Franciscan Health Dyer Inpatient Rehabilitation Services celebrates expansion and renovation

With staff and patients filling an expanded gym, the Franciscan Health Dyer Inpatient Rehabilitation Services celebrated the blessing and dedication of its newly renovated and expanded facilities on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

“It’s so much more spacious. Families are able to come to the gym and participate in the therapy with them,” said Nancy Cutler, MS, RN NEA-BC, director of rehabilitation services and program development. The expansion doubled the size of the gym, which features a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The number of patient rooms was increased to 15, almost all of which are private, Cutler said. “It’s a bright, joyful environment. The more uplifted the patients feel, the better their gains,” she added.

Rehabilitation Unit Medical Director Dr. Revathy Ameeruddin, MD, told those gathered at the dedication about how the Dyer unit opened in 2009 with six beds and quickly began to grow, thanks to the compassionate care provided by the rehabilitation team. “Above all, we want to lead with Franciscan values every day, respect for life, respect for patients, respect for families,” she said.

The refurbished gym includes an array of state-of-the-art equipment to prepare patients for their return home. A BITS (Bioness Integrated Therapy System) provides touchscreen therapy activities for neuro-cognitive restoration. Electric parallel bars move up and down to adjust to patients’ height. An electric sit-to-stand device assists patients in moving from a sitting to standing position. Other equipment helps prepare patients to use a walker, negotiate stairs and simulate getting in and out of vehicles.

“We are proud to have the best interdisciplinary team composed of physicians specialized in rehabilitation, registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists as well as support staff, all committed to provide exceptional care to our patients and their loved ones,” said Alicia Guex, PT, director of rehab services.

The Franciscan Health Dyer Inpatient Rehabilitation services is on the fourth floor of the hospital at 24 Joliet Street in Dyer. For more information, call (219) 852-2830.