Rehabilitation Programs
Definitions of Terms

Physiatrist
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) or physiatry is a branch of medicine dealing with functional restoration of a person affected by physical disability. A physiatrist (fizz eye at' trist) has completed four years of medical school, one year of internship and three years of residency. Learn more about a Physiatrist.

Nursing
Many of our nurses are certified rehabilitation nurses. The nurse will attend to the patient's medical needs on an ongoing basis as well as help the patient reach his or her treatment goals when not in therapy. The nurse reinforces the strategies the patient learns during therapy sessions.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who assess and treat people of all ages who have medical or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. For individuals with brain injuries, the PT will focus on motor function. These areas will include strength, coordination, balance and posture. In addition, the therapist will address areas of functional mobility including transfers, stairs and walking.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who assess and treat people of all ages who have medical or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to perform daily tasks in their living and working environments. This therapist will focus on skills the patient needs to be more independent in daily activities. This may include bathing, dressing, toileting and home management. The OT will also address movement and coordination of the upper extremity and visual perceptual skills.

Speech and Language Pathology
Speech language pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who assess and treat people of all ages who suffer from disorders that affect a person's speech, language, voice, swallowing, or cognition.

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Therapeutic recreation specialists ( CTRS) use various methods to promote the independent physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning of persons disabled as a result of trauma or disease by enhancing current skills and facilitating the establishment of new skills for daily living and community functioning. This therapist will help to introduce leisure interests back into the patient's life and assist in adapting the activity to meet the patient's needs.

Case Management
Case managers (CM) are healthcare professionals who provide advocacy and information, such as insurance and community resources, to patients and families. The CM sets up services required by inpatients at the time of discharge and provides a smooth transition to the next level of care (i.e. home health, outpatient therapy). Case managers act as a liaison between the patient's family and the NERHP treatment team.

Dietary
A certified dietician will provide information and guidance on the patient's nutritional needs. The patient's diet may require changes during hospitalization.

Pharmacy
A registered Pharmacist is available to provide education regarding new medications the patient may require and how the medication may interact with other medications or diet.

Neurobehavioral Services (including Psychology & Neuropsychology)
This professional assesses emotional and cognitive functioning with a focus on facilitating positive adjustment.