A personal approach to rehabilitative care
Our mission: Improving our patients' quality of life
Persons disabled by injury or illness want one thing above all else: to get their old lives back. At the Physical & Neurological Rehabilitation Program at Forest Park Hospital, our goal is to help patients restore as much of their former lives as possible. Working one-on-one, our supportive and highly trained staff are dedicated to helping patients achieve their highest level of function and improve their overall quality of life.
What are Physical and Neurological Rehabilitation?
Physical and neuro rehabilitation are medical specialties that focus on restoring lost abilities in persons who have suffered an injury or illness. They can be used for everything from retraining patients on the basics of daily living, to helping restore memory and other cognitive functions, to dealing with the anxiety and depression that can accompany disability.
Who does the Physical and Neurological Rehabilitation Program at Forest Park Hospital serve?
Our inpatient rehabilitation programs are designed for patients recovering from:
- Amputation
- Arthritis
- Head injury
- Hip fractures
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
- Other neurological and musculoskeletal disorders
What happens when a patient is admitted to the program?
Patients admitted to our inpatient physical rehabilitation program are placed under the care of a physiatrist, a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The care of brain injury patients is guided by a neurologist, a physician who specializes in the nervous system. Working with the patient and his or her family, the physician develops a rehabilitation plan tailored to individual preferences, goals and needs. A plan typically includes intensive, one-on-one treatment a minimum of three hours per day. Rehabilitation nursing care is also provided around the clock. The supervising physician oversees the plan's implementation, making adjustments as needed and keeping the patient's primary physician updated on the patient's progress.
What kinds of services might a patient in the program receive?
Our program uses a multidisciplinary approach to treat the "whole" person, including physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual needs. Rehabilitation services may include:
- Neuropsychology
- Rehabilitation nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Social work
- Physiatry
- Speech/language pathology
- Physical Therapy
What is the family's role?
Family members are affected by a loved one's disability and, many times, play an important role in his or her care and recovery. By being active in the rehabilitation process, family members can help reduce some of the adverse effects of disability. Family acceptance and support can help a patient deal with self-esteem and self-image issues. Families who inspire hope can also help the individual adjust and become more confident in his or her abilities.
For all these reasons, we encourage family members to observe or participate in treatment sessions, when appropriate. When needed, formal family training is also available.
At what point are patients discharged from the program?
Patients are generally discharged once their rehabilitation goals are met. The physiatrist or neurologist coordinates the discharge with the patient's family and primary care physician to help ensure a smooth transition to home or other setting. When appropriate, outpatient therapy or home health care may be recommended as follow up.
How do I learn more?
To learn more about the Physical Rehabilitation Program at Forest Park Hospital, or to schedule a visit, please call 314-768-3313.
The Physical Rehabilitation Program at Forest Park Hospital has been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Patient admissions, room assignments and patient services are provided at all Tenet facilities without regard to RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, AGE or RELIGION. Tenet is an equal opportunity employer.