Conditions We Treat
What's Acute Rehabilitation?
Van Munching Rehabilitation is an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit located within Stamford Hospital. Acute Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), like Van Munching Rehab at Stamford Health, offer a multidisciplinary & intensive approach to medical and physical rehabilitation.
Following a serious illness or debilitating hospital admission, you may benefit from acute rehabilitation if you:
- Need 24-hour medical monitoring and care
- Can participate in three hours of therapy, five days a week with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, and or speech-language therapist
- Have a goal of improving your physical function and independence
While on Van Munching, patients will participate in three hours of therapy five out of seven days of the week with a modified schedule on the weekend. Therapy includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy, as needed. Therapists collaborate with nursing, case management or social work, and physiatry, using a team approach to determine appropriate and safe expectations for discharge. Typical length of stay varies from one to three weeks, depending on multiple factors including insurance approval, diagnosis, medical need discharge disposition, and social support.
Program Qualifications
You may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation if you:
- Have a goal of improving your physical function and independence
Conditions We Treat
Our team of specialists has the training to care for people with:
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders and injuries like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Brain injury
- Traumatic injuries
- Amputation
- Cardiac or respiratory disease
- Femur or hip fracture
- Musculoskeletal (bone, joint, or muscle) disorder
- Orthopedic and sports injuries
- Polyarthritis (several painful joints)
- Total joint replacements
Team of Experts
Team of Experts
Access a team of providers to help you develop and reach your goals. Your team may include:
- Certified case manager – Meets with you to talk about insurance, medical equipment needs, getting you home safely, and follow-up care
- Dietitian – Makes sure you get the nutrients you need
- Neuropsychologist – Provides emotional and psychological support
- Nurses – Monitor your health and manage your medications
- Occupational therapist – Works to help you do daily activities more easily
- Physical therapist – Provides therapy to increase your balance, strength, and coordination
- Physiatrist - A medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Social worker – Connects you with resources to help you and your family
- Speech-language pathologist – Helps treat problems that affect your ability to swallow, communicate, or think
Your Nursing Team
Nursing at Van Munching Rehabilitation consists of a robust team of registered nurses with diverse and complementary skills. Each team member brings a unique perspective and individual expertise as they provide effective and safe care to their patients throughout their stay. Care goes beyond nursing and the approach is interdisciplinary working closely with the patients, their families, physicians, therapists, aides, and Social Work. Van Munching nurses are leaders who specialize in assisting patients affected by chronic illness and disability to maximize their health through health restoration, maintenance, and promotion. The Van Munching nurses function as care coordinators. Medication, Diabetes, Nutrition and Stroke education is offered during the patient’s stay.
The rehabilitation team model facilitates care in a coordinated manner. VMU nurses maintain a strong commitment to the rehabilitation team by participating in team meetings and provide valuable input into team decision making. Rehab nurses are patient advocates and provide input into the effectiveness of the treatment plan on an ongoing basis.
What to Bring
During your stay, you will want to bring:
- One pair of tennis shoes
- Loose-fitting athletic wear, including socks and underwear (four to five outfits)
- A warm sweater or jacket
- Pajamas, robe, and slippers (with grips)
What We Provide
During your stay, we will provide:
- Medications from the pharmacy
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Lotion
- Shampoo
- Shaving cream and razor
- Soap
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
Follow-Up Care
Rely on your team of specialists to help you return home safely. Once you’re home, your doctor may recommend outpatient rehabilitation services to help you continue working toward your therapy goals.