Turning Point's team leader is the physiatrist. A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with diseases or injuries of the nerves, muscles, and joints. The physiatrist works closely with other members of the rehabilitation team and prescribes non-surgical treatment, such as exercises, braces, assistive devices, medication, and modalities including massage and ultrasound to improve a patient's functional status and relieve pain. The physiatrist will also be the liaison between the rehabilitation team and other physicians involved in a patient's care. Persons of all ages are appropriate for medical rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation nurses have the most contact with the patient and family, and will help them integrate skills acquired in therapies into the daily routine. They also will take care of medical needs and provide patient and family teaching, including diabetic education.

Any patients with disabilities are unable to walk. The physicial theraptists will work with them to improve lower extremity strength, mobility, transfers, balance and coordination. They will recommend assistance devices to improve mobility. The physical therapists design home exercise programs to assist with continuing needs, and work closely with family members to ensure a smooth transition from the rehabilitation center back into the home and the community.

Accomplishing everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, or preparing a meal can be challenging for people with limitations from disease or disability. The occupational therapists at Turning Point Rehabilitation Center design a therapy program to help each individual achieve his or her maximum potential in the areas of self care, homemaking, work, and other daily activities. Recommendations are made for home safety needs and adaptive equipment needs.

To make the rehabilitation experience more enjoyable, the therapeutic recreation staff provides a wide rage of leisure services and offerings. As part of the rehabilitation team, the recreational therapists focus on maintaining preferred recreational interests and exporing new ones. Therapeutic recreation services provide stimulation, social participation, and many options for leisure involvement including outings during the rehabilitation stay.

The speech pathology staff provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for individuals with difficulty in the areas of communication, cognition and swallowing. A goal of treatment is to improve communication so that those served may be successful in their everyday activities. For those with difficulty chewing or swallowing, the goal is to return to as normal a diet as possible.

Rehabilitation is, to a large extent, a learning process. Most patients at Turning Point are evaluated by a psychologist who often uses tests to determine their most effective learning style. It is also throught this testing process that special skills and individual needs are identified. Adjusting to a disability can be a very emotional experience for both the patient and family. Psychological counseling is available to help patients and families cope with the situation, and to prepare them to meet the demands of the rehabilitation process.

The medical social worker provides the individual and family with information about the program, the rehabilitation process, community resources, discharge options and financial assistance. He or she gathers information about support systems and the home environment, which is helpful in planning for discharge and in making referrals to community resources. The social worker can also provide counseling and serve as a liaison among the individual, family and rehabilitation staff.

Emotional and spiritual support services are available for the patient and family. Any member of the rehabilitation team can be of assistance in contacting a chaplain.

Whether the concern is adequate nutrition, difficulties with chewing and swallowing, special dietary requirements or providing for the individual likes and dislikes of patients, our registered dietitian is prepared to meet any and all of these needs.

Braces and artificial limbs are sometimes needed to help patients achieve greater independence. These services are provided to patients by certified specialists who work with the team.