As we age, we are more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, cancer and injuries that are the result of falls. To help speed up recovery and give patients the support and confidence needed for success, Carolinas HealthCare System offers physical, occupational, speech and psychological therapies at many regional locations. Our goal is to restore every patient to a life that is as full and rewarding as possible.

Wheelchair Seating And Positioning Clinic
The Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic at Carolinas Rehabilitation can help you select a wheelchair that bests suit your needs. Therapists will address your mobility, seating and positioning needs. Proper seating helps prevent postural deformities and skin breakdown.

For more information or to make a physician referral, call 704-355-4325 or 800-634-2256.

Carolinas Driving School
Carolinas Driving School has programs specifically designed to evaluate driving capabilities. This program can help seniors decide when they can no longer drive safely.

For more information, call 704-355-0779.

Inpatient Cancer Program at Carolinas Rehabilitation
Many patients who have received treatment to cure or control cancer have suffered significant physical, emotional and psychological impacts. The purpose of our cancer rehabilitation is to help individuals and their families learn to adapt to the effects of this disease and its treatment. Typical areas affected by cancer and its treatment include mobility, self-care, emotional well-being, spirituality, vocational pursuits and social interactions. The goals of rehabilitation are to improve the quality of life for those experiencing cancer and to assist individuals to regain maximum independence. In addition, patient and family educational and support services are provided on a continual basis. Family therapy, which focuses on coping with a loved one's medical condition, is an integral part of the program.

For more information, call 704-355-4300 or 800-634-2256.

Inpatient Therapeutic Recreation at Carolinas Rehabilitation
Therapeutic Recreation is a dimension of therapy that utilizes leisure and functional activities. This type of therapy was created so that patients in the hospital can progress through their rehabilitation playing recreational games. Through fun and play, seniors can enjoy competition with themselves or amongst others. These activities may include playing various board games, such as checkers, ball games, or even shooting a game of pool. By putting physical and mental faculties to work in a recreational environment, the rehabilitation process is greatly enhanced.

For more information, call Inpatient Rehab Relations at 704-355-4338 or 800-634-2256.

Inpatient Speech Therapy Services at Carolinas Rehabilitation
Due to stroke or other health conditions, seniors may need to be evaluated and treated for speech, language, cognitive, voice or swallowing disorders. They may also benefit from aids to compensate for neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, strokes, Parkinson's disease, amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and brain injury.

For more information, call Inpatient Rehab Relations at 704-355-4338 or 800-634-2256.

Comprehensive Low-Vision Rehabilitation Program
The Comprehensive Low-Vision Rehabilitation Program helps people with low vision remain independent longer. During two-hour sessions, we provide information about optical and non-optical aides, environmental adaptations and training in the use of remaining vision. Each session includes information about the following and a check to identify if follow-up care is needed:

		Optical aids - Devices which use lenses or a combination of lenses to provide magnification. There are five main kinds of optical aids: magnifying spectacles, hand and stand magnifiers, telescopes, and closed-circuit television.
		Non-optical aids - Large-print materials, check writing guides, special lighting, enlarged telephone dials, high-contrast watch faces, auditory devices, and talking watches, clocks and computers
		Community resources - A list of government and private agencies that provide social services for persons with low vision.
		Daily living strategies - Helpful household hints to improve the use of remaining vision to enhance safety and independence.
		Home visits - An occupational therapist will assess your home and assist with making modifications to improve your safety and performance in your home.
		Patient education - Learn how to manage your daily needs by maximizing the use of your remaining vision with optical and non-optical aides.

For more information, call 704-355-4450.

Stroke Program/CVA Rehabilitation Program
Each year, more than 500,000 people in the United State suffer from a stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Damage to part of the brain is caused by the rupture of blockage of a blood vessel within the brain, leading to serious bleeding and/or obstruction of blood circulation. Many cerebrovascular patients have cognitive (thinking) and physical challenges, which require re-learning skills which were automatic before their cerebrovascular accident. At Carolinas Rehabilitation, an experienced team of healthcare professionals coordinates treatment programs, which are individualized for each patient. This program also promotes community reintegration through the stroke survival skills group, the adjustment group and also with community outings.

For more information or to make a patient referral, call 704-355-0547 or 800-634-2256.

Stroke Survivors Adjustment Group
A stroke is a life-changing event that affects many aspects of a person's lifestyle in temporary and sometimes permanent ways. The ability to effectively cope with and adapt to changes in family, social and work roles can certainly improve the quality of one's life. The Stroke Survivor's Adjustment Group at Carolinas Rehabilitation is for stroke survivors who are interested in identifying and learning coping strategies to deal with losses and troublesome emotional responses after stroke. Persons should have adequate endurance, communication skills and interest to participate in a one-hour group format.

For more information, call 704-355-4300 or 800-634-2256.

Stroke Family Support Group
It's not just the patient that could use some help after a stroke - the family needs help, too. Through the Stroke Family Support Group at Carolinas Rehabilitation, family members will get information about stroke, find encouragement and support, be able to share their thoughts and feelings with others, and discover many helpful tips for handling the changes that stroke can bring. The group is led by a social worker who understands how families deal with a stroke. This is a group for any family member living with or caring for a person who has had a stroke. Family members of persons having a brain injury, orthopaedic injury or other condition may also be admitted to the group.

For more information, call 704-355-4300 or 800-634-2256.