Choosing a rehabilitation facility for yourself or a loved one is an important decision – one that can make a great deal of difference in recovery. This checklist will help you understand what distinguishes DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) from other providers of rehabilitation care. As you carefully explore your alternatives and tour prospective facilities, you’ll want to ask the following questions:
A 10-Point Checklist for Patients and Families
Does the hospital specialize in treating complex conditions and catastrophic injuries?
RIM is the only freestanding, academic, rehabilitation hospital in southeast Michigan. RIM treats over 1,200 patients annually and specializes in treating patients with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputations, complex orthopedic, and other neurological conditions.
Is the facility a specialty center, and if so, what specialty accreditations does the facility have?
RIM is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). RIM also holds individual accreditations from CARF for our specialized programs in:
- Spinal Cord System of Care
- Brain Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation Program
- Brain Injury Outpatient Rehabilitation Program
- Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program
Is care provided by an interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals under the direction of a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation?
Individualized treatment is provided by a team of healthcare professionals led by a physiatrist (a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.) Other members of the treatment team include specialists in: rehabilitation nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, respiratory therapy, therapeutic recreation, nutrition, neuropsychology, and social work/case management.
Is the medical staff available around the clock to manage complex medical needs?
RIM is connected to one of the nation’s most respected medical institutions, the Detroit Medical Center. As part of a large medical center, our patients have 24/7 access to specialists in other fields, the latest in radiological imaging, laboratories, and acute care.
Do specialized rehabilitation nurses manage patients’ daily care?
RIM exceeds the national benchmark in the number of nurses on staff who have completed advanced training and passed exams to qualify as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN). Achieving this certification demonstrates advanced knowledge of the rehabilitation process.
Do experienced physical, occupational and speech therapists tailor a comprehensive treatment plan to the specific needs of the patient and provide therapy for a minimum of 3 hours a day?
Our experienced staff customizes a treatment plan tailored to the individual needs and goals of each patient that emphasizes health, independence and restoring quality of life. Therapy is provided 3 hours a day, 5 out of 7 days a week, which may include weekends.
Will the patient be treated on a unit with others with the same diagnosis?
Spinal cord injury patients are admitted to an inpatient unit dedicated to the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Likewise, stroke patients and brain injury patients are treated on RIM’s Neuroscience Unit. The specialty units are staffed by rehab professionals with specialty training and expertise in treating the unique needs of this patient population. The specialty units also allow patients and families to interact and gain support from other patients with the same diagnosis.
Are patient and family education programs available?
RIM’s commitment to education involves both the patient and family. By participating in the patient/family education program and the treatment process, families and care-givers can learn how to best care for their loved ones.
Are the physicians and staff currently involved in research?
Over the last 10 years, RIM has been awarded over $16 million in federal and private grants for rehabilitation research focusing on restoring function, improving quality of life and developing innovative therapeutic techniques.
Does the hospital provide a continuum of inpatient to outpatient services, including access to community resources?
Outpatient therapy services are ready to assist patients once they are discharged from the hospital. RIM has over 30 outpatient centers located throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, patients have access to support groups, driver training, and adapted sports and recreational activities.