Rehabilitation Services

The number one priority of Rehabilitative Medicine Services at Glendale Adventist Medical Center is to assist patients in returning to daily life and the activities they love. Inpatient services are offered in the hospital's spacious rehabilitative wing, while outpatient services are provided in the 20,000 square-foot Therapy & Wellness Center (at 2560 Colorado Blvd).

The rehabilitative team is made up of physician specialists, as well as professional and certified staff nurses, therapists and others who meet regularly to ensure that each patient's progress is carefully planned and closely monitored.

Comprehensive rehabilitative services include aquatic physical therapy, audiology, outpatient pediatric services, return-to-work programs, hand therapy, speech therapy, neurological rehabilitation services and sports training as well as general physical and occupational therapy. Conditions treated by the

GAMC rehabilitative teams include, but are not limited to: 

• Stroke
• Brain tumor/brain hemorrhage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Parkinson's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury
• Infant, youth and adolescent rehabilitation
• Multiple trauma and/or amputation
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Poly-arthritis
• Joint replacement
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Stress, urgency or mixed incontinence
• Sleep disorders

Expanded and Upgraded Treatment Areas

GAMC Rehabilitation recently expanded and upgraded some of its rehabilitation services. The expansion project, completed in early February 2009, added 1,700 square feet of space and three additional treatment rooms in the Therapy & Wellness Center. The outpatient center offers one-on-one adult and pediatric rehabilitation therapy in addition to group exercise and sports training classes.

In addition to the expansion of its outpatient facility, GAMC upgraded its inpatient rehabilitation therapy areas, including the training "kitchen" and simulated activities of daily living areas. These upgrades were made possible by a generous donation to the hospital from an anonymous donor. Click here to read more...

Acute Rehabilitation Team

The acute rehabilitation team includes many professionals:

Physiatrist - A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The physiatrist coordinates the rehabilitation team in developing and implementing treatment plans that maximize each pereson's rehabilitation potential.

Rehabilitation Nurse - Provides nursing care helps reinforce skills learned in therapy. Nurses also provide information on follow-up care needed at home.

Occupational Therapist (OT) - Teaches techniques that help people relearn how to groom, bathe and dress themselves, eat and use the bathroom as well as basic homemaking skills. Occupational therapists also assist in the selection of home safety equipment.

Physical Therapist (PT) - Teaches strengthening and conditioning exercises to improve walking, balance and functional mobility skills.

Speech Therapist - Helps people regain the ability to communicate if speech or language has been affected by injury or illness. A speech therapist may also address swallowing and cognitive problems.

Recreational Therapist - Assesses recreation, social and leisure interests and provides opportunities for people to engage in leisure time activities during their stay.

Social Worker - Provides counseling and assists in developing and implementing a realistic plan for each person's discharge from the hospital. Social workers can also make referrals to community resources such as home health care.

Audiologist - Evaluates people with suspected hearing loss and recommends hearing aids if needed.

Acute Rehabilitation Unit

The Acute Rehabilitation Unit is focused on helping people return to the activities they love. We treat people who are dealing with disabling conditions caused by injury or disease.

The 28-bed inpatient unit, located on the east side of the medical center, offers an interdisciplinary physical rehabilitation program. The unit has its own patient lounge, dining area, physical therapy gym, complete kitchen and apartment set-up with furniture to simulate situations at home.

Items to Bring

Patients are advised to bring the following personal items (all items, especially glasses, dentures and hearing aids, should be labeled):

• Comfortable clothing (jogging suits, house dresses, pants, loose fitting shirts, knit tops and sweaters).
• Socks and underwear.
• Low-heeled, comfortable shoes (walking or tennis shoes).
• Toiletries and cosmetics.
• Special shoes, braces or other walking devices.
• Dentures, hearing aids, glasses, etc.
• Photos of family and loved ones, as well as any hobby materials such as books or crafts.

Other valuables, especially money or jewelry, should be left at home.

Referral to the Unit

The GAMC Acute Rehabilitation Program accepts referrals from discharge planners, case managers, physicians and healthcare organizations. To make a referral to the program, call 818-409-8023.