Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Peterson Health
The Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) is a 26-bed unit located on the third floor of Peterson Regional Medical Center. Our comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and Stroke Specialty Program are CARF Accredited. This represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization.
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an independent, non-profit organization that reviews and grants accreditation nationally. Our rehab programs and services meet rigorous standards, assuring the highest quality care and outcomes for our patients. CARF recognizes our ongoing pursuit of excellence to provide a continuum of care, right here, in our own community.
Special amenities include:
- Private patient rooms
- Large dining/activity room for meals and social activities
- Well-equipped gym for physical and occupational therapy
- Transitional Living Apartments
- Outdoor Therapeutic Walking Path
The Acute Rehabilitation Unit Team
The Acute Rehabilitation team is led by Medical Director, Mirellé Foster, MD, who develops a plan of care tailored to the unique needs of each patient at each stage of their recovery.
Our team of experts is comprised of licensed rehab nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, rehab technicians, and case managers/social workers dedicated to the short and long-term care of our patients.
In the ARU, patients and caregivers are a part of a team, with everyone working hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient.
Who the Acute Rehabilitation Unit Serves
The comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation programs at the Acute Rehabilitation Unit are for individuals who have suffered a loss in ability to function as a result of accident, injury, illness, or surgery. Therefore, our patients have a variety of diagnoses including stroke, multiple trauma, fracture of the hip or femur, amputation, brain or spinal cord injuries, or other neurological disorders.
While the typical stay in the rehabilitation unit is longer than acute hospital care, the goal and focus of the rehabilitation program is for the patient to return home and to the community as independent as possible.
Care is provided in a therapeutic environment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Active participation in therapy three hours a day, at least five days a week, is required. The program also offers training and education for the caregivers, home visits, and community outings.
To be eligible for Acute Rehabilitation admission, you must:
- Have a physician referral
- Be able and willing to participate in the rehabilitation program
- Be aware of your environment
- Be in need of two or more forms of therapy (physical, occupational, and/or speech)
- Have an identified discharge plan
Criteria for admission include impairment of:
- Mobility
- Self-care activities
- Cognitive function
- Communication
- Perceptual motor function
- Swallowing
When you are referred to the Acute Rehabilitation Unit, an Admissions Coordinator will visit with you and conduct an assessment accordingly to determine if you meet the above criteria. If you do, you will be accepted for admission into the program. You and your caregivers are encouraged to tour the Acute Rehabilitation Unit prior to admission.
PDFs and Resources
ARU Patient Information Guide – An overview of our Inpatient Rehabilitation program, team, and facilities.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Referral Tips – Learn more about the ARU admission criteria and treatment accommodations.
ARU Report Card 2023 – Comprehensive Acute Rehab Unit program outcomes at a glance (data from 2022).
2023 Inpatient Rehab Program Snapshot – An overview of our Stroke Rehabilitation patient outcomes (data from 2022).
Stroke Rehabilitation Program Overview – Stroke Rehab Services and Programs in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Elevating Life After Stroke – Comprehensive Resource Guide for Stroke survivors and caregivers.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Scope of Service – An in-depth review of our Inpatient Rehabilitation services.
Stroke Specialty Program Scope of Service – An in-depth review of our Stroke Specialty Program.
