Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU)
The goal of the LECOM Health Millcreek Community Hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) is to facilitate a return to home after an acute debilitating illness or injury as well as a planned joint replacement or revision. We are committed to providing excellent care in a professional, courteous, helpful and cooperative environment.
“We were so impressed with the team at the LECOM Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit inside Millcreek Community Hospital. They were absolutely amazing with my 95-year-old mother. When she fell and broke her femur, hip and cheekbone, they went way beyond their jobs to be sweet to her and care for her. I can’t praise them enough.” – Geraldine Brown
About Us
The LECOM Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is comprised of 14 beds. This size allows our staff to provide patients with individual care and advanced rehabilitation. Our inter-disciplinary team approach includes board-certified rehabilitation and consulting physicians, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, 24-hour respiratory therapy, on-site dialysis, nursing, nutritional services, case management and wound care. We treat respiratory failure and ventilator-dependent patients.
“I received the most amazing care from LECOM Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. After my automobile accident, I had two broken legs, 13 broken ribs, a broken sternum and a smashed foot. They were so gentle with me and completely rehabilitated me. I am proud to say that with their care, I am walking again! Thank you.” – John Belfiore Sr.
Therapy
Therapy will take place with constant physician supervision in functional training areas, which include a training kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, activity room and physical/occupational therapy gyms. Three hours of therapy are offered to each individual on a daily basis, which enhances a quicker recovery and better outcomes.
Occupational Therapy
Treatment includes patient’s self-care or activities of ADL skills such as bathing, dressing, eating and food preparation. Therapists address cognitive, perceptual and/or visual deficits that interfere with everyday living activities.
Physical Therapy
Treatment includes walking, transfer techniques, wheelchair independence, orthotic and prosthetic training. Exercises are included to improve overall strength and endurance.
Speech Pathology
Therapists provide basic cognitive retraining to increase independence with decision-making, reasoning and memory. The staff also provides oral motor strengthening, swallowing, retraining and written expression training.
Home Evaluations
Therapists may visit a patient’s home before discharge to make recommendations the patient may need at home. Patients may also be allowed to go on a therapeutic leave of absence to visit out in the community to identify any barriers prior to discharge from the rehabilitation unit.
24-Hour Respiratory Therapy
Therapists help strengthen muscles, clear congestion, improve and assist with ventilation and help prevent further respiratory problems, with 24-hour respiratory therapy offered as needed.
On-Site Hemodialysis
Specially trained nursing staff can provide on-site hemodialysis with direction from a nephrologist that will oversee labs and more.
For Patients
The rehabilitation team will:
- Develop an individualized written patient care plan based on the initial assessment and identify patient goals.
- Review the updates of the care plan at regular interdisciplinary care conferences and provide education to the patient and caretakers to ensure a safe discharge home.
For Families
Family teaching is offered to provide knowledge about medications, upcoming appointments, wound care and any other care needs that the patient may need assistance with at home.
Referrals
Referrals can be made to the rehabilitation unit directly from home, your doctor’s office, home health, a nursing home or from the hospital, or contact us directly for more information. A rehabilitation liaison can visit the patient at the hospital or at his or her own residence for evaluation and preparation for transition to the rehabilitation unit.
Medical Director
Douglas Fronzaglia, D.O., M.S., MRMC, is board certified in geriatric medicine and internal medicine, with additional certifications in rehabilitation management and wound care.
Contact Us
LECOM Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
Millcreek Community Hospital
5515 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
Referral Phone: (814) 868-7882
Unit Phone: (814) 868-7665
Fax: (814) 868-7663
Parking is free for the convenience of all patients, families and visitors. Visitation is allowed.