Each patient works for a minimum of three hours a days with a team of rehabilitation specialists under the direction of a physiatrist, a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
The patient and family are vital members of this team. Other members include rehabilitation nurses, speech pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, a recreation therapist, a respiratory therapist, a social worker, a dietitian, a pharmacist and a psychologist.
This team works together to help each patient reach the highest possible level of independence and quality of life. The team develops an individualized plan of rehabilitation for the patient that emphasizes independent living skills and a return to community activities such as shopping, dining out or attending church or clubs.
The rehabilitation team regularly evaluates the patient's progress toward these individualized goals.