Neurological Diseases

Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara serves patients with various neurological diseases including Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and cerebral palsy. Services are provided through RISB's CARF accredited Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program and emphasize training in mobility, self-care, bowel and bladder functions, and assessment of equipment needs.

Transdisciplinary team delivered therapy

The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program is led by a physician specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He or she directs a transdisciplinary team of dedicated professionals who work together with the patient toward a goal of reaching the highest possible level of independent functioning. A physician specialist in internal medicine attends to the patient's general medical needs, optimizing his or her potential for recovery of function.

The rehabilitation teams employ a transdisciplinary approach to therapy, which addresses the medical, physical, cognitive, neuropsychological and family needs of the patient. The teams include physical therapists, occupational therapists, case managers, psychologists, speech/language pathologists, respiratory therapists, dieticians, rehabilitation nurses, therapeutic recreation specialists, and the patient and family.

Cross-trained in each other's disciplines, therapists help the patient set and reach practical, patient-focused goals, making the most of shorter lengths of stay. Goals are established according to the patient's clinical potential, payor authorization and community resources.

Continuum of care

Rehabilitation services are provided based on patients' needs and goals. As patients' endurance and skills grow, additional or more advanced services may be offered. For example, patients may have therapy provided in a community setting, practicing skills they will need at discharge such as grocery shopping, using public transportation, or going to a bank.

Patients can continue to build on their rehabilitation gains in the continuum of care provided through RISB's Keck Outpatient Services.

Admission criteria

The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program serves medically stable patients ages four and older. A physician specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation is involved in the case from the moment a referral is made, performing an on-site evaluation prior to the patient's transfer to the Institute.

Case Manager

Communication with payors and primary care physicians is important at the Institute. Our internal case management system ensures communication of prompt and thorough reports of patient progress to the referring physician.

For Outcomes information or to refer a patient, contact RISB's Admissions office at (805) 569-8999 ext. 2317.