Our Team
Family and friends are an integral part of the rehabilitation team at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. We strongly encourage families and friends to take an active role in the patient’s care.
Medical staff
Physician coverage is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our full-time medical staff includes physiatrists (doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation who are responsible for overseeing your recovery), internists (doctors specializing in internal medicine who oversee your medical management) and behavioral neurologists (doctors specializing in cognitive or behavioral difficulties after brain injury). Each of our specialists works in a specific program area. In addition, services of other physician specialists, such as cardiologists, gastroenterologists, ENTs, neurologists, psychiatrists and urologists are available for specific patient needs.
Nursing staff
Nurses specially trained in the areas of cognitive and physical rehabilitation assist patients and provide care, support and education on managing a disability and preventing complications. Our nurses support our medical and therapy staff members and help you become knowledgeable in your care so you feel comfortable directing your care after your discharge.
Care manager
You will be assigned a care manager who acts as the primary liaison between you, your treatment team and your family. In addition, your care manager will keep your insurance company updated on your progress and will answer any questions you may have about your care needs after discharge.
Physical therapist
Your physical therapist will work with you to set up an individualized treatment program focused on building independence. Physical therapy relies on education and treatment methods that include exercises in individual and group sessions. Your physical therapist will work with you to improve strength, mobility, balance and coordination in your lower extremities. Functional activities, such as transfers that include getting in and out of a chair or a car, moving in bed, walking or gaining wheelchair skills also may be part of your physical therapy. In addition, physical therapy may include the use of our pool and horticulture center.
Occupational therapist
The goal of occupational therapy is to help you regain skills needed for daily life and work. Your occupational therapist will work with you to achieve chosen recovery goals that will enable you to return to a meaningful and productive life. In addition, your occupational therapist will assist you in completing self-care tasks including dressing, grooming and bathing, as well as work, school and home management skills like shopping and cooking.
Recreational therapist
Your recreational therapist will assist you with the skills needed to return to your home and the community by addressing practical skills such as time management, healthy lifestyle practices, leisure interests and problem-solving. Often recreational therapy will take place in a community setting, enabling you to practice your skills.
Speech/language pathologist
A speech/language pathologist will work with you to improve all of the processes involved in communication, if clinically appropriate. Your speech therapist will evaluate your communicative abilities, screen you for hearing loss and work with you to improve your communication abilities. Your speech therapist also may evaluate your ability to chew and swallow and offer exercises and strategies for improvements.
Psychologist
While physical strengthening is vital to your rehabilitation, so are your emotional and cognitive abilities. A psychologist will work with you and your family members to assist in making adjustments required during your rehabilitation and after your discharge.
Horticultural therapy
Horticultural therapy provides a unique approach to rehabilitation. We offer a fully accessible greenhouse where patients can work on improving their balance and mobility while taking part in horticultural activities. Physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapists conduct various group sessions in conjunction with horticultural therapy.
Registered dietitian
Your recovery may involve a change in your diet to help decrease any health risks. Our dietitian can create a personalized nutrition program for you that will fill dietary needs while addressing specific therapeutic goals.
Unit attendants
Our unit attendants help you to and from your room for therapy sessions and for meals in the Patient Dining Room. Unit attendants also will assist nurses and therapists with your daily needs, and they will provide you with your daily therapy schedule.
Rehabilitation technicians
Our rehabilitation technicians assist you with your activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, toileting and eating. Our rehabilitation technicians may help transport you to and from treatment areas, and they may assist your family members by demonstrating transfers and routine care.
Caregivers (also known as lay caregivers)
As a patient, you may be asked if you would like to name a “lay caregiver” to participate in your discharge planning. This may be a spouse, partner, adult child or close friend. Typically, most patients will need assistance with any or all the following after leaving the hospital: medications, including understanding of dosing, frequency, indications and side effects; filling prescriptions; making and keeping doctor’s appointments; adhering to a specific diet and activity level; activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, toileting); and care tasks such as dressing changes or management of tubes or drains. Hospital personnel will obtain your consent to provide your lay caregiver this information, should you choose to name one.
Patient care conference
Your treatment team meets regularly to discuss your goals and progress. Your care manager is the primary liaison between you and your treatment team. After each patient care conference, your care manager will report back to you and your family and will communicate goals and priorities for your rehabilitation stay and preparation for your discharge. Please share any concerns you may have with your care manager. If needed, a family conference can be arranged with your treatment team at any time during your stay. Please check with your care manager for details.