Neurological Disorders Rehabilitation

The goals of a neurological rehabilitation program include helping the individual to return to the highest level of function and independence, and improving the overall quality of life for that individual - physically, emotionally, and socially. A typical neurological rehabilitation program helps to accomplish and/or may include the following:

* assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, handwriting, cooking, and basic housekeeping

* speech therapy (to help patients who are having trouble speaking, expressing their thoughts, or swallowing; to improve speech patterns, enunciation, and oral communication, in general)

* counseling (to deal with anxiety and depression)

* bladder and bowel retraining

* activities to improve control and muscle balance in the trunk, pelvis, and shoulder girdle

* an exercise program (to improve function, safety, and efficiency of movement; to prevent or postpone weakness caused by lack of use; to manage spasticity and pain; to maintain range of motion; to develop the maximum potential of muscle, bone, and respiration)

* social skills retraining

* gait and balance retraining

* nutritional counseling

* involvement in community support groups

* activities to improve cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and poor judgment

* education regarding the disease and disease process

* goal setting (short and long term) involving the individual and family members