BMC's Inpatient Rehabilitation

We provide an intensive rehabilitation program customized to meet each patient’s individual needs and expectations

Our acute rehabilitation unit is located on the second floor of Berkshire Medical Center. An admission to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit can be one of the most difficult times for a patient and family, especially those who have suffered a stroke or other kind of serious trauma. Understanding these issues while also helping each patient to regain the highest level of function and independence possible are what distinguishes our physiatrists (rehab physicians), therapists, staff and programs. Our comprehensive team approach involves patients, families, and staff, working together to reach each patient’s highest goals possible.

In addition to their physical or neurological conditions, patients admitted to our unit may have medically complex disabilities such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, nutritional or emotional issues. Because our rehabilitation services are hospital based, our highly skilled physiatrists have access to a full range of medical specialists from primary care to surgical specialist to neurologists and others, who are available to collaborate and consult.

To be admitted to the rehabilitation unit, a patient must:
• Be medically stable
• Have difficulty with mobility (either walking, or in a wheelchair), self-care activities (such as toileting, dressing, or feeding), or communication skills (i.e. speech or language problems)
• Need 24-hour care by rehabilitation physicians and nurses
• Have reasonable expectations for improvement

Four components of the inpatient program are:
Assessment: Patients are assessed by members of the rehab team to determine their current level of functioning, as well as their strengths and limitations. Together with the patient and family, goals are identified and a treatment plan to accomplish them is established. This process is repeated on a regular basis throughout the patient’s stay.

Treatment: Therapy is scheduled for approximately 3 hours each weekday. Therapy  consists of physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech and language therapy. Therapists have received specialized training and utilize state of the art equipment such as the Bioness® H200 and L300 (foot drop and hand rehabilitation prosthetic devices), Biodex® Balance Master and Lite Gait® (body weight support treadmill training system) for treatment of our patients. Case Management and Social Work is available to provide supportive counseling to patients and families as needed. Some patients are scheduled for therapy on Saturdays.

Family Training and Education: Families are strongly encouraged to participate in the rehabilitation program. Therapists and nursing staff provide education and training as needed to teach family members how to properly assist patients.

Discharge Planning: Preparation for discharge occurs throughout the program. The rehab team recommends any medical equipment or assistive devices needed for discharge, provides home exercise programs and instructions, and coordinates appropriate follow-up services.

For more information please call (413) 447-2748.