Many people are familiar with the services offered by general hospitals, home health agencies, and even skilled nursing facilities. However, there is another layer of care available. Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, also known as IRFs, offer a more intensive level of physical and medical rehabilitation than a skilled nursing facility with the primary goal of returning people to their community with the highest level of functioning possible. In fact, a comparative study also revealed that services and treatments provided in an inpatient rehab hospital were associated with greater improvement in mobility and self-care versus the sub-acute rehab offered in a skilled nursing facility.1
What is an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital?
Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals provide intensive physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy to people who have suffered a disabling injury or disease. IRFs provide at least three hours of intensive therapy each day at least five days per week, in addition to 24/7 nursing care by rehab-trained nurses and specialty-trained physical and medicine physicians.
What types of conditions do IRFs treat?
Because inpatient rehab hospitals help people improve their functions before returning home, there are many conditions they treat. People who could benefit from a stay at an IRF include people who have suffered:
Stroke
Brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Work-related injury
Amputation
Major multiple trauma, such as a car accident
Orthopedic surgeries such as a hip fracture, and also joint replacement, such as knee or hip replacement
Neurological conditions such as ALS, MS or Parkinson’s
Medical exacerbations and complications of chronic and terminal illnesses such as COPD, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer
If you are looking for an inpatient rehabilitation hospital near you, consider Milwaukee Rehabilitation Hospital. Our team of therapists will address your unique needs and create a comprehensive rehab plan of care to help you reach your goals. Learn more about medical rehab on our website.
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