Team Conferences

The interdisciplinary treatment team responsible for the care of your family member meets regularly to discuss the patient�s rehabilitation goals and progress.  Team conferences are divided into these categories:

Daily rounds
Every morning the treatment team participates in rounds to identify any significant changes in the patient�s status.

Patient care conferences
Upon completion of the initial evaluations, the treatment team meets to discuss their findings and to develop an interdisciplinary treatment plan. Short and long term rehabilitation goals for each patient are established and reviewed weekly by the treatment team during this conference.  As a result of the interdisciplinary discussion the rehabilitation treatment plan is revised and discharge goals are established.

Observation Days
After the initial patient care conference it may be recommended that an observation day be scheduled.  This is an opportunity for family members to observe the patient�s daily routine as well as view their participation in each of his/her therapies.  Establishing observation days promotes awareness of the patient�s progress, strengths and weaknesses, as well as an opportunity to explore treatment goals and techniques.  These sessions also allow family members to see appropriate interaction techniques, as modeled by the nurses and therapists.

Training Days
Prior to a patient�s discharge, it is recommended that family participate in at least one training day.  This provides the chance for family members or caregivers to have hands-on instruction by the treatment team in order to facilitate improved function, independence and safety in the discharge environment.  Each therapist will schedule a specific time within the training day and will demonstrate specific techniques and strategies that family members will be expected to exhibit upon discharge.  The therapists also provide instruction so that family members can effectively determine their ability to provide the specified level of care. Staff is always available for guidance and questions; however, this scheduled training day is an excellent time for one-to-one interaction.

Family Consultation

Family involvement is crucial to every patient�s rehabilitation program.  To keep you informed and involved, family consultation can include the following:

Initial family interview
Within 48 hours of admission, your social worker will talk with you, either in person or via telephone, to provide a general orientation to the rehabilitation unit and to establish lines of communication between your family member and our staff.  It is essential to make sure that staff has all pertinent home, work and cell phone numbers so that your social worker and training coordinator may contact you. 

Patient updates
Your social worker will have weekly contact with your family.  These weekly contacts provide your social worker with the opportunity to address your concerns, provide education, counseling, updates of your family member�s progress, aftercare plans and recommendations.  Family conferences with the entire treatment team may be scheduled when family training and/or problem solving is needed.

Family conference
Prior to discharge your social worker may schedule a family conference if needed.  This conference involves the entire treatment team, your family, the patient (when possible) and the insurance case manager (when appropriate). The purpose of this meeting is to review the patient�s progress, to make recommendations for continued treatment and to develop an appropriate aftercare plan.

 

Support Groups

Family members often feel isolated in dealing with recovery issues because their friends can offer little understanding or support.  In recognition of the effect neurologic injury has on the entire family, we have compiled a list of local support groups and resources.  You may ask a member of the treatment team for a current, comprehensive list of support groups and educational resources.