82 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com MUSC Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Charleston offers its comprehensive services to patients throughout Charleston and the surrounding communities. In partnership with Encompass Health, a national leader in integrated health care services, the 49-bed hospital strives to help its patients make functional gains after a life-changing illness or injury so they may resume living their lives to the fullest. The hospital offers 10- to 12-day intensive rehabilitation plans designed to get patients back to the activities they enjoy. As part of the rigorous and targeted program, patients receive therapy three hours per day and 15 hours a week. “Our level of therapy is designed to get patients home,” said Wendy McKenzie, LBSW, the hospital’s case management director, explaining that the alternative is going back to an acute-care hospital or a nursing home. “Last year, we discharged close to 89% of our patients to their homes, which is a testament to how diligently our therapy team is working to help patients become independent.” The hospital designs care plans to meet patients’ needs and goals using clinical collaboration and advanced technologies. MUSC Health Rehabilitation Hospital uses an interdisciplinary approach that includes physical, speech and occupational therapists alongside rehabilitation physicians and nurses, case managers and dietitians. A recipient of the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease-Specific Care Certification in stroke rehabilitation and hip fracture rehabilitation, the hospital also cares for patients after amputations, spine and brain injuries and multilevel trauma resulting from car accidents. Its staff works with patients of all ages and alongside patients’ families to prepare for their transition home. “We bring the families in to guide them on the patients’ progress, set assistance expectations and allow patients to highlight the many skills they have acquired while in our program,” said Business Development Director Peg Harris. “Our Case Management Department is critical in setting patients up for success at home,” noted Harris. “They work tirelessly to prepare patients and their families, providing resources before, during and after the transition.” Instead of discharging patients, the case management team views their return home as a handoff. The team has a weekly meeting to discuss each patient’s transition. They order equipment and request home health, outpatient therapy and additional care as indicated within 48 hours of discharge. They also prepare outpatient referrals and set up follow-up appointments. “We want patients to continue their care plan and see continued progress,” said Harris. “By passing the baton to the next level of care, patients continue what we started here. We want them to be home, safe and successful in their environment.” GETTING PATIENTS HOME MUSC Health Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to helping patients reintegrate into the community, working with their caregivers and families to ensure long-term results. To learn more, call 843-820-7777 or visit encompasshealth.com/locations/charlestonrehab. By Isabel Alvarez Arata Our level of therapy is designed to get patients home. “ “ SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT
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