Inpatient Rehabilitation

 

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at West Penn - Forbes Regional Campus is staffed around the clock by a highly qualified, caring and compassionate group of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Patient Care Assistants (PCAs).  The unit also has a Clinical Coordinator (manager). 

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at West Penn - Forbes Regional Campus Regional Hospital provides a full spectrum of services.  The unit’s programs are designed to help maximize the functional capability of patients recovering from conditions such as amputation, joint replacement, stroke, multiple orthopedic trauma, neurological disorders, spinal stenosis, bone fractures, complications of cancer, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, arthritis and general deconditioning.

 

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is a 21-bed facility with a team that includes professionals from the following disciplines:

• Case managers
• Nurse practitioners
• Nutritionists
• Occupational therapists
• Physiatrists, or medical doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Physical therapists
• Psychologists
• Rehabilitation nurses
• Respiratory therapists
• Social workers
• Speech/language therapists

At West Penn - Forbes Regional Campus, 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 Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at West Penn - Forbes Regional Campus offers a comprehensive approach to treating patients.  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.

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.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Services

 

The West Penn - Forbes Regional Campus Rehabilitation Services Department provides comprehensive treatment, including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy for outpatients as well as inpatients.  We are skilled at treating a wide variety of medical, surgical and orthopedic conditions, in addition to the specialized services outlined below

 

Orthopedics

Orthopedic care is available for a wide variety of diagnoses, including fractures, total joint replacements and injuries to the neck, back and extremities.  Our specialists will perform a thorough evaluation and provide you with a program that is designed to meet your individual needs.  This may include exercise, manual therapy, education about your condition, work on posture/body mechanics or treatment with physical modalities. We will focus on helping you return to your work and leisure activities.

 

Wound Care

Wound care is offered for all types of open wounds, whether caused by pressure, diabetes, circulatory problems, surgery or injury.  Following a thorough evaluation, treatment is focused on maintaining a healthy wound and aiding in complete healing.  Our trained therapists and assistants may use modalities such as pulsed lavage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound or whirlpool treatment.  Education includes proper care of your wound and prevention of further wounds.

 

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, or difficulty with bladder control, may strike a woman at any age.  This is not a normal condition, and conservative treatment is available that can help control or eliminate urinary leakage.  If you experience urinary incontinence there are simple exercises you can do at home to alleviate the problem.  With a referral from your doctor, we can instruct you in these exercises at no charge, and follow up with you one month later.  If you need ongoing treatment, our specialists will perform a variety of tests and provide you with an individualized program centered on exercise, education and simple lifestyle changes.  Other treatments such as biofeedback or muscle stimulation are also available if necessary.

 

Pelvic Pain

As a result of muscle imbalance, trauma or other physical or medical conditions, a woman may experience pelvic pain.  Pelvic Pain can be debilitating and interfere with normal daily activities.  With the use of widely accepted manual therapy techniques and modalities, pain may be diminished or eliminated. Individualized exercises and home techniques can help maintain progress.  Our skilled therapists can determine which combination of treatments is best for you.

 

Hand Therapy

Hand therapy may be necessary for a variety of conditions or injuries, including muscle/tendon injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or medical conditions that affect the functioning of the hand, such as stroke, multiple scoliosis or diabetes.  Treatment may include splinting, exercise, pain control, manual therapy and education on how to help prevent further injury and improve the use of your hand.  Our skilled occupational therapists will perform a complete assessment of your difficulty, develop an individualized treatment program and include your personal goals in the treatment plan.

 

Voice Prosthesis/Re-Training

If you have undergone removal of your larynx due to cancer, it is possible to speak again.  Our highly trained speech therapists may be able to fit you with a voice prosthesis, upon referral from your physician.  After a complete evaluation, you will be taught how to insert and use the prosthesis, and we will follow up with you regularly.

 

Swallowing

For those individuals with swallowing difficulties due to stroke or other condition, we are able to effectively diagnose and treat your problem using current radiologic technology, individualized exercises and dietary recommendations.

 

 

Last Updated: December 03, 2007