The inpatient rehabilitation unit at Meritus Medical Center is the region's only rehabilitation provider accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Our staff of experienced health care professionals are experts at helping people return to their lives after trauma, injury or illness. Whatever your illness or injury may be, our caring and compassionate staff will tailor a complete program of treatment and therapy to address your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a patient of Meritus Medical Centers rehabilitation unit?
Inpatient Rehabilitation Services are specifically designed to serve individuals that have suffered an illness and/or injury resulting in decreased functional independence. Prior to admission, the patient must:
- Be referred by a physician, social worker, therapist or family member
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Require 24-hour rehabilitation nursing and medical care
- Demonstrate the ability and willingness to progress and recover
- Have caregivers available for training and education sessions
- Be able to tolerate at least three hours of therapy each day
- Require a minimum of physical therapy and occupational therapy services
- Expected less than three weeks length of stay
- Planned discharge to home/caregiver
- Mild spinal injuries resulting in partial paralysis
To make a referral to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, contact our admission specialist at 301-790-8618.
Who will be part of my care team?
Your inpatient care team will include the following staff members:
- Physiatrists are doctors specializing in rehabilitation medicine who will manage your clinical progress during your stay with us.
- Rehabilitation nurses and nursing assistants are an integral part of the team that helps manage your nursing and rehabilitation needs. They are educators, advocates, and clinicians and work closely with each member of the team to carry through what you learn in therapy.
- Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants help you rebuild muscle strength.
- Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants share some similarities to physical therapists, but tend to concentrate on skills that are important to daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
- Speech-language pathologists help patients improve their communication skills. They assess your ability to hear and understand what is said and to speak clearly.
- The social work care manager supports you and your family by coordinating your care during your stay at the hospital and assisting you in planning for your return home.
- Psychologists will support you with the emotional aspects of the healing process.
- Dietitians provide nutritional counseling and recommend dietary changes that may be helpful to you.
- Pharmacists dispense and manage your medications.