Episode 7: SLP Life on the Inpatient Rehab Unit with Lauren Ball, MS, CCC-SLP
In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Ball to discuss what life is like on an inpatient rehab unit for an SLP. Because Lauren has also worked in Skilled Nursing (SNF), she’s able to compare the two settings and discuss how patients qualify for inpatient rehab vs. SNF when they are discharged from the hospital.
Lauren covers all the facets of this unique setting and how she generates materials for therapy. And of course… Lauren starts off by saying “it depends on each patient, what’s important to them.” Here are some typical areas that she will work with patients on:
managing their calendar on their smart phone or a paper calendar, practicing phone calls, medication management, etc.
Modifying their environment to encourage independence. (Check out the episode for more details)
Lauren’s guiding principle for planning therapy sessions is to consider for each patient “what do they need to be able to do at home” and balances that with feedback from the patient about their priorities for recovery.
Lauren covers so many areas of what our therapy looks like on an inpatient rehab unit, that I just can’t fit it all into one episode. So stay tuned for part 2 of Lauren’s talk that will focus on the types of evaluations she uses and her words of wisdom to keep us hardworking SLPs inspired and motivated.
“I think relationships building with PT and OT is one of the most important things in rehab”
Music: Toast - Outside