A Team Approach
As you recover from a serious accident or illness, your needs can be many and varied. That's why a team approach is so important.
By bringing together a network of specialists and lay people with a variety of expertise, you and your family receives the holistic care and support that is needed to let the healing process begin.
Patients and Their Families
You and your family are essential members of the rehabilitation team, and we encourage you to remain active in the planning and implementation of your rehabilitation plans.
On a periodic basis, we hold family care conferences where you, your family and the other members of the rehabilitation team review progress, discuss concerns and determine goals, such as plans for your return home.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians serve as a source of medical direction for therapists, nurses and other rehabilitation specialists. They guide the rehabilitation team in prescribing a program that will maximize your potential for self-care and independence. They also make sure your hometown physician is kept up-to-date so that when you return home, he or she can continue to serve as your primary care physician.
Psychologists
Psychologists are doctorate-level medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and non-medical treatment of mental health problems through a variety of psychotherapy methods. Psychotherapy can be useful in addressing a broad range of life problems, such as reactivity, anger, poor esteem, negative self-concept, worry and anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors and a range of interpersonal problems.
Neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists specialize in the evaluation and rehabilitation of an individual who has a brain injury. Whether it's from an accident, stroke, tumor or infection, a brain injury can have far-reaching effects on thinking abilities, behavior and personality. Neuropsychologists play an important role in helping you return to your best level of functioning at home, school or work.
Hospitalists
These board-certified internal medicine doctors specialize in caring for hospitalized patients. MeritCare's hospitalists work with your rehabilitation medicine and primary care doctors to ensure that you receive high-quality health care. They communicate with your doctor to help ensure a smooth transition when you go home.
Case Managers
Case managers work with patients, families, physicians and other team members to coordinate care and facilitate communication in order to achieve the patient's rehabilitation goals. They also help in planning for a patient's discharge and post-hospital services.
Nurses
Rehabilitation nurses coordinate your program plan with you, your family and members of the rehabilitation team. They take care of you and teach you and your family the skills needed to maximize independence.
Rehabilitation nurses also work to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to your community. Primary nurses are involved in your day-to-day care, making sure the established plan is followed and you're on your way to meeting your rehabilitation goals. When needed, MeritCare Nursing Consultation Service provides additional expertise in the areas of diabetes, enterostomal therapy and skin wound care.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists work with you to prevent disability, relieve pain and restore function. To achieve these goals, therapists use a variety of exercises designed to strengthen muscles and improve joint motion.
They also provide care through functional activities such as transfer training, bed mobility, walking, balance, posture and coordination exercises.
Whenever necessary, physical therapists teach you to properly use equipment such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, braces and prosthetic limbs.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help restore your ability to carry out daily functions. The main goal is to help you return to an independent and productive lifestyle. To achieve this objective, occupational therapists use a variety of activities, including:
- Motion, strength and endurance training.
- Teaching new ways to accomplish daily activities.
- Training patients to use adaptive equipment.
- Working with patients on vocational and homemaking activities.
- Evaluating pre-driving skills and mobility.
Recreation Therapists
Recreation therapists assist you in getting back into an active role in society. They work with you to develop interests in leisure activities you can pursue throughout your life, focusing on and enhancing your strengths.
Recreation therapy may include individual activities such as games or crafts, group activities or a variety of outings in the community. Ultimately, recreation therapists, like others on the team, assist you in making a successful transition from the hospital to your community.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists specialize in the assessment and treatment of language disorders, speech disorders, cognitive/linguistic disorders and swallowing disorders, all of which may result from a stroke, brain injury or other illness. Your speech-language pathologist will work with you to restore and compensate for changes in thinking, communication and swallowing through a variety of structured, functional and computer-based activities. Speech-language pathologists also provide education and counseling for you and your family to maximize your success upon returning to home, school or work.
Dietitians
Nutrition is an important part of any patient's care, but it can be especially difficult for patients who experience a loss of appetite or have experienced changes in their weight or ability to chew, swallow or digest foods.
Dietitians develop individualized nutrition plans to address these changes and set goals to help patients achieve good, balanced nutrition.
Social Workers
Beyond physical challenges, many other changes accompany a sudden disabling illness or accident. Social workers assist you and your family with financial concerns, provide counseling and help coordinate your return to the community.
Social workers also serve as advocates for you when concerns arise regarding insurance coverage, hospital policies and eligibility for various programs.
Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Care Services delivers quality health care for patients by providing diagnostic services, therapeutic services and education, including collaboration with Rehabilitation Services' interdisciplinary team. Respiratory Care Services provides treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation and rehabilitation of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the heart and lungs as well as sleep medicine.
Spiritual Care
Rehabilitation includes adjusting to changes and understanding yourself and your world from a different perspective. Chaplains can be a valuable resource in this process. A full-time chaplain is available to provide spiritual care and counseling. Please know we emphasize respect for each individual's beliefs. Whether you are a church member or not, please feel free to call on us for spiritual support. This can include counseling, a listening ear, honest feedback, and sincere support and encouragement. The spiritual care provided to you and your family includes worship services, individual visits and sharing of the sacraments. The chaplains can also serve as a liaison with your hometown clergy and faith community.