Downey : Hospital Opens 19-Bed Rehabilitation Facility

Downey Community Hospital has opened a $300,000, 19-bed facility for patients who need intensive rehabilitation services.

The acute physical rehabilitation center will treat victims of strokes, amputation, orthopedic injuries, brain damage, arthritis and other crippling disabilities.

“As our population ages, there is a (growing) need for rehabilitation throughout the country,” program manager Beverly Workmon said.

To be accepted for treatment, patients “have to be stable and able to participate in therapy, with the potential to improve,” Workmon said. “Our goal is for them to return to the least restrictive environment they can.”

Patients must agree to intensive rehabilitation, usually involving at least three hours of effort per day. A staff of 30 doctors, nurses, therapists and psychologists will supervise each patient’s regimen.

Medical Director Daniel Shin said the center will encourage members of the patient’s family to get involved in the treatment process. Family support is crucial, he said, in helping the disabled cope with and overcome physical and emotional problems.