Oak Trace Rehabilitation advancements address emerging need
Recovering from leukemia and a seven-week hospital stay, June Streetz turned to Oak Trace in Downers Grove. Weak and unable to walk, she would undergo aggressive rehabilitation and, ultimately, reach the goal of returning home to her two-story apartment.
Streetz is one of the many success stories behind Oak Trace and the strengthening of its rehab program. An open house on October 25 welcomed Chicagoland health professionals to explore the senior living community's new rehabilitation services and department at Oak Trace. Changes include expanding the therapy department to include a larger, more attractive and easily accessible main floor gym, as well as new computer-aided balance technology to improve patient recovery and a new therapy provider. Oak Trace is now partnering with The Comprehensive Group, a HealthPRO Rehabilitation Company, which has been recognized locally and nationally for outstanding patient outcomes and workplace practices.
“The design provides an attractive option for older adults in the area who require short-term rehab due to a recent surgery, illness or other health setbacks,” said Lynn Blakemore, health administrator at Oak Trace. “Our rehab program is focused on outcomes to help patients return to their previous level of function, transition back to their homes as soon as possible, and minimize any need for further re-hospitalization.”
Rehab services include skilled evaluations and computerized documentation of an individual's abilities. Clinicians, including physical, occupational and speech therapists provide individualized treatments and training techniques to facilitate improvement in function, safety and quality of life. Specialized outpatient clinical programs include fall prevention, pain management, home safety, memory enhancement, low vision and continence improvement. The rehab department also includes multilingual team members.
“We have one of the most experienced therapy teams in the area, they're clinically knowledgeable and are compassionate in their delivery of care,” said Patty Bank, senior vice president of operations for The Comprehensive Group. “And our balance technology is some of the most sophisticated and innovative on the market. Together, we deliver highly-specialized and individualized treatment plans that promote excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction.”
The rehab program is modeled after the lifestyle fostered throughout the senior living community: an environment for people who are active and ambitious.
“Baby Boomers are coming up and they're more active than generations before,” said Chris Anderson, executive director at Oak Trace. “They're not looking for a long-term stay; they want to get home as quickly as possible. And while they're here, they want attractive amenities, and we cater to those desires.”
“I thought the rehab staff was outstanding, very caring and supportive,” says Streetz, who couldn't believe she was standing the first day she arrived for rehab at Oak Trace. “Outside of therapy, I enjoyed all the activities, and the dining options were excellent.”
After her six-week rehab stay at Oak Trace, Streetz was able to go back home, climb the 16 steps to her front door, and return to life as she knew it.
Rehabilitation programs and services are available to Oak Trace residents and also to the general public; Medicare coverage is accepted, as well as private payment. Oak Trace provides a variety of lifestyle options, including independent living apartment homes, memory care and skilled nursing care. Amenities at the community include a fitness center, art studio, library, bistro, restaurant-style dining venues and more.
Oak Trace is located at 200 Village Drive, Downers Grove, IL. For more information about rehabilitation services call (630) 769-6200 or visit www.oaktraceDG.com