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New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network

 

Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Syracuse VA Medical Center

Recreation Therapy

The recreation therapist will meet with you to discuss your leisure time and independence in living, learning or work activities. Together, you will create a plan that will help you meet your goals, enhance your quality of life, and achieve optimal independence in leisure activities and within the community.

Recreation therapy may include: stress management, relaxation training, communication skills, cooking, support groups, music, crafts, games and socialization. Part of your rehab program may also include therapeutic community re-integration activities such as going to museums, parks, stores, restaurants and other local events. These short trips are planned by the recreation therapist 1-2 times per month. Your family/caregiver may be asked to attend as well.

With the help of the Volunteer Service and veteran organizations, many activities are also scheduled in the evening, weekends and holidays. Your family/caregiver is welcome to attend these events. The monthly recreation therapy event calendar is posted in the hallway on the rehab unit.
Speech-Language Pathologist

Not all patients on the rehab unit will be seen by the speech-language pathologist. The rehab physician will request a speech-language evaluation if you have difficulty with speech, language, hearing, voice, thinking, memory or swallowing.

The services provided by the speech-language pathologist include:
  • swallowing evaluations and treatment
  • speech, language and voice evaluations and treatment
  • cognitive-communication evaluations and treatment
  • evaluations for communication equipment
  • hearing screenings
  • patient/family education and training

Rehabilitation Psychologist

Not all patients on the rehab unit will by seen by the psychologist. The rehab physician will request an evaluation by the psychologist if you are experiencing any mood issues (such as anxiety or depression) or cognitive concerns (such as change in attention or memory) that may affect your therapy.

Therapist with Caregiver

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Syracuse VA Medical Center

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