What Is Rehabilitation?
The practice of rehabilitation medicine is based on a holistic and comprehensive approach to medical care for individuals who have experienced an impairment resulting from an injury, disease process or developmental disorder.
The rehabilitation process uses an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals to help a person to reach their fullest physical, psychological, social, vocational, avocational, and educational potential consistent with his or her goals and life plans.
At Marianjoy, an integrated care team of physicians, specially trained therapists, and nurses, as well as psychologists, nutritionists, and chaplains forms a circle of care centered around the patient and their family. Marianjoy’s interdisciplinary health care team evaluates not only the patient’s present disability, but the impact the disability has on the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
The rehabilitation process begins by setting goals with the patient and their family. These goals help to shape a treatment plan designed to improve the patient’s physical, perceptual, and communication abilities, while developing skills to compensate for any permanent disability. The health care team includes:
Physiatrists (physicians specializing in rehabilitation medicine) provide patient care and leadership to the treatment team.
Rehabilitation nurses monitor the patient’s health status, reinforce the skills patients learn in therapy and provide patient education.
Physical therapists help patients improve balance, coordination, strength, flexibility and mobility.
Occupational therapists help patients perform activities of daily living, gain strength, skills and confidence.
Speech pathologists help patients improve swallowing function, communication skills, comprehension, expression, reading, writing, memory, and problem-solving in the treatment of swallowing, eating, and voice disorders.
Psychologists work with patients and their families to manage behavioral, emotional, and cognitive changes that affect self-confidence and relationships following a stroke.
Case managers work with the patient and family to develop a discharge plan, identify community resources, and assist with insurance companies to ensure optimal benefit coverage.
This truly unique group of practitioners addresses each patient’s individual needs and help provide each patient with integrated medical and therapeutic treatments, individually tailored to address the type and severity of disability.
At Marianjoy, the practice of rehabilitation medicine has always been naturally holistic taking into account the whole person as well as all aspects of an individual’s lifestyle. As rehabilitation specialists we are here to help, support, and encourage our patients and their families.
Marianjoy’s continuum of care throughout our network facilities and clinics enables individuals the opportunity to enhance their individual health, achieve their personal wellness goals, and create a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. We become partners in healing, giving our patients the tools and skills they will need to continue to pursue life without limits.
