Adult and Pediatric Outpatient Neurorehabilitation
Brain injuries affect thousands of children and adults each year. They may be the result of trauma to the brain from car accidents, falls, strokes, tumors, infections, and seizure disorders. These injuries can result in impairments of cognitive and physical functions, as well as changes in personality and behavior. In turn, these problems may affect academic and work performances. For the family of an individual with a brain injury, this can create stress and disrupt the family system. Brain injuries are complex problems that require intensive rehabilitative efforts during both hospital and post-hospital phases. Our adult and pediatric programs in neurobehavioral rehabilitation provide a variety of comprehensive inpatient/outpatient programs for adults and children with brain injuries. Each program is individualized and is provided by our interdisciplinary team of brain injury specialists.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
A variety of outpatient services are provided for adults and children with brain injuries. Return visits to our Outpatient Rehabilitation Services allow the treatment team to assess the individual's progress and to monitor and update his or her post-hospital rehabilitation plan. Individuals suspected of having a brain injury, as well as those who require a comprehensive evaluation, rehabilitation program or assistance with community/work/school re-entry, may also be appropriate for referral to our outpatient services.
Treatment Philosophy
MeritCare programs in adult and pediatric neurorehabilitation are committed to providing specialized, comprehensive, cost-effective care to the individual with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Individuals with an ABI often have physical, cognitive and psychosocial problems that require a continuum of care that encompasses trauma intervention, critical care, acute and post-acute rehabilitation and community based services.
Team Approach
The team treatment approach is used in this multidisciplinary program, firmly rooted in the most current neuroscientific understanding of brain functioning. Patients will see a variety of specialists who provide coordinated, health evaluation and treatment in one location. As a result, separate appointments to see a number of specialists usually are not necessary.
Treatment Team
A team consisting of the patient, his or her family and a core of healthcare professionals directed by a physician and a neuropsychologist, work together to encourage independence and provide support to the team leader - the patient. Working together as a team allows the patient to make the most of available resources. Depending on the patient's needs, the team may include members of:
- Adult/Child Medicine
- Child Life/Recreational Therapy
- Clinical Dietetics
- Education
- Neurology
- Neuropsychology
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Social Services
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Other as the individual requires
- The client's employer and/or school system/home therapist are also important members of the patient care team.
Individualized Care
After each provider has seen the individual, the team of specialists meets to develop a treatment plan that specifically addresses the individual's special needs. Families and community agency personnel are welcome to attend this meeting.
Other Components
- Individual Treatment Services. Not all individuals with brain injuries require structured therapy programs or the services of our entire brain injury treatment team. Individual outpatient treatment programs can be designed to meet the unique needs of each person.
- Long Term Rehabilitation. MeritCare's treatment team works closely with local and regional service providers. We can help assist in the placement of individuals with brain injuries who require long-term rehabilitation, residential care or semi-independent living.
- Family members are encouraged to take an active role in the entire rehabilitation process. Involvement in patient therapies and care conferences, as well as family counseling sessions is encouraged. Referring physicians and professionals are also considered a part of our treatment planning team. They are invited to participate in discharge planning and patient care conferences.
Financial Support
The program is financially supported by North Dakota Special Health Services which means there is no cost to residents of North Dakota after insurance. The neurorehabilitation team also believes that recovery from an ABI can continue after hospitalization and that community agencies, educators, employers, family and relatives need to be included in the rehabilitation plan in order to improve the likelihood of a good outcome. Individuals who sustain an ABI often have lifelong needs. Neurorehabilitation team members participate in ABI prevention programs, public and professional education, student training as well as influencing and promoting local, state and national legislation that improves services and the quality of life for the individual with ABI.
How to find us:
Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Program located in the MeritCare Coordinated Treatment Center
736 Broadway, 3rd Floor
Fargo ND
For more information:
(701) 234-6600 or
(800) 828-2901
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
(except holidays)