The Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation (CCR) is located at West Medical Center in Willoughby. The acute care center provides physical, occupational, speech therapy and rehab nursing to patients with a wide variety of disabilities to help them return to safe and independent living in their own homes. John Baniewicz, MD, board-certified internist and medical director for the Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation, is recognized for his responsive and hands-on commitment to the program and its patients.
The Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation
The Lake Health CCR is an inpatient facility designed to treat patients, ages 18 and over with physical disabilities as a result of serious illness, injury or surgery and are in need of extensive rehabilitation.
The newly renovated unit features a soothing environment designed to promote healing. The unit includes eight private patient rooms that offer plenty of space. Physical Rehabilitation, located in the unit, features a gym for therapy, along with a separate “activities of daily living” space to aid in strengthening or monitoring a patient’s functioning with daily living. The goal of the CCR team is to help patients regain their independence…one step at a time.
Admission to the CCR
Prior to admission, patients are evaluated to determine their ability to tolerate and benefit from the CCR’s intensive, interdisciplinary rehab program. In order to be admitted a patient must be able to tolerate at least three hours of therapy a day for a minimum of five days a week. Each day the patient works with a variety of therapists to regain function and skills, from grooming and bathing, to getting in and out or chairs, to improving cognitive skills. The length of time a patient typically stays in the CCR is approximately 2 weeks, depending on patient needs, potential, and goals. The team meets weekly to monitor the patient’s progress.
Pulling Together
After an initial evaluation, an interdisciplinary team of professionals is established. The team includes physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, social workers or case managers, rehabilitation nurses, or other specialized ancillary services as needed. Together with the patient, the team develops an individualized treatment program designed to meet the patient’s needs and rehabilitation goals.
The CCR interdisciplinary team also recognizes the important role family members play in the patient’s support network. Family members are involved throughout the patients rehabilitation process and they also receive training and education in the special needs and requirements when the patient returns home.
The team of specially trained professionals–combined with CCR’s intensive therapy, individualized care, and specialized nursing–helps patients return to their optimal level of function. The CCR staff strives to send patients home to resume the activities they enjoy.
Patients in Need
Often, disabilities from illness and injuries leave patients unable to handle everyday activities. Patients with multiple limitations need extensive rehabilitation to help regain lost skills including coordination, balance, strength, and function. Patients, referred to the CCR by their physician, learn how to compensate for their limitations, how to use special assistance equipment, or how to manage their disease.
The CCR can help patients manage changes as a result of illness, injury, or surgery such as:
- Stroke
- Amputation
- Hip Fracture
- Complex Orthopedic Surgeries
- Neurological Conditions
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Traumas
- Other similar conditions
Patients in need of rehabilitation can receive expert care close to home. At Lake Health’s Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation, patients learn to adjust to changes or manage their condition. The Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation helps patients regain the highest level of function possible…one step at a time.
Dr. Baniewicz earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Akron City Hospital. His special medical interests include hypertension and diabetes.
For more information, call the CCR referral line at 440-953-6100