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From the first days after a stroke or brain injury an interdisciplinary stroke team, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, neurological nurses, speech therapy, physicians, and dieticians provide advanced care at Forsyth Medical Center to help every patient achieve the highest level of independence possible.

Those who are ready to leave the hospital, need further medical care and exhibit good potential to improve with intensive rehabilitation may come to Whitaker Rehabilitation Center. At Whitaker, patients benefit from an experienced staff, including many Registered Nurses who have obtained advanced certification in Rehabilitation Nursing. A team approach utilizing nursing, physicians, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, and recreation therapy work to improve mobility, balance, thinking, problem solving skills, swallowing, speech, and other issues that affect transition back into the community. Others such as speech therapists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and social workers may be consulted as well. Treatment is directed toward increasing independence with a wheelchair or walking; activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing and housework; providing caregiver education, and improving use of affected limbs. An emphasis is put on family training and involvement to cope with changes. Whitaker has great success in preparing people to return home.

For brain-injured patients, the Whitaker Rehabilitation Center inpatient facility is specially designed to maximize the security and safety of patients. There are special treatment spaces and places for family conferences. The entire treatment team uses behavior modification techniques, which utilize positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors. A wide range of opportunities for practicing social interactions and community outings are offered to prepare for discharge.

After returning home, outpatient therapy can bring further gains in independence. The Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center has been providing expert care for people who have had a stroke or other brain injury for over a decade. Specialized therapists help patients improve movement ability and coordination, as well as attain more independence in activities of daily living. Our committed staff also provides treatment to re-train thinking and problem-solving skills, and to improve speech clarity, if needed. Treatments are planned with individualized goals and may include physical, occupational and speech therapy. The Martinat Center has a strong history of helping people return to community independence. The Wellness Program promotes continued follow-through of exercises learned by offering inexpensive supervised or independent use of the Martinat facility after formal discharge from therapy.