Upon admission to the Center each patient is thoroughly evaluated to determine treatment procedures and an individualized program is designed based on the patient's need. This specialized program enables the individual to develop or recover their natural abilities to perform functional activities at the highest and safest level possible.
Pre-Admission Screening
- Staff will conduct appropriate screenings within six hours of patient referral.
- On-site admission assessment
- Insurance screening services
- Pre-admission conference to discuss patient/family goals
- Individualized Treatment
The Center provides highly specialized care for a variety of debilitating illnesses to include:
- Congenital Deformities
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries:
- Joint Replacement
- Hip Fracture
- Multiple Trauma
- Polyarthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis)
- Amputations
- Neurological Disorders:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Gullian Bare Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Parkinson's Disease
Physical Therapy
The treatment program consists of exercises (strengthening and /or stretching), stair climbing, gait (walking) training with or without assistive devices such as canes, walkers, crutches, etc., balance and endurance activities and patient family education. Skills learned are carried over and reinforced during care by Rehabilitation Team members.
Occupational Therapy
The treatment program consists of strengthening muscles, improving range of motion and coordination increasing work tolerance and physical activity endurance. Additional areas of treatment focus on patients' relearning how to perform activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and grooming tasks. If the patient is incapable of handling these tasks, substitute methods involving adaptive equipment, splints, braces and the like may be taught.
Speech and Language Therapy
The treatment program consists of assessing the communication, cognitive and/or wallowing function of the patient by a Speech/Language Pathologist. An individualized treatment plan is developed and implemented with family involvement to provide the highest level of functional independence for the patient. Treatment activities may include expressive and receptive language tasks,verbal problem solving, reasoning, attention and organizational tasks, plus a variety of swallowing techniques...all designed to enhance the patient's ability to function more independently within their environment.
Social Work
The treatment program consists of an assigned social worker following the lead provided by therapists to provide adaptive and adjustment facilitation for the patient and their family. The social worker's responsibilities include referral intake, orientation procedures, counseling services and discharge coordination. The social worker remains available throughout the treatment procedure to respond to any questions or concerns that may arise.
Rehabilitation Nursing
The treatment program consists of the nursing staff encouraging patients to provide as much self-care as possible. The staff works with the assigned doctor and therapists to ensure safety, comfort and patient independence.
Recreation Therapy
The treatment program consists of regularly scheduled recreational activities and craft classes. Patients receive a schedule of activities and are encouraged to learn new leisure skills, to socialize and employ relaxation techniques during the course of their care. If necessary, staff personnel help patients modify old hobbies and activities, as well as explore new activities.
Discharge
The Rehabilitation Team begins planning a smooth transition back to the community for each patient as soon as they arrive at the Center. Social workers, therapists, physicians and nurses coordinate discharge arrangements with family and friends to ensure treatment benefits gained continue after discharge.
After Treatment
We recognize that rehabilitation does not end at discharge. Our staff develops a home care plan individualized to each patient's needs. Referrals are often made to outpatient services, home health services and/or community resources to ensure each patient continues to achieve their maximum level of independence after discharge. We are proud to serve the citizens of this area by providing comprehensive rehabilitation services. | |
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