Brain Injury

Brain Injury

Those who are ready to leave an acute care facility, need further medical care, and exhibit good potential to improve with intensive rehabilitation, may come to Forsyth Rehabilitation Center in the Whitaker building. At Forsyth, 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 vocational rehabilitation counselors and social workers, may be consulted as well. Treatment is directed toward increasing independence in walking or using a wheelchair; improving thinking and communication skills; increasing independence with 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 and achieve community integration/independence.  Forsyth Rehabilitation has great success in preparing people to return home.

For brain-injured patients, the Forsyth 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.

Both Forsyth Rehabilitation Center and Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center use the latest in technology for brain injury - the Bioness H200 hand and L300 lower extremity neuroprosthetic units - to achieve functional improvement.

Outpatient Therapy

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 have a brain injury for several decades. 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.

• Cognitive and Employment Services program
  This program may be appropriate for people who wish to return to work.
• Support Groups 
  Our support groups offer a chance for patients and their families to interact with other brain injury survivors. 
•  
  Driving Rehabilitation Program 
  This program helps people affected by injury, illness or disability return to driving through evaluation and training.
• Forsyth Rehabilitation Center
  Forsyth Rehabilitation Services offered in the Whitaker building includes both inpatient and outpatient care.  Forsyth Rehabilitation Center has been a rehabilitation leader since 1971.
• Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
  The Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center has been a leader in providing outpatient therapy services for several decades. Rehabilitation services are offered at five locations.