Your Team of Caregivers

The Interdisciplinary Team at TIRR Memorial Hermann

Rehabilitation is a complex process. Its success depends on multiple disciplines seamlessly working together to set treatment goals and monitor progress. At TIRR Memorial Hermann, a patient's team of caregivers may include:

• Doctors coordinate the development and implementation of the rehabilitation plan and manage medical issues. They often work in collaboration with physician consultants. 


• Nurses provide specialized rehabilitation nursing care, designed to prevent complications, support adaptive capabilities, provide comfort and teach patients to care for themselves. 


• Case Managers coordinate the patient's overall program and communicate with insurance representatives. 


• Social Workers help the patient and caregiver to understand and participate in the rehabilitation process, adjust to the changes in their lives, explore available options and services, and develop plans for return to home and community. 


• Occupational Therapists assist the patient with the development of daily living skills and provide training in the use of adaptive and mobility equipment to encourage independence. 


• Physical Therapists focus on the patient's mobility skills, and assess and treat impairments in strength, range of motion, balance, coordination and function. 


• Respiratory Care Practitioners work with patients requiring ventilators and other respiratory care. 


• Speech-Language Pathologists help patients to enhance their communication, cognitive skills and swallowing function. 


• Psychologists and Neuropsychologists assist patients with the emotional and mental adjustments to illness or injury and assess cognitive function. 


• Therapeutic Recreation Specialists assess a patient's leisure lifestyle and assist in adapting existing leisure skills or learning new ones. 


• Music Therapists provide patients with additional opportunities to learn and practice physical and cognitive skills through rhythm and music. 


• Clinical Dietitians evaluate a patient's nutritional needs and dietary preferences, and develop appropriate plans.


• Pharmacists assess a patient's response to medications and implement appropriate monitors to ensure the best outcomes with pharmacotherapy. They also educate patients about their medications prior to discharge.