The Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) is a specialized care center for patients who require medical care while receiving therapy to recover from an illness, accident or injury.  The ARU provides a minimum of three hours of skilled therapy services at least five days per week.  The ARU team includes specially-trained nurses, social workers, dietitians, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists, directed by a physician. 

David W. Koontz, D.O., Medical Director of LMH’s ARU, explained that patients in the Unit benefit from being immersed in the rehabilitative environment.  “Having acute rehabilitation in an inpatient setting provides immediate access to all the diagnostic and therapeutic resources needed to optimize patients’ recovery,” he said.  “We can continue their treatment and rehabilitation without interruption, and this translates into shorter inpatient and rehabilitation stays.”

After a patient receives a referral to the Unit, Dr. Koontz reviews the patient’s medical records to determine whether the ARU program is appropriate for that patient.  Admission criteria are dependent on many factors, including medical necessity and the likelihood that the patient will be able to return home after being discharged from the Unit. 

Individualized treatment plans and programs are developed for each patient based on a thorough evaluation by each ARU team member at the time of admission.  The team’s goals are to help the patient obtain the highest possible level of mobility and to achieve a level of self-care that allows the patient to return home at discharge.  ARU patients are encouraged to wear comfortable street clothing that allows them to move easily. 

Dr. Koontz said, “Patients often say that they were very pleased with the great progress they made in the ARU that allowed them to return home sooner.  Many report that they feel they received special treatment because their care was highly individualized according to their needs and preferences.  They also greatly appreciate the continuity of care that is made possible by having the same therapy, nursing and medical staff every day on the Unit.” 

Family members are welcome to share meals with their loved ones on the ARU or to visit during the day.  Family members also are included in the rehabilitation process so that they can receive appropriate training to ensure the patient’s safe transition to home.  For more information regarding LMH’s ARU, please call (220) 564-4603.