For patients who have suffered a stroke, the Rehabilitation Institute of South Florida at Memorial Regional Hospital South provides a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan to help the patient recover as much function as possible. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, therapists and staff are specifically trained in rehabilitative medicine and provide high-quality care and treatment to aid in stroke patients' recovery. We recognize that the treatment goals and recovery time vary from patient to patient. Depending on the symptoms, stroke rehabilitation may include:

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Recreation therapy
• Neuropsychology
• Dietary
• Pharmacy
• Animal-assisted therapy

The patient's degree of disability can depend upon the area of the brain that is damaged. This may involve paralysis, weakness or movement delays, sensory disturbances including pain, problems using or comprehending speech, swallowing issues, thinking, memory or emotional disturbances.

Stroke rehabilitation therapy often involves repositioning, range-of-motion activities and strengthening exercises to enhance movement. Therapy may also involve sitting up, moving from bed to chair, standing, walking or other tasks such as dressing, bathing and using the toilet. In addition, to help the patient regain independence, these therapies can help prevent complications of stroke including infection and bed sores. Encouraging physical movement is critical to recovery. In cases of speech and language challenges, alternative forms of communications such as pictures, verbal cues, writing and computers may be used. Innovative techniques are used to assist in regaining control of swallowing muscles.

Determination Drive, our realistic, simulated community environment, includes a fully functioning apartment, car, library and grocery store. With emphasis on functional retraining, we assist the patient in practicing everyday challenges in a protective environment prior to returning home.

At the Rehabilitation Institute of South Florida at Memorial Regional Hospital South, we have created an environment that promotes safety and provides support during stroke rehabilitation. Often, stroke patients have little to no awareness of their surroundings or understanding of the impact the stroke has had on their abilities. As part of our commitment to patient safety, our beds are equipped with exit alarms. These alarms are used when we feel a patient is not safe to transfer out of bed alone. The alarm alerts staff if a patient attempts to exit the bed unassisted. In addition, patients at risk of wandering off the unit unattended may be given a roaming alert bracelet device to monitor their movement and help prevent falls or elopements during their hospital stay.

Here at the Rehabilitation Institute of South Florida, we recognize that families and their caregivers are important members of the rehabilitation team. We provide many amenities that support the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of patients and their families while in our care. We offer a patient- and family-centered approach that allows 24 hour visitation with bedside accommodations for overnight stays if desired. We also encourage families to attend weekly conferences with their loved one to discuss progress and plans for discharge directly with their personalized team of caregivers. We encourage family participation in therapy sessions and also provide an evaluation of the home by our therapy team if needed prior to discharge.

By combining some of the most advanced technology with highly trained staff within a beautiful, therapeutic environment, we are able to support our stroke rehabilitation patients in their efforts to regain function and independence.

As part of our focus on providing patient- and family-centered care, we offer a support group for stroke and their families. Call 954-518-5546 for more information.

For questions about admission or to arrange a tour of our facility, please call
954-634-5658 954-518-5725.