My Rehab Team is a comprehensive rehabilitation program customized to suit each individual patient. The program usually includes a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment with a physiatrist as the primary team leader. The team members include a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, psychologist and social worker. Other specialists may also be involved depending on the injury, facility resources and insurance coverage for services.
Each member of the My Rehab Team works together to help each other, the client and their family to achieve the goals that have been set in an individualized rehabilitation plan. The goal is to maximize the potential for recovery of function and to return the client to their previous level of independence and quality of life.
During rehabilitation, the nursing team monitors the patients vital signs and administers medications. This can include checking blood pressure and heart rate, as well as assisting the client with daily activities such as bathing and eating. The nursing team also provides education on how to manage the medical condition and monitors for any changes in the client’s physical or mental health.
A physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech language pathologist will evaluate the client’s ability to perform basic functional tasks such as walking, standing and moving. They will teach the client exercises to improve muscle strength, balance and coordination. They will also provide advice on how to manage the symptoms that affect daily life, such as pain and fatigue.
Rehabilitation can be a lengthy process and a lot of hard work. It can be difficult to learn how to use your body in different ways or re-learn skills that you took for granted. It is not uncommon for a client to be frustrated or even discouraged at times. The therapists understand that the clients are going through a tough transition and they will be there to comfort and support them.
Educating the client about their medication and identifying any that have the potential to have an adverse effect on mobility is a key part of the rehabilitation process. This is particularly important because many drugs have side effects that are not always reported. The therapist will be able to advise the client on how to best interact with their doctors if they think that their medication is negatively impacting their mobility. The therapists will also give the client and their caretakers information on how to get access to a wheelchair and other assistive devices. Having access to these devices will ensure that the client can continue their rehabilitation once they leave hospital.