Nationally Recognized for Advanced Stroke Care
Northridge Hospital Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. The Gold Seal recognizes that the Stroke Center follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
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Back in the Mommy Seat As a 36-year-old mother of two small children, Annalissa Montesclaros feared her stroke would impact her ability to care for and enjoy them. Upon arrival to the Stroke Rehabilitation Program, she had double vision, couldn't stand and had no coordination in her left arm.
“Kevin Pidgeon, MD, Physiatrist, helped to develop a personalized treatment plan that included Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies,” she says. “The best part was that he catered to my individual needs so I could regain my independence.” Today, Annalissa is thriving again as a stay-at-home mom. “I care for myself and bathe, cook for and play with my children—it feels great to be back in my role as a full-time mom.”
As part of the hospital's TJC accredited stroke program, care for stroke patients initially begins in the Emergency Department after an individual recognizes the symptoms and calls 911. Stroke rehabilitation is designed for patients who have had a cerebrovascular accident (brain attack). We assist patients in regaining their highest level of function in communication, self-care, mobility and emotional well-being. For additional information on the treatment of strokes visit our Stroke Center.
Most patients return home and are able to lead a relatively independent lifestyle. Our interdisciplinary approach places special attention on regaining abilities rather than on disability. Patients and their families actively participate in planning and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan in which specific goals are established. Attainment of these goals is measured throughout the inpatient rehabilitation program.
Patient care goals may include:
- Evaluate and manage medical and rehabilitative problems
- Increase mobility and physical endurance
- Achieve maximum independence in self-care skills and activities of daily living
- Utilize appropriate functional aids and equipment
- Provide opportunities for community re-integration
- Provide education for recreational and leisure activities
- Develop a functional communication system for the patient and family members
- Provide family training and education in all aspects of stroke rehabilitation management
- Facilitate emotional adjustment for the patient and family
- Assess neuropsychological status
- Discharge to home or a modified living environment
Care Team Services include:
- Case Management Services
- Medical Psychology
- Medical and Surgical Consults
- Nutritional Care Specialists
- Occupational Therapists
- Orthotics Assessment and Fitting
- Physiatry (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
- Physical Therapists
- Rehabilitation Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Social Workers
- Speech and Swallowing Therapists
- Spiritual Care Services
- Therapeutic Recreation Specialists
Patient & Family Training
Patient and family training is designed to meet the needs of each individual. Families are trained to assist with certain portions of care in order for the patient to be as prepared as possible for discharge.
At the time of discharge, the patient and family should have a clear understanding of physical and cognitive abilities and limitations, medications, personal hygiene needs, skin care and equipment needs. Outpatient Therapy Services are available after discharge. For more information about the Stroke Rehabilitation Program, please call 818-700-5648.
For more information on our Stroke Support Group for Survivors & Caregivers, call 818-885-8500, ext. 4865.
