The top question people ask us is, how long will rehab take? Next they want to know how the rehabilitation process works.

How long an individual is in rehabilitation depends on the type and severity of the brain injury. Some people stay with us for a few weeks, others a few months or longer.  Others come to us for day treatment while they live at home. It all depends on the individual situation. There are no hard and fast rules.

Our goal is for participants in the Pate program to successfully function in real-world environments, not just in our clinics. Whatever program your loved one enters, the rehabilitation process at Pate has five phases.

 

Phase 1: Preliminary Assessment

The first step to rehab admission is a visit from a Clinical Liaison from Pate to meet the patient and talk with family. Your liaison will review medical records, perform a brief medical assessment and talk with any other professionals who may be assisting treatment.

At this first meeting, we’ll ask you about your goals and expectations. We’ll work to understand your needs. By getting to know you, we can make a recommendation for best placement into the appropriate Pate program and team.

Our admissions coordinators will work during the initial evaluation to gather information to speak with your insurer and make sure you receive all the benefits of your coverage. Sometimes it can take a little time to receive approval, even up to a week, but don't worry - we're on it.

 

Phase 2: Admission and Intake Evaluation

When a person admits to Pate, we assemble the best team of specialists for each patient, making family an integral part of the team.

During the first week of treatment, we conduct in-depth evaluations including speech, occupational, cognitive ability, physical/motor skills, and a functional assessment. We may also do neuropsychological testing.

(Find out why neuropsychologists are important to treatment)

 

You can expect a research-based treatment and evaluation. We use the standard assessment tools and our own assessment system called PERPOS (Pate Environmentally Relevant Program Outcome System) that measures an individual's tolerance for distraction and need for structure, important factors in rehabilitation that our research uncovered. This allows us to better customize treatment plans based on individual needs.

As treatment advances, we track progress using PERPOS standards, and continuously mold and specialize the treatment plan for the best success in real world environments.

 

Phase 3: Program Design

After the initial evaluation, the custom treatment plan is proposed, created by a multi-disciplinary team of people who are experts in their fields. It will be your own unique treatment plan based on knowledge and understanding of an injury's effect on brain function.

We combine that with the reality of each person's strengths, weaknesses, interests and personality to develop a treatment plan that will be the best fit.

Treatment plans are coordinated with psychologists and neuropsychologists, experts in the structure and function of the brain related to specific psychological processes and behaviors, including memory, thinking and judgment.

Your plan will focus on three major areas:

• Physical
• Cognitive/Thinking
• Emotional/Behavioral

*The first family conference is scheduled within the first 7-10 days of treatment. The plan is reviewed with all appropriate parties and input is considered.  Constant communication among members of the treatment team ensures accountability — while constant dialogue with the patient and family helps to keep everyone informed and in touch.

Phase 4: Rehabilitation and Continuing Improvement

The active rehab phase - and how long it lasts - will be determined by the patient's individual medical situation. As rehab progresses, Pate professionals will be able to provide families with better insight into the patient's expected outcome.  Many brain injuries involve deficits that are not immediately apparent and may emerge over time - such as difficulties with memory or other cognition, personality changes, etc.

As our therapists learn more about each person they treat, and encourage them toward their highest independence level possible, you should see some dramatic improvements.

 

Phase 5: Discharge Planning

As the patient approaches the end of rehabilitation, discharge planning helps each patient prepare for the next phase of their life. During the treatment process, we’re constantly looking at what’s next — whether it’s a smooth transition into the workplace or a move home to live with family.

Planning for the future helps us develop a personalized course throughout the recovery process. Patients may meet with a vocational counselor about their career, school or volunteer goals. Therapists may help with workplace accommodations to enable return-to-work and they may visit the patient's home to review it for potential dangers and provide advice on helpful changes.

 

 


Pate Professionals

An essential part of the success of the rehabilitation process is a trusting relationship. We'll make you feel comfortable and encouraged by understanding your needs, interests, and personality.

We pledge to treat every patient with dignity and respect and earn their trust.

Many talented people are involved in the rehabilitation process. Team members include:

Our teams create treatment activities that the individual will not only enjoy but will also mimic those in their everyday lives. Our therapists always look for opportunities to help patients in both practical and personally affirming ways.

 


Innovative Treatments

In addition to offering many therapies including Physical, Occupational, Cognitive, Vocational, Speech and Counseling, we also offer these treatments that are unique in North Texas:

 


Collaborative Teams
Rehab

You can expect that your team will meet to discuss how you're doing on a frequent basis. With a collaborative team approach, we're able to closely monitor every aspect of rehabilitation. We can change course or make adjustments anytime.

This approach allows therapists to truly know the strengths and weaknesses of each person they work with, allowing them to facilitate the best treatment approach.

On our treatment floor, it is not uncommon to see a speech therapist encouraging someone to stand or walk while working on a language activity. Our commitment to collaboration means those who participate in the Pate program perform various activities simultaneously in various environments, making their transition back to home life easier.

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