Improving Mobility, Health and Independence

The acute and outpatient rehabilitation team helps individuals whose functional skills have been limited by an illness or injury such as stroke. Rehabilitation goals for patients affected by stroke focus on:

  • Increasing self-care skills
  • Improving psychological adjustment
  • Improving self-image
  • Improving mobility, health and independence
  • Maximizing the ability to enjoy life
  • Educating the patient and family
  • Preventing secondary complications and secondary stroke

Treatment and Services We Provide

Treatment and services include:

  • Training in activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, etc.)
  • Speech-language therapy
  • Swallowing skills assessment and management
  • Bowel and bladder training
  • Family conferences
  • Patient and family education
  • Self-medication training
  • Behavioral intervention
  • Wheelchair positioning and mobility training
  • Community re-entry activities
  • Weekly support groups
  • Pet and art therapy

The acute and outpatient rehabilitation team helps individuals to consistently meet and exceed national benchmark standards. Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scores refer to a scale that measures a patient’s ability to function independently. The Acute Rehabilitation Team uses these scores as primary indicators of patient progress.

Stroke Support Group

Join members of the GWUH team, stroke survivors, and their loved ones for conversation, education, and community resources. Join in person or via Zoom.

When: 1st Tuesday of each Month at 3:30 pm

How to Participate: Email us that you are interested!

mary.busch@gwu-hospital.com
karen.whitesell@gwu-hospital.com
natasha.chevalier-richards@gwu-hospital.com

How Does it Work?: You must email us that you are interested in participating. Each month you will receive an e-mail containing a Zoom link a few days before the meeting. You can join virtually or come in person to 2131 K St NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC 20037. Look for other email updates throughout the month.