Saddleback Memorial Medical Center - Laguna Hills Acute Rehabilitation Program

Comprehensive Rehabilitation

If you have had a disabling illness or injury such as stroke, joint replacements, or brain injury, daily routines like walking, eating, bathing and dressing can become extremely challenging. At Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, the goal of our Acute Rehabilitation Unit is to help you regain your skills and return to an independent lifestyle. A team of medical professionals will work with you and your family to create a comprehensive rehabilitation program to meet your specific needs.

Admission Criteria

• The patient has the potential to improve functional abilities such as mobility
  and self-care.
• The patient is medically stable.
• The patient requires at least two therapies (occupational, physical and speech therapies) and has the potential to participate in a minimum of three hours of therapy five days per week.
• The patient is motivated to participate in the program.
• The patient has the ability to follow directions necessary for participation in the program.
• The patient and family have identified a plan for discharge to board and care, assisted living or home.
• The patient requires medical intervention and 24-hour rehabilitation nursing care.

What to Expect

When a patient first comes into the program they will complete a thorough evaluation to assess functioning in every area. Next, the patient and family will meet with the treatment team to set short-term and long-term goals. Rehabilitation may begin the day the patient arrives. Our ultimate goal is to help patients re-gain as much independence as possible.

Therapy areas include a gym and occupational therapy room. The unit has a dining room to stimulate a home environment. Therapists will help you practice activities of daily living to improve strength, coordination, balance, cognition and communication skills. You may participate in off-site outings to encourage community reintegration.

Involving the Family

During your stay, our rehabilitation team continually reviews your progress. Led by the physiatrist, your therapists and other caregivers meet regularly to coordinate and appropriately modify your treatment plan. The team is available to meet with you and your family as needed to answer your questions, set goals and clarify any of your special needs. Your family is encouraged to actively participate in your therapy and to learn how to assist in meeting your goals.

Our Staff

Based on your diagnosis, our staff creates an individualized program to meet your rehabilitation goals. You will be assigned a team of rehabilitation specialists who will work with you and your family from the time of admission through your discharge home. Members of your health care team may include any or all of the following:

• Physiatrist (Rehabilitation Physician)
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Ttherapist
• Speech Pathologist
• Recreational Ttherapist
• Neuropsychologist
• Clinical Social Worker
• Dietitian
• Pharmacist
• Admission Coordinator