Subacute Rehabilitation
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PDF versionIt’s another blustery morning in Central New York as you make your way down the unshoveled front walk to the snow covered car parked in the driveway. As forecasted, a fresh layer of snow was sprinkled about over night. But you’re not thinking about the weather conditions; instead your thoughts wander to the laundry in the washing machine and the neighbor’s dog barking in the distance.
Just as you reach into your pocket for the car keys, the patch of ice beneath your feet breaks your stride and gravity pulls you to the ground. The searing pain radiating throughout your leg overtakes your thoughts and your only concern now is how to make it stop.
The Patient’s Journey Home Begins Here
No one expects to slip on ice and break a bone or suffer a stroke, but it happens. And when it does, it’s sometimes difficult to imagine being able to return to the life you had before.
The Subacute Rehabilitation team at St. Luke’s Home knows that recovery takes time and is dedicated to helping patients return home quickly and safely.
After a hospital stay, many patients lack the strength or support to care for themselves. For those who require less intensive therapy, a short-term stay in Subacute Rehabilitation offers a therapeutic environment for assisted recovery.
The 41-bed unit provides patients with 24-hour skilled nursing, rehabilitation services and an interdisciplinary team that puts the patient at the center of care.
Discharge planning is initiated as soon as the patient arrives at St. Luke’s Home. A social worker meets with the patient and his or her family to set goals for recovery and establish a plan for achieving them.
“As patients make progress, we keep updating their goals and plans,” says Aaron Rooney, a social worker at St. Luke’s Home. “I know it’s a bumpy road, but I tell patients to ‘keep their head up’ because this is the last step before home.”
Goals are achieved through exercises and therapy that take place throughout the day. Therapy sessions are reinforced by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who work with patients on daily living activities.
“Over time patients progress from depending solely on us to being able to do things on their own,” said Angeline Papa, a CNA on the Subacute Rehabilitation Unit.
Progress isn’t always easy to achieve and is often inhibited by the patient’s fear of falling or failing.
“I can’t do it” is a common response patients give when asked to try new activities. Usually, the patient is physically capable but afraid to attempt it. “Patients get frustrated sometimes but you just have to keep pushing them,” says Papa. “When they are able to do things for themselves, they see why it was so important for us to push them.”
“Patients need to have confidence and trust in their bodies, as well as their caregivers,” says Physical Therapist Tim Salamon. “Whether we have to come in early or stay late, we make sure everyone has the individual time they need to do just that.”
Salamon believes that the team approach to patient care at St. Luke’s Home is critical to a patient’s success. “Recovery involves all aspects of patient care,” he says. “It’s a relief for patients to know that someone from Housekeeping will have made their bed for them by the time they return from therapy.”
Working together, the Subacute Rehabilitation team helps patients safely return home to continue their recovery on an outpatient basis. Saying good-bye to patients can be bittersweet, but the feeling of having helped someone achieve their goal far outweighs the sadness.
For many, their unexpected journey begins with an accident that leaves them wondering if their life will forever be changed. It’s not until they come to St. Luke’s Home that returning home is a reality within their reach. And looking back on thoughts of laundry and the neighborhood pup, it’s hard to believe anyone could take these for granted.
Discharge Planning
Discharge planning begins as soon as the patient arrives at St. Luke’s Home. Our social worker provides support throughout the stay and concludes with a formalized plan that is presented by a registered nurse to both the patient and his/her family. This process ensures a safe and comfortable departure once therapy is completed.
