Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit 

The Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at West Penn – Forbes Regional Campus is 21- bed unit designed to help maximize the functional capability of patients recovering from conditions including, but limited to stroke, amputation, joint replacement, multiple orthopedic trauma, neurological disorders, spinal stenosis, bone fractures, complications of cancer, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, arthritis and general deconditioning.

We understand that to successfully treat a patient we must use a multi-faceted approach that includes providing both advanced technology and exhibiting genuine concern for both the patient's physical and emotional well-being. The Rehabilitation team may include a Physiatrist, rehabilitation nurses, physical, occupational and speech-language therapists, nutritionist, social worker, case manager and psychiatrist/psychologist. The Rehab Team works closely with the Acute Care team to provide a thorough pre-admission assessment, and to develop a care plan addressing the individual needs of each patient.

Forbes Regional Campus Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit features:

• Private rooms
• Designated area for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
• Medical direction by board-certified physiatrist
• 24-hour nursing care
• Dietary services by a registered dietitian
• USDMR Credentialed Facility
• Discharge planning

We will establish specific goals for your specific situation, but goals for all of our patients include:

• Helping them to reach the highest possible level of recovery;
• Helping them to regain and maintain their independence; and
• Teaching patients with remaining deficits alternate techniques that enable them to perform the daily tasks of living successfully and safely.

Pre-admission assessments are needed to determine the level of care required and eligibility for insurance coverage. Pre-admission assessments can be arranged by calling 412-858-2367.

Aspects of Inpatient Rehabilitation at West Penn - Forbes Regional Campus

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapists evaluate a person’s mobility, motor control, safety and pain as they relate to functioning within their environment.
• By providing therapeutic interventions, physical therapists work to improve gait, transfers, bed mobility, balance and other functional activities.
• Physical therapists work to improve functional independence through training in locomotion and equipment use (walkers, canes, wheelchairs and orthoses).

Occupational Therapy

• Occupational therapists recommend adaptive equipment to compensate for impaired function
• By assessing activities of daily living occupational therapists offer independent living skills training.
• Occupational therapists evaluate your home environment and home management skills.
• Providing education on joint protection, energy conservation and work simplification is one way occupational therapists help patients on the road to recovery.

Rehabilitation Nursing

• In conjunction with physicians, rehabilitation nurses manage medical issues that may impede progress toward independence and improved function
• Rehabilitation nurses foster independence through education and hands-on care ensuring the patient and caregiver are the center of the team

Speech Therapy

• Speech therapists maximize communication abilities such as speaking, listening skills, reading and writing.
• By assessing swallowing function speech therapists implement treatment and determine an optimal diet.

Case Management

• Case managers coordinate a plan of care with interdisciplinary team members and insurance providers.
• Ensuring appropriate utilization of rehabilitation services is just one way case managers aid in patient care during the inpatient rehabilitation stay.
• Case managers assess patient and family education and resource needs.
• By assisting patients and their family with discharge planning, case managers help to ensure a successful return to the community. 

Rehabilitation Services at WPAHS