What to Expect

All patients at the Montefiore Einstein Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will:

• Undergo an initial assessment to determine the extent of physical, cognitive and communication impairments
• Be provided with an individualized treatment plan based on their unique needs and goals
• Receive physical therapy to restore mobility, strength and balance through exercises and specialized techniques
• Be instructed on using assistive devices to support mobility and daily living activities
• Be given occupational therapy to improve daily activities and promote independence
• Access speech therapy as needed to address communication, cognitive and swallowing impairments
• Undergo a thorough neuropsychological evaluation and treatment as needed to support emotional, psychological and social challenges
• Be provided support and encouragement to address emotional challenges and promote participation in all therapies
• Be given care by a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers, who collaborate to provide care
• Be met with patience, dedication and consistent effort from the healthcare team for successful rehabilitation
• Be assured that all caregivers undergo regular education and training
• Work with a team committed to long-term care, willing to persist and advocate on their behalf
• Recover in a supportive environment that maximizes recovery and improves quality of life

Rehabilitation after a stroke may also involve:

• Daily evaluations by your physician to ensure your medical condition is optimized
• Physical and Occupational Therapy to address any functional deficits
• Speech and Language therapy to address communication difficulties and swallowing issues
• Stroke-specific risk factor modification and education in accordance with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association guidelines (Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery. American Heart Association, Inc. 2016)

Rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may also involve:

• Physical and Occupational Therapy to address any functional deficits
• Speech and Language therapy to address communication difficulties and swallowing issues
• Neuropsychological evaluation and treatment for cognitive rehabilitation and managing behavioral and emotional challenges

• Postoperative evaluation by all team members upon admission to the unit
• Pain management strategies to control discomfort and promote healing
• Gradual progression of weight-bearing activities and functional movements as indicated by the surgeon and rehabilitation doctors
• Education on proper body mechanics and movement patterns to prevent strain or re-injury
• Close collaboration with the surgical team. Regular follow-up appointments are used to monitor progress and adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed

• Coordination of care with the surgical team
• Coordination with prosthetic providers

The Montefiore Einstein Inpatient Rehabilitation Team specializes in addressing the needs of medically complex patients, including post-transplant patients, those with cancer, cardiopulmonary disease or other complex medical conditions. Advanced monitoring and hemodialysis, as well as respiratory support, are available for patients as required.

Patients admitted for acute rehabilitation at Montefiore Hospital Wakefield Campus will be cared for by a multidisciplinary team led by one of our expert physiatrists, also known as doctors of physical medicine and rehabilitation. A rehabilitation medicine doctor is on-site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure that the highest level of care is always immediately available for our patients.

Therapy sessions will include hands-on activities and the use of different kinds of equipment. Depending on your tolerance and ability to participate actively, sessions will be provided for a minimum of three hours per day, five days a week. Therapists are available seven days a week.

Your care plan may focus on:

• Training for activities of daily living such as transfers, standing and/or walking
• Building endurance through strength and conditioning exercises
• Adaptive strategies to improve communication and safe swallowing
• Strategies to improve memory, concentration, judgment and problem solving
• Medication management
• Disease-specific education
• Strategies for returning home and to community life
• Caregiver education and training

We provide all services appropriate for an acute rehabilitation unit. Most services are provided directly by the Montefiore Einstein staff.

• Rehabilitation physician
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Neuropsychological therapy
• Speech, language, cognitive and swallowing therapy
• Medical consultation
• Surgical consultation
• Nutrition consultation
• Social services
• Respiratory therapy
• Audiology
• Prosthetic and orthotic evaluation*
• Durable medical equipment and supplies*

* Equipment provided by a contracted and approved vendor