Stroke | The Patient Care Team | A Comprehensive Treatment Approach | Family Involvement | The Role of the Case Manager | Outpatient Follow-Up Care | Kernan's Academic Advantage
Because the family is an important part of the patient's care team, the Stroke Unit holds regular family conferences to include the family in treatment planning and community re-entry. In addition, patient/family education and training are provided to involve the family in rehabilitation process and to prepare them for meeting the patient's discharge needs. Ongoing patient/family support is available through the Stroke Club's monthly meetings which provides education and resource information in a social forum.
The case manager is the link between the family and the members of the patient's care team. She keeps families informed about patient progress and helps them make discharge plans and preparations. In addition, the case manager serves as the point of contact for insurance issues, working closely with the family and the insurer to identify and address any potential problems.
Upon discharge, patients participate in Kernan's follow-up recovery program, which promotes a continuation of progress toward independence. This may include home care services through VNA Care and/or outpatient services. The Outpatient Follow-up Program at Kernan may include medical evaluation and treatment, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, psychology, rehabilitation nursing, recreational therapy, and referral for vocational rehabilitation.
| Kernan's Stroke Unit is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). |
A part of the University of Maryland Medical System since 1985, Kernan has full access to the vast resources of a major academic medical center, benefiting through an exchange of clinical expertise and research opportunities. All physicians on the Stroke Unit are faculty members of the Department of Neurology at the University, ensuring continuity of medical care.