Stroke Rehabilitation and Neurologic Recovery at RML - LTACH-Level Care for Complex Patients

Q: What therapy services are available for stroke patients at RML?

Stroke patients at RML have access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology (covering aphasia and dysphagia treatment), respiratory therapy where indicated, neuropsychology consultation, and social work support. All therapy is coordinated under the attending physician's care plan and customized to each patient's neurologic status and recovery goals.

Recovery after stroke, traumatic brain injury, or serious neurologic illness is often complicated by ongoing medical needs. Some patients continue to require close monitoring, respiratory support, dialysis, wound care, or management of infections long after leaving the intensive care unit.

RML Specialty Hospital provides hospital-level stroke and neurologic recovery care for patients whose recovery is affected by medical complications and who are not yet ready for traditional rehabilitation or discharge home.

When Stroke and Neurologic Recovery Require Hospital-level Care

Stroke recovery does not always follow a straightforward rehabilitation path. Many patients experience complications that delay or interrupt recovery and require continued hospital treatment.

Hospital-level stroke and neurologic recovery may be needed when patients face:

Medical complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or infection
Ongoing need for ventilator support or dialysis
Complex wounds or pressure injuries that affect mobility and healing
Neurologic weakness combined with cardiac, pulmonary, or systemic illness
Recovery that requires frequent reassessment and adjustment of care

At RML, stroke and neurologic recovery are treated as continued hospital care, not standard rehabilitation.

How Stroke and Neurologic Recovery Works at RML

Stroke and neurologic recovery at RML are guided by physicians specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, working within a hospital-level interdisciplinary care model.

Each patient is assigned an attending physician who oversees care throughout the hospital stay and coordinates treatment decisions based on evolving neurologic and medical needs.

Care is delivered through collaboration among:

Physicians specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Registered nurses experienced in caring for medically complex neurologic patients
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists, integrated into daily care
Respiratory therapists, when neurologic conditions affect breathing or airway protection

Infectious disease specialists, when infection complicates recovery
Registered dietitians (RDN), supporting nutrition essential to neurologic and physical recovery
Other clinical specialists, as required by the patient’s condition

Rehabilitation therapy is individualized as part of overall medical care under the direction of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians.

RML’s Experience in Medically Complex Neurologic Recovery

Neurologic recovery is a significant focus at RML. We are recognized as one of the region’s most experienced providers of long-term acute care stroke recovery for patients whose rehabilitation is affected by medical complexity. Including:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
West Nile Virus
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

What Patients and Families Can Expect

Stroke and neurologic recovery can be unpredictable, especially when medical complications are present.

Patients and families can expect:

Ongoing communication as care plans are reviewed and adjusted
Clear explanations of changes in condition or treatment
Attention to dignity, safety, and comfort
Care plans that adapt as neurologic recovery and medical needs evolve

Families are supported and kept informed throughout the hospital stay.

Testimonials

“My brother was there after he suffered a brain aneurysm. The staff, as a whole, were awesome! They looked after him and took care of him so well. We couldn’t be happier with the treatment he received, and I highly recommend this facility.”

Pedro

Frequently Asked Questions

How is stroke rehabilitation at an LTACH different from a skilled nursing facility?

A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) provides therapy services for patients who are medically stable. An LTACH like RML provides all the same rehabilitation therapies within a physician-led, hospital-level environment. This matters significantly for stroke patients who are not yet medically stable, have complex comorbidities requiring active management, or whose neurologic recovery requires a higher level of clinical oversight than an SNF can provide. LTACH patients also typically receive more intensive daily therapy hours and direct access to specialist physicians.

What neurologic conditions does RML treat beyond stroke?

In addition to ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, RML's neurologic recovery programme provides care for patients recovering from traumatic brain injury, anoxic brain injury, spinal cord complications, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and complex neurologic conditions requiring extended acute care. Many neurologic patients also present with concurrent cardiac, respiratory, or wound-related conditions that benefit from our integrated, multidisciplinary approach.

What is the typical length of stay for stroke rehabilitation at RML?

The average LTACH length of stay is 25 days or more. Stroke rehabilitation stays at RML vary based on the severity of the neurologic injury, the patient's overall medical stability, and their rehabilitation goals. Patients are reassessed regularly throughout their stay, and discharge planning begins early to coordinate a safe transition to the next level of care - whether home, outpatient therapy, or another care setting.

Can RML accept stroke patients transferred directly from a referring hospital?

Yes. RML Specialty Hospital accepts direct transfers from hospitals across the Chicagoland area. Our care coordination team works with referring hospitals - including Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and others - to complete clinical reviews, confirm eligibility, and facilitate efficient patient transitions. Families and discharge planners can initiate the referral process by contacting our admissions team directly.

What therapy services are available for stroke patients at RML?

Stroke patients at RML have access to a comprehensive rehabilitation team including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology (covering aphasia and dysphagia treatment), respiratory therapy where indicated, neuropsychology consultation, and social work support for family and discharge planning. All therapy is coordinated under the attending physician's care plan and customized to each patient's neurologic status and recovery goals.

Exploring the Right Next Step

If hospital-level stroke or neurologic recovery may be part of your loved one’s care journey, the resources below can help guide what to explore next.