Whittier Health Network

Outpatient Neurology Rehabilitation Program

Whittier’s Outpatient Neurology Rehabilitation Program is a medically-based, intensive interdisciplinary outpatient program designed for individuals who have experienced a neurological condition including stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s / other movement disorders.

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Our program provides individually tailored comprehensive care to treat the physical, psychological, cognitive, communicative, and vocational consequences of a neurologic injury. In addition to skilled therapy, patients meet regularly with the medical staff who focus on education, support and coordinating the highest level of medical and rehabilitative care.

Program goals

Our dedicated staff works closely with the patient and caregivers to address the needs and goals of each patient through active rehabilitation. We strive to improve each patient’s functioning in the areas of home life, social involvement, work skills, and meaningful reintegration into the community. Our ultimate goal is to teach life long skills which will foster independence, ongoing recovery, and a healthy lifestyle, as well as to maximize the general wellness of the patient.

The team approach

There is close daily communication between the treatment team and the onsite medical staff. Interdisciplinary team members meet weekly to discuss patient progress and treatment plans. There is frequent communication with the patient’s PCP and other medical specialists. Education, counseling and therapies are provided to maximize each patient’s independence with medications, health maintenance and disease management.

Your treatment team may include:

Neurologist
Nurse Practitioner
Physical Therapist
Two Board-Certified Neurological Clinical Specialists
Occupational Therapist who is Pre-driving Assessment Certified
Speech and Language Pathologist
Social Worker
Dietitian
Psychologist
Prosthetist
Rehabilitation Aides
Neuropsychologist
Physiatrist
Wound Specialist
Neuro-Ophthalmologist

Program features may include:

Group Sessions:
Cognitive group • Aphasia group • Cooking • Balance & Mobility Strength & Flexibility • Memory • Healthy Lifestyles • Healthy Nutrition Coping/Patient Support • Aquatic Group • Arts & Crafts

Whittier Way:
Whittier Way is a realistic community re-entry area that allows a patient to practice everyday skills which are needed for a successful return to daily living, such as getting in and out of a car. It includes a full size automobile, curbs and ramps, grocery store, Bistro Café, gift shop, game room with large screen TV, ADL apartment, and simulated golf.

Aquatic Therapy:
Warm and cool therapeutic pools are accessible via stairs or a lift. Flotation and resistive equipment may be incorporated into treatment as appropriate for individual patient needs. Exercise instruction is given by licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants who are trained in Aquatic Therapy.

Pre-driving Clinical Assessment:
Occupational Therapy assesses the skills that are important for competent driving which includes visual-perceptual and cognitive skills as well as both physical and mental reaction time skills.

State-of-the-Art Equipment Includes:
AlterG Bionic Leg, Body Weight Support Gait Training System, iPad and computer language/cognitive programs.

How long will I participate in the program?

Each patient’s course of recovery is unique. The duration of treatment is determined by the severity of the patient’s condition, their potential for improvement, their response to treatment, and personal patient goals while taking into consideration individual insurance coverage.

Patients may attend the program from two to three days per week and they may participate in a combination of individual and group treatment sessions. The team will assist the patient with the transition to discharge, with the goal of maximizing each patient’s functional independence and community re-entry.

Admission criteria:

Neurological condition typically onset within 12 months.
Will benefit from an interdisciplinary team approach.
Deficits that impact the patient’s ability to function within the community, home, or vocational/academic setting.
Medical stability (treatment of other conditions / co-morbidities should not limit participation in rehabilitation).
Program does not provide treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, medical treatment must come from a provider outside of the program.
Motivated to participate in all recommended components of the program.
For a more comprehensive list of our admission criteria guidelines, please visit our referral page.

The ultimate goal of our team at Whittier is to maximize each patient’s functional independence and facilitate a safe discharge back to their home and community. To make a referral, to arrange a tour of the facility, or for more information, please call our team at the Whittier Rehabilitation Outpatient Center at (978) 469-1425.