Your care team at the IRU

You’re the focus of a team of caring specialists during your stay at the William R. Lewis, MD, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Count on your team to work closely together to provide care that considers your whole well-being, so you can reach your potential and improve quality of life.

Team members and services

You’ll have access to a range of providers at the hospital during your stay. A physiatrist (rehabilitation doctor) oversees your care in the IRU with support from specialists in areas such as:

• Diabetes care and education – Helps you manage diabetes to improve your overall health and outcome of therapy
• Neuropsychology – Determines how well your brain is working and controlling your actions
• Nutrition services – Guide you in getting nutrients for better health and healing
• Occupational therapy – Teaches you how to more easily do daily tasks and, if needed, use assistive devices
• Palliative care – Relieves pain and other symptoms
• Physical therapy – Helps you move more freely and comfortably
• Respiratory therapy – Provides support for healthy breathing
• Speech and swallowing therapy – Teaches you how to communicate better or eat and drink safely
• Wound care – Heals sores or ulcers, especially those that have lasted a long time

Your entire rehabilitation team meets regularly to talk about your condition and progress, so you get well-rounded care that adapts to your changing needs.

Targeted care for brain injuries

All IRU therapists hold certified brain injury specialist credentials from the Brain Injury Association of America.

Many therapists also hold certification in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) from the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association. This approach to therapy helps patients better control their movements while living with a neurological condition.

Specialized nurses

Throughout your stay, nurses and nursing assistants will tend to your daily medical needs. Most IRU nurses are certified rehabilitation registered nurses, meaning they have special training to care for patients like you. Some also have in-depth education to help ensure the safety of patients who have vestibular conditions, or trouble keeping their balance. No matter your needs, you’ll appreciate their compassionate help throughout your stay.

Referrals to other specialists

We’ll refer you to professionals outside of Community Hospital if you need more services, such as:

• Audiology (help hearing)
• Driving rehabilitation
• Orthotics (braces and other supportive devices)
• Prosthetics (artificial body parts)
• Vocational (work) rehabilitation

Family involvement

Your loved ones are your biggest supporters. We invite them to attend therapy sessions, teach them about your condition, and involve them in decisions about your care. If your family can’t visit in person, your care team may arrange video calls and email them with information you choose to share about your progress.

When needed, you and your family will also meet with a social worker and case manager. These professionals can help you cope with your changing abilities and plan for outpatient rehabilitation or another type of care after you leave the IRU, so you keep making progress.