When a family member is hurting, it affects the whole family. A neurorehabilitation center wants the affected family to take comfort in knowing that their loved one is in the most caring and capable hands.
The information will help them prepare for the family member’s time with the neurorehabilitation center. If the family has any further questions, they should reach out to the patient’s Clinical Liaison. Once the patient is admitted, their case manager can address any issues or concerns the family may have.
Many experts at neurorehabilitation centers believe that real-life experiences in realistic surroundings create the best atmosphere to reacquire skills lost to brain injury. Their overall goal is for patients to relearn skills that are easily practiced in everyday life. They work with the patient to ensure successful reentry into the community.
The neurorehabilitation center understands that therapeutic needs differ from patient to patient depending on the severity of the brain injury and the part of the brain injured. The physicians and therapists conduct a thorough physical exam to evaluate each patient’s strength, balance, memory, and cognition.
The doctors also take time to speak with each patient about their goals. This information is incorporated into the development of each patient’s individualized program for care and recovery.
When the physicians are not available, members of the nursing staff handle medications and minor medical needs. Members of the nursing staff are always on call to provide immediate medical assistance.
The Intake Procedure
Upon arrival, either a family member or an essential caregiver will assist the patient in meeting with an admissions team member, case manager, nurse, and residential manager. Together, the family member and the patient will be walked through the admission process and the staff will assist the patient in a simple transition to the program.
Admissions
An admissions team member will be reviewing all required paperwork for the patient’s stay. Make sure to read through the Items to Bring list that can be found in the pre-admission packet provided by the patient’s Clinical Liaison. Please make sure to bring the following:
- Relative documents
- Medications
- Items listed in the Items To Bring list
Designate Essential Caregivers
During the arrival process, the patient will be asked to identify one or two people to be their essential caregiver(s). These essential caregivers are family or friends that the patient wants to have an active role in their care during rehabilitation and transition back home after completion of the program.
The family or friend’s role as essential caregivers helps to ensure better care, safety, and outcomes. As an essential caregiver, they will be a spokesperson, advocate, and supporter. This is especially important if the patient is too sick or overwhelmed to speak up for themself.
Meet With Case Manager
Once admission paperwork is completed into the neurorehabilitation center, the patient along with either a family member or essential caregiver will meet with the patient’s assigned case manager. The patient and case manager will discuss the following:
- Program goals and expectations during the patient’s stay
- Rules and regulations
- Family involvement
- Visitation guidelines
Furthermore, the case manager will schedule or may conduct the patient’s first Individual Program Plan (IPP) meeting.
During the patient’s stay, the case manager will remain the point of contact and will exchange information with either the essential caregiver or family member(s).
If the caregiver or the patient have any questions during the program, the case manager will be the person to contact.
Therapeutic Assistants, Therapist & Nurse
Lastly, the facility’s therapeutic assistants along with personal therapists and nurses will meet with the patient. Together they will go over shower evaluations, medications, and any additional items that may pertain to the patient’s stay with the neurorehabilitation center.
Individualized Treatment Plan
During the initial phase of the stay at the center, the patient will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to establish an individualized treatment plan. Each individualized treatment plan is based upon extensive evaluations of the patient’s medical history and current level of function. Representatives from all therapeutic areas contribute to creating each patient’s overall plan to ensure all needs are met.
Outgoing IPP Meeting
At the end of the two-week program, the case manager and assigned clinical staff will meet with the patient and either designated essential caregiver or family member(s). Together, they will conduct the patient’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) meeting.
