Your long-term success following your stay is important to our entire team as you transition home or to your next level of care. Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) offers several resources to you following your inpatient rehabilitation stay.

Post-Acute Outpatient Therapy for Brain Injury

RHI continues to care for patients even after they're discharged through Outpatient Therapy, which is provided at our three outpatient locations:

• Northwest Brain Injury Center (NBIC)
• Eagle Highlands Outpatient Services
• Carmel Outpatient Services

The following are details on some of the Specialized Outpatient Programs that might be appropriate for your post-discharge treatment regimen.

Spasticity Clinic

“Spasticity” can best be described as a disorder where overexcited nerves fire rapid messages to the muscles. As a result, muscles become difficult or uncontrollable. Muscle spasticity can interfere with almost all daily living activities, such as walking, sitting, wheeling a chair, bathing, dressing, and general self-care. Learn more about the Spasticity Clinic here.

Vestibular & Balance Retraining

RHI offers a Vestibular & Balance Retraining Program performed by highly trained physical therapists utilizing state-of-the-art technology adapted from NASA. The NeuroCom® Computerized Dynamic Posturography Assessment and SMART Balance Master® programs allow the practitioner to identify the root cause of the balance disorder. This information in combination with the physical therapist’s expertise results in a course of treatment that optimizes the patient’s success. The program provides these benefits:

• Objective data and computerized testing
• Complete reports shared with a physician
• Quicker time to functional treatment and activities of daily living
• Improved patient outcomes as a result

Rehabilitation Neuropsychology Department

RHI Neuropsychologists are nationally and internationally recognized clinicians and researchers specializing in traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Brain injury rehabilitation is based on a careful neuropsychological assessment of different cognitive and behavioral functions, such as memory or behavioral regulation. The RHI Neuropsychology Program provides many different rehabilitation services that go beyond assessment to ensure that people with brain injury get the best recovery possible, including:

• Individual and group treatment for behavioral and cognitive difficulties
• Brain Injury Coping Skills group for long-term family adjustment
• Assistance with return to work and driving
• Access to peer mentoring services

Vision Rehabilitation

Our Vision Rehabilitation service is composed of a specialized occupational therapy team with expertise in pediatric and adult vision rehabilitation. Vision is a complex integration between the eyes, brain, and body. Our therapists provide restorative and compensatory training for individuals following a brain injury or stroke, in addition to low vision intervention for adults with degenerative eye diseases. We provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to help improve our patients’ visual performance at home, school, work and on the road. Our team specializes in:

• Pediatric vision Rehabilitation
• Adult vision rehabilitation
• Providing restorative and compensatory training for individuals post brain injury and stroke
• Low vision intervention for adults with degenerative eye diseases
• Visual tests for driving assessments
• On-site optometrist

Driver Rehabilitation Program

RHI’s Driver Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to promoting safety and independence in driving. Our specially trained occupational therapists address the visual, cognitive and physical impairments that affect an individual’s ability to drive. We utilize vehicles with state-of-the-art adaptive equipment and computer systems that can be modified to meet the needs of the individuals we serve. The program includes:

• State-of-the-art van with advanced equipment and computer systems
• Screening of vision, motor, and cognitive limitations
• Screening of judgment, safety, and knowledge of the rules of the road
• Behind-the-wheel evaluation with an occupational therapist and certified driving instructor
• Modified vehicles to enhance independence with driving
• Behind-the-wheel training as needed with an occupational therapist or certified driving instructor
• Courtesy drive at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Aquatic Program

RHI's swimming pool, located at the Eagle Highlands facility, is available for low-impact exercise through the Aquatic Program.

Love Your Brain Yoga

• Six-week program available four times a year ($167 - scholarships available)
• Contact Wendy Waldman at 317-410-3532 or wendy.waldman@rhin.com

Community Fitness Program

• Provides adaptive workout equipment for persons with disabilities
• Every Tuesday/Thursday from 5-6 pm
• Contact RHI for more information at 317-320-2281 or rhisp@rhin.com

RHI Sports Program

• The Adaptive Sports Program offers adaptive sports including fencing, archery, hand cycling, waterskiing, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, track, wheelchair racing, quad rugby, power soccer, and beep basketball
• Contact Jeanine Stellmack at 317-329-2281 or Jeanine.stellmack@rhin.com

Resource Facilitation

Resource Facilitation is a statewide, highly structured employment service provided by RHI for people with acquired brain injuries.

• It significantly exceeds the national employment average for people with disabilities with up to a 70% return-to-work rate.
• Potential participants are connected with our partner, Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services, to prepare to successfully return to the workforce.
• Staff provide access to services and supports that enhance recovery and help patients make informed choices.
• This program is a direct result of RHI's evidence-based research.
• For more information call 317-329-2455 or rfgeneral@rhin.com

PATIENT STORY

My Resource Facilitator was there when I needed her. She worked with my employer to help them understand my brain injury and my capabilities. I couldn’t have done it myself. I love being back at work.

Mark

Former Patient

Brain Injury Coping Skills Group

The Brain Injury Coping Skills Group is a 16-session group treatment that meets for two hours each week. The treatment is provided to the survivor of brain injury AND his or her caregiver. Participants in this group will learn about the effects of brain injury, what to expect in terms of recovery, the important role that family plays in rehabilitation, signs, and symptoms of depression, and ways of managing challenging behavioral and emotional situations after brain injury. Participants will also learn to develop good stress-management and problem-solving skills and how to better cope with the effects of the injury on a long-term basis. Finally, goal-management training is provided, and survivors are guided on how to accomplish certain rehabilitation goals that are deemed meaningful to them. The group allows both survivors and caregivers to be involved in the rehabilitation process by learning pertinent skills needed to improve overall recovery, and it provides a supportive environment for individuals going through rehabilitation to meet others and share similar concerns. Call 317-879-8940.

Tips to Aid Recovery

Following your inpatient stay, you may benefit from continued skilled therapies, neuropsychology, mental health, or other health services at the next level of care. In addition, here are some helpful tips to aid in the long-term recovery process:

• Avoid doing anything that could cause another blow or jolt to the head
• Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to work or school, drive a car, ride a bike, or use heavy equipment
• Take only the medications your doctor has approved
• Avoid the use of tobacco or other non-prescribed drugs, as this will inhibit the healing process
• Avoid drinking alcohol until your doctor says it’s okay
• Maintain open communication with your physician and other health professionals

Classes and Support Groups

• Indiana Brain Injury Association Support Group Finder
• Dietary management class
• Diabetic education
• Stroke education classes