Common Functional Problems Treated

• The inability to walk
• Weakness or loss of joint movement
• Difficulty with coordination and balance
• Difficulty moving from one surface to another (i.e., from the bed to a chair or from a chair to the tub)
• Difficulty with daily activities such as eating, grooming, dressing, bathing or homemaking
• Emotional problems associated with serious illness or injury
• The inability to pursue recreational activities

Admission Criteria
The Spinal Cord Injury Program offered by the St. John's Mercy Rehab Hospital is designed to benefit those:

• With physical impairments caused by spinal cord injury or by illness that requires multidisciplinary rehabilitative care
• Who can expect a reasonably good chance for improvement
• Whose medical condition is stable, who are not respirator dependent, and who can participate in a complete rehabilitation program within a reasonable period of time after admission
• Who are intellectually and psychologically able to participate in rehabilitation
• Who are able to meet new goals and improve their physical condition, regardless of previous participation in a comprehensive rehabilitation program

Treatment
To help each patient achieve his or her goals, a team of physicians and other health care professionals evaluate each patient to determine diagnosis and treatment, and then meet with the patient to plan the rehabilitation program. These medical professionals help the patient and family identify and achieve short- and long-term goals. The patient's family members are encouraged to participate in rehabilitation.

Education
In addition to participating in rehabilitation, patients will be involved in educational sessions about making the transition from the Rehab Hospital to the home and community. An occupational therapist works with a patient on sink-level hygiene. Retraining in activities of daily living is an important part of the recovery process.

Topics include:

• Understanding the medical, physical and emotional effects of spinal cord injury
• Environmental control systems
• Respiratory function
• Coping with spinal cord injury
• Sexuality
• Nutrition
• Skin care
• Bowel and/or bladder management
• Adaptive equipment
• Equipment maintenance
• Community resources
• Independent living
• Recreational activities
• Vocational rehabilitation

Special Programs
Programs and services provided in the Spinal Cord Injury Program include:

• Home evaluations to determine accessibility
• St. Louis' first computerized functional electrical stimulation (CFES) program
• The Driver's Assessment and Training Program (outpatient)
• A specially-designed area to practice skills in a home-like environment
• Community integration outings
• Outpatient therapy
• Referrals to vocational and financial assistance agencies

St. Louis' First CARF-Accredited Program
The St. John's Mercy Spinal Cord Injury Program was the first in St. Louis to be accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This accreditation means that the most current, effective treatment is provided.