Welcome to the Health and Rehabilitation Center
at TGMC
Our Mission
The mission of the Health and Rehabilitation
Center is to help our patients through a journey that will hopefully
end with them finding a newfound sense of independence and an improved
way of life.
| Telephone Numbers |
| Rehab Unit |
873-4721 |
| Nurse Liaison |
873-4761 |
| Physical Therapy |
873-4758 |
| Occupational Therapy |
873-4295 |
| Speech Therapy |
873-4748 |
| Social Services |
873-4673 |
| Program Coordinator |
873-4738 |
Goals of the Center
We will provide a complete and comprehensive
assessment of each patient's medical and psychological condition before
we plan a course of rehabilitation.
The goal of our services is to maximize the individual's potential
in the restoration of function, and to help the individual make adjustments
through the integration of other services.
The atmosphere of the Health and Rehabilitation Center is warm, open
and supportive. Patient, family, and staff become partners in developing
the skills of the patient.
We focus on the individual's abilities rather than disabilities so
as not to hinder the purpose of our team approach toward completion
of treatment goals.
The Rehab Team
Patients come to the unit as the result of any number of disabilities:
a spinal cord injury, a closed-head injury, a stoke, an amputation,
or various other orthopedic and neurological disorders.
Our rehab team approach has helped hundreds of disabled patients to
build the strength, capability, and confidence needed to achieve functional
independence.
Each patient's individualized program involves specialists from some
or all of the following disciplines:
Physician
A medical physician who is specially trained in rehabilitation, oversees
the rehab program, supervises the staff, and directs each patient's
medical treatment.
Program Coordinator
The program coordinator is responsible for day-to-day operations of
the program and assures each patient receives the treatment and activities
designated by the team.
Rehabilitation Nurses
Rehabilitation nurses oversee patient care around the clock and help
the patient, along with the family, improve the patient's independence.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists work to develop the patient's skills such as transferring,
sitting, standing, walking, or getting around in a wheelchair, so
the patient can be as functional and independent as possible. Exercises
and activities are designed to build confidence, strengthen muscles,
and improve endurance and coordination. Physical therapists also visit
the home to make home evaluations. After viewing the accommodations,
they recommend any safety improvements or accessibility changes that
might be needed for the return home.
Psychologists and Social Workers
Psychologists and social workers work together to help the patient
and family deal with the overwhelming feelings of fear, anger, and
desperation so common in the early stage of a disability. Patients
and families are encouraged to identify and cope with these feelings
through individual and group therapy sessions. They also work in planning
the transition from hospital to home.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists provide an individual therapy program
to treat cognitive, language, or speech disorders that may interfere
with the patient's communication abilities. In addition, speech-language
pathologists also aid in swallowing problems.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists challenge each patient to perform tasks of
everyday living such as eating, dressing, meal preparation, laundry,
and cleaning. Occupational therapists may also make a home visit to
recommend any safety improvements or accessibility changes. Therapists
can also advise a patient on returning to work or resuming driving.
Therapeutic Activities
Therapeutic activities include a therapeutic recreational specialist
that works with other members of the rehabilitation team in meeting
all the aspects of a patient's life. We work hard to help patients
choose rewarding leisure activities which contribute to the achievement
of overall therapeutic goals.
The Patient's Family
Our staff works closely with the patient's family to develop decision-making
responsibilities and to encourage and assist the patient in reaching
those goals. The family is also instructed in patient care if the
patient is to go home.
Dietitian
Our dietitian provides the patient with special diets and counseling
when ordered by the physician. They will also monitor the patient's
nutritional status during the stay at the Health and Rehabilitation
Center.
Other Services
Skin care specialists, neuropsychology, vocational counseling, audiology,
orthotics, prosthetics, and physician referrals/consultations are
also available.
The rehabilitation program utilizes a team approach when assisting
a patient in adjusting to the community by planning activities such
as shopping, movies and dining out.
The Admitting Process
Each patient, after being referred by his/her primary physician, will
be thoroughly evaluated by our Medical Director. The Medical Director
is responsible for authorizing a patient's admission into the program.
The following criteria must be met for a patient to be admitted to
the Rehab Unit:
- Patient requires more than one form of therapy;
- Patient is medically stable and exhibits sufficient endurance
to complete a comprehensive rehabilitation program;
- Patient and his/her family demonstrate a willingness to be
involved in a rehabilitation program;
- Patient has the potential to make significant gains in functional
capabilities.
Common Functional Problems
The Health and Rehabilitation Center also treats the following functional
problems:
- Weakness or limited motion in arms, legs, or trunk;
- Balance and coordination problems;
- The inability to swallow;
- The inability to move from one place to another (e.g. bed to
chair);
- Cognitive/Perceptual deficits;
- The inability to perform activities of daily living such as
eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, homemaking;
- Speech and language problems;
- Emotional problems that interfere with the ability to function
or interact with others;
- The inability to pursue leisure activities;
- The inability to work;
- The inability to function in the community;
- The need to adapt medical treatment to the home setting (e.g.
skin care, bowel and bladder management, medications, etc.).
Patient's Role in Recovery
The patient is the most important person on the treatment
team. Recovery takes patience, hard work, motivation, acceptance,
and re-learning. Here is what can be expected in each of these areas.
Hard Work
Hard work means therapy sessions four to six times every day along
with the patient doing more and more for himself/herself as the
stay progresses.
Motivation
Motivation is the key ingredient in recovery. If the patient wants
to get better and is willing to do the work, he/she is already on
the road to recovery.
Acceptance
Acceptance can also play a major role in recovery. Depending on
the illness or injury, the body may reach a plateau of healing before
it is at the level of functioning it was before the injury or illness.
A patient must accept these changes and learn new ways to do some
activities.
Re-Learning
Re-learning is necessary in many areas. A patient may need to learn
the skills to walk, talk, or dress one's self again. We will help
a patient learn alternative ways of adapting to changes in life.
Patience
Patience is required since recovery is rarely quick and easy. A
patient will see small areas of improvement that become major progress.
A Typical Day at the Health and Rehabilitation Center
| 6:30-7:30 a.m. |
Awakened by nurse, wash, and take medications. |
| 7:30 a.m. |
Dressing and self-care training with the occupational therapist. |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast with other rehab patients, or preparation of one's
own breakfast with help of the occupational therapist. |
| 9 a.m.-noon |
Speech therapy, therapeutic activities, occupational therapy,
and physical therapy are scheduled in 30 - 45 minute treatment
sessions. |
| Noon |
Lunch with other patients, preparation of one's own lunch
in the occupational therapy kitchen, or participation in Lunch
Group (if there is difficulty chewing, swallowing, or self-feeding.) |
| 1-4:00 p.m. |
Speech therapy, therapeutic activities, occupational therapy,
and physical therapy are scheduled in 30 - 45 minute training
sessions. |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Rest time/Visiting hours. |
| 5 p.m. |
Dinner |
| 6 p.m. |
Visits with family or leisure activities such as music, games,
cards, crafts, special events, or discussion groups. |
*Patients will receive one session of occupational
therapy and physical therapy on Saturdays. There is no therapy on
Sunday.
Financial Information
We know that the costs of rehabilitation can be a big concern. We
will assist in verifying insurance/medical coverage, and will pre-certify
care with the insurance company. We also accept Medicare, Commercial
Insurance, Worker's Compensation, and self-payment.
What to Expect
During the first day on the rehab unit, a patient is oriented by
one of our staff to ensure that the patient and the family understand
the goals of the rehabilitation unit, as well as the daily routine.
A patient will also meet the physician and other team members responsible
for the care the patient will receive at the Health and Rehabilitation
Center.
A case manager will schedule a family conference soon admission
to review the treatment plan, discuss personal goals, develop new
treatment plans, and determine a projected discharge date.
At this time, we will also review the responsibilities and the important
role the family will have in rehabilitation process.
The most important goal in rehabilitation is to prepare for a patient's
discharge home. A patient will have the opportunity to practice
skills learned in the hospital during outings we call Therapeutic
Community Visits, or "passes."
Prior to each pass, family members will learn about the patient's
needs, such as how to do a car transfer or techniques for feeding
and toileting.
For a Pleasant Stay
The Rehabilitation Center wants its patient's stay at Terrebonne
General Medical Center to be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
This information can help make it just that!
Attire
Comfortable clothing (sweatsuits and non-skid shoes) is recommended.
Bring at least three days' worth of clothing, including socks, underwear,
and grooming items such as shampoo, soap, shaving items, makeup,
brushes, or combs.
Laundry
We ask family members to take personal laundry home. Later, an occupational
therapist may assist the patient with laundry as a part of therapy.
Mail
Mail and flowers are delivered to the hospital daily and will be
brought to the patient's room. Outgoing mail is processed on a daily
basis.
Smoking
TGMC is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not permitted inside the
building.
Meals
Patient meals are served at approximately 8 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m.
The cafeteria is open to visitors from 6:30-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1:30
p.m., and 4-6:15 p.m. Vending machines are available throughout
the hospital around the clock. A dietitian is available at scheduled
times upon request. If indicated by the physician, the patient may
be required to follow special feeding instructions.
Clergy
Clergy are welcome to visit. A directory for the area is available
at the nurses' station.
Television and Telephone
Television and telephone services are available at no extra charge.
Accomodations can be made by the nurses.
Visiting Hours
Scheduled visiting hours are from 4-8 p.m. on weekdays, noon-8 p.m.
on Saturdays, and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. Special arrangements
can be made for out-of-town visitors or individual circumstances.
Valuables
Terrebonne General Medical Center is not responsible for the safety
of a patient's valuables. Therefore, we recommend that these items
be left at home.
Community Room
Our community room is available to patients and their families.
It is utilized at meal time, but may be used the rest of the day
to entertain visitors, watch television, use the telephone, or relax.
Hair Care Services
A beautician comes in periodically to provide haircuts and styles
at a minimum charge. Arrangements may also be made for a patient's
personal beautician or barber to come to the unit.
Visits From Family and Friends
Visits from friends and family are good therapy! Official visiting
hours are listed above, however, we like to be as flexible as possible
since many families and friends must come from out-of-town. For
safety concerns, children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
at all times on the rehabilitation floor. There may also be a time
limit on such visits. All visits by children must be approved by
a nurse. Our primary concern is that such visits do not interfere
with therapy sessions or regular routines. On occasion, the family
will be invited to become involved in therapies so that they can
better understand and participate in the recovery process.
Safety
For safety reasons, it is necessary that a gait belt be used during
transfers and walking. It may also be necessary to use a safety
belt, or restraints when in the wheelchair or bed to prevent falls.
We ask that family members refrain from attempting to transfer or
walk patients without specific permission or instructions from the
physician.
Parking
Parking is located in the TGMC parking garage on Belanger Street
near the cemetary. TGMC also has several lots adjacent to the hospital
available for parking, including lots served by shuttle bus that
are located on Dunn Street and at the corner of Liberty Street and
Main Street.
Accreditation
Terrebonne General Medical Center's Health and Rehabilitation Program
is dedicated to meeting and maintaining nationally recognized standards
that assure quality treatment and evaluations for our patients.
Terrebonne General is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO). Our staff is active
in many professional organizations.
Terrebonne General Medical Center's Health and Rehabilitation Program
maintains a policy of equal opportunity in the admission and treatment
of all patients without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,
national origin or handicaps.