Acute Rehabilitation at Wenatchee Valley Hospital is recommended for a patient who requires a high degree of physician involvement along with a coordinated, intensive program of multiple medical specialties. Nursing homes and outpatient care offer less intensive programs.

Our interdisplinary team includes patients and their family/caregiver, physiatrists, other physicians, rehabilitation nurses, physical/ occupational/speech/recreational therapists, a dietitian, a psychologist and a social worker.

Education and training are a very important part of the rehabilitation process. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to observe and participate with hands-on teaching that will enable the patient and caregiver to work together as a team after discharge.

A physiatrist is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The physiatrist directs and supervises all medical and rehabilitation care.

Nurses provide assistance with bowel, bladder, medication and skin management, position techniques and wound care. They provide ongoing assessment of nutritional status and hydration, safety concerns and patient/family education. Certified rehabilitation registered nurses (CRRN) are available for consultations.

Physical therapists provide a comprehensive evaluation of patients' neuro-muscular skeletal control, safety awareness and general functional mobility. They develop a treatment plan to help patients maximize their independence at home and in the community. Therapists teach patients skills to get in and out of beds, chairs and cars, to walk on level surfaces and stairs, and mobilize wheelchairs. Upon discharge, therapists will assist with arranging for adaptive equipment and services as required.

Occupational therapists help patients make the activities of daily life as independent, productive and energy efficient as possible. Bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting and meal preparation are among skills addressed. The use of adaptive equipment, compensatory strategies or adapting to the patient’s environment may be taught.

Comprehensive speech pathology services for impaired communication are available for patients having difficulty expressing thoughts, feelings or needs. Speech pathologists work to improve cognitive skills, i.e. memory, organization, reasoning and problem solving. Additional services include consultations/referrals for hearing problems and radiographic videopflouroscopic swallow evaluations for assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders.

Social workers provide supportive counseling, assist in establishing discharge goals and provide help in completing applications and referrals for support services in the home. At times, social workers assist patient and families in finding alternative living situations when the need arises. A psychologist is available to help patients and families cope with their new situation.

Recreational therapy services include therapy evaluation and functional leisure skills re-training.

A Registered dietitian will evaluate the nutritional needs of the patient and will counsel families and patients in food choices appropriate for nutrition, disease management and problems swallowing.