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Inpatient Rehabilitation

Referrals: 319-272-7200

For individuals who have had a fall, an auto accident, a stroke or other health event, there’s no better place to start a comeback than MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center’s comprehensive rehabilitation program. The program is certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and is designed to help individuals regain their highest level of independence and return home within the shortest amount of time.

Our rehabilitation unit includes:
  • Private suites large enough to accommodate patients and family members
  • Home-like atmosphere; making the experience all about patients and their families
  • A patient apartment complete with cooking facilities, full bath and living area used by patients prior to discharge for developing independent living skills
  • Library with educational resources for patients and families 
  • Expanded spa-like bath/shower area
  • Centralized dedicated treatment areas on the unit for physical, occupational and speech language therapy
  • Wi-Fi service

Rehab Nursing

This 24-hour nursing care is designed for medically, emotionally and physically complex patients. Our nurses provide comprehensive and personalized care by working with our providers; physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists and family services. This circle of care ensures the highest level of patient support. Rehab nurses work with patients of all ages, including their families or caregivers, after the onset of a disabling injury or chronic illness. These can include:

  • Stroke
  • ALS
  • Amputations
  • Brain injuries
  • Burns
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Parkinson’s
  • Major joint replacement
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Organ transplant
  • Spinal cord injuries 

By using creative measures, they help to restore the patient’s freedom and independence. Our compassionate nursing care is second to none. 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, coordination, balance and mobility to maximize function. After evaluating the patient and establishing their personal goals, MercyOne experts develop a personalized, patient-centered therapy plan. Assistive Technology Practitioners can evaluate the need for complex rehab assistive devices (custom wheelchairs and power mobility). We also work closely with orthotists and prosthetists to support patients who need training on braces and prosthetics.  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists focus on skills for the job of living. MercyOne occupational therapists treat patients of all ages who may be diagnosed with one of these conditions or others:
  • Stroke 
  • Spinal cord injury 
  • Traumatic brain injury 
  • Multiple sclerosis 
  • Multi-trauma 
  • Debility 
  • Orthopedic injuries 
  • Cancer 
Our occupational therapists support patients’ desires to regain their independence in daily living, both in personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, bathroom transfers), as well as routine activities (homemaking, laundry, driving). MercyOne occupational therapists treat patients from a physical, cognitive and psychosocial perspective. Treatment can include upper body strength, movement and conditioning; cognition, and safety, as well as visual perceptual interventions. Our team of experts makes MercyOne your best choice for inpatient rehab.

Speech Language Pathology 

Speech Language Pathologists assess and treat deficits related to speech and language, cognition and swallowing. Activities and interventions are designed based on the needs of individual patients experiencing speech/language or cognitive difficulty. Patients with complex swallowing issues have convenient access to MercyOne’s circle of care. Radiology can perform a videofluoroscopic swallow evaluation. MercyOne will coordinate recommendations and treatments with a dietitian and nursing staff.  

Therapeutic recreation

Leisure and recreational treatment sessions, such as community outings, water-related activities, one-on-one sessions and group activities are designed to allow opportunities for gradual readjustments to family and community life.

Rehab family services

Medical social workers and rehabilitation counselors serve to link together the patient, family members and other rehabilitation team members. They also provide assistance with living arrangements, financial difficulties, educational needs, overall emotional support and assist patients in accessing resources within their community.

Nutritional counseling

Registered dietitians are available to educate individuals about the role nutrition plays in preventing and treating disease. Nutritional counseling helps patients learn more about specific diets prescribed by their physician and assists them in meeting nutritional needs to promote healing.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychologists specialize in the study of brain behavior relationships and can help address emotional, cognitive and behavioral difficulties associated with an individual’s illness or injury. MercyOne has both a neuropsychologist and a clinical psychologist. 
 
Your MercyOne inpatient rehab team is here to help you live your best life. 
 

For referrals to our acute inpatient rehab unit

Deanna Rustad, M. Ed
Post Acute Admissions Coordinator
Cell: 319-239-5509
Fax: 319-272-7919
 
Mailing address:
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
ATTN: Rehab Services
3421 West Ninth St
Waterloo, IA 50702

If you are interested in receiving expert MercyOne therapy on an outpatient basis, click here.

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