UPMC Rehabilitation Institute of Williamsport is one of four Joint Commission certified rehabilitation centers in Pennsylvania for the treatment of spinal cord injury patients. The spinal cord injury program is overseen by a fellowship-trained physician. The Rehabilitation Institute has a commitment to the community to provide identified services locally, while building professional, life-long health care relationships.
Specialized Rehabilitation Staff
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians
- Certified rehabilitation registered nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
- Recreational therapists
Additional Clinical Support
- Hospitalists (internal medicine physicians)
- Medical specialists
- Respiratory services
- Neuropyschologists
- Dieticians
- Social workers
- Case managers
Non-Clinical Support
- Pastoral care
- Peer support
- Interpretation services
- Volunteers
Specialty Care
- Spasticity, autonomic dysreflexia, bowel, and bladder dysfunction
- Skin integrity
- Contracture prevention
Education and Training
Therapy and nursing provide education and training for all medical and physical needs for patients and their caregivers beginning on the day of admission. The staff encourages family engagement and provides opportunities for on-going communication, beginning with a scheduled family conference to discuss training, education needs, and home needs upon discharge. This interdisciplinary program provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Psychological care plays an integral part in neurological recovery and is available to our patients and their families to help cope with life-changing issues.
Preparing for Discharge
Discharge dates are established during weekly interdisciplinary team meetings facilitated by our physicians. A rehabilitation social worker and case manager will round with the physician to discuss anticipated discharge plans with the patient and caregiver(s). The social worker and case manager will also assist with making equipment and service arrangements for a safe discharge.
Home Evaluation
You will have a home visit with your therapist to evaluate the need for home modifications or specialized equipment. This will help ensure that the therapy goals are appropriate, and discharge will be successful.
Community Re-Entry
This is an opportunity for patients to practice skills in a community setting with guidance from the therapist.
Adaptive Seating and Functional Mobility Program
Assessments are provided by a therapist and equipment technician with specialized training to make appropriate recommendations for seating, wheelchairs, scooters, and home modifications.
Caregiver Support
We encourage caregiver/family participation to provide emotional support to our patients during the rehabilitation stay which helps prepare the patient for a successful discharge. Lodging for caregivers is available at the Hospitality Inn at UPMC Williamsport.
Continuum of Care
Care continues with the life-long care program after discharge. This ensures that our patients and their caregivers have the highest quality of life possible.
Outpatient Neuroscience Department
Provides a continuum of care by therapists specializing in neurological conditions in an outpatient environment.
Urology Care
Coordination of management for urology needs including fertility.
Follow-Up Care
Routine follow-up care by your physician to continuously monitor and evaluate needs. Follow-up appointments in the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic will be scheduled for one month and six months, as needed.
Peer Support
Spinal cord injury survivors are available to offer support, discuss issues, and share successes.
PA Licensed Driving Education Program
A screening and evaluation conducted by a therapist who is a certified driving education instructor. The program provides an off-the-road screening and on-the-road evaluation for patients whose driving ability has been impaired. Adaptive equipment recommendations for private vehicles are available through the driving program.
Office of Occupational Rehabilitation (OVR)
Collaboration with this agency helps provide a resource for funding (when appropriate) and job training.