Your Team of Caregivers

The Interdisciplinary Team at TIRR Memorial Hermann

Rehabilitation is a complex process. Its success depends on multiple disciplines seamlessly working together to set treatment goals and monitor progress.

The care of each patient admitted to TIRR Memorial Hermann is managed by a full interdisciplinary team of highly qualified individuals with specialized training in the field of rehabilitation. The team, led by a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, music therapists, rehabilitation nurses, pharmacists, social workers, case managers, dietitians, therapeutic recreation specialists, neuropsychologists and respiratory therapists. Each team member contributes to the overall plan of care for the patient.

A patient's team of caregivers may include:

• Doctors coordinate the development and implementation of the rehabilitation plan and manage medical issues. They often work in collaboration with physician consultants.
• Nurses provide specialized rehabilitation nursing care, designed to prevent complications, support adaptive capabilities, provide comfort and teach patients to care for themselves.
• Case Managers coordinate the patient's overall program and communicate with insurance representatives.
• Social Workers help the patient and caregiver to understand and participate in the rehabilitation process, adjust to the changes in their lives, explore available options and services, and develop plans for return to home and community.
• Occupational Therapists assist the patient with the development of daily living skills and provide training in the use of adaptive and mobility equipment to encourage independence.
• Physical Therapists focus on the patient's mobility skills, and assess and treat impairments in strength, range of motion, balance, coordination and function.
• Respiratory Care Practitioners work with patients requiring ventilators and other respiratory care.
• Speech-Language Pathologists help patients to enhance their communication, cognitive skills and swallowing function.
• Psychologists and Neuropsychologists assist patients with the emotional and mental adjustments to illness or injury and assess cognitive function.
• Therapeutic Recreation Specialists assess a patient's leisure lifestyle and assist in adapting existing leisure skills or learning new ones.
• Music Therapists provide patients with additional opportunities to learn and practice physical and cognitive skills through rhythm and music.
• Clinical Dietitians evaluate a patient's nutritional needs and dietary preferences, and develop appropriate plans.
• Pharmacists assess a patient's response to medications and implement appropriate monitors to ensure the best outcomes with pharmacotherapy. They also educate patients about their medications prior to discharge.

The Role of Family and Friends

The role of family and friends is critical to the rehabilitation process. Throughout the rehab stay, we are committed to teaching the information and skills needed to care for your loved one. We will provide opportunities to practice new skills with guidance from our staff. We encourage involvement in daily care and decision making. Your participation is valued and encouraged; we invite you to attend therapies and collaborate with all members of the rehab team. The entire care team will be guides to ensure you feel comfortable as you prepare to leave this setting.