Private Inpatients Unit

Clinical Activity

The Department is responsible for managing all neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation treatments at the Santa Lucia Hospital for privately admitted patients. The rehabilitation program can be carried out through hospitalitation or day hospital.

The Hospital is a highly specialized center of neurorehabilitation, with all the requisite expertise to manage complex patient care and for the implementation of motor, cognitive and behavioral programs of neurorehabilitation. The research activities of the Santa Lucia Foundation, which since 1992 is recognized by the Ministry of Health as Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), guarantees the continuous updating of treatment protocols and the rapid transfer of technology from the laboratory to hospital activity. The hospital admits more than 2,000 inpatients each year.

Facilities for Rehabilitation

Gym – The hospital ward has within itself a rehabilitation gym of 400 square meters. This space is essential for the rehabilitation process and is inspired by two key factors for the patient: the light with its motivating force and the wide open space that encourages freedom of movement. Here are located the tools and technologies to support rehabilitation which starts from the individual bedside treatment, to eventual the recovery of mobility. At the center of the environment are found tools for motion exercises utilized in the advanced stages of rehabilitation. The presence of these tools serves as a motivator to obtain rehabilitation goals.

Swimming – The hospital is equipped with a swimming pool for hydrokinetic therapy (25×12 meters). Physiotherapists follow the patient both at the poolside and in the water. Depending on the need, the therapy may be on a group or individual basis. The water has a constant temperature of 32 degrees, in order to perform rehabilitation exercises without the risk of muscle spasticity. Read more

TechnoRoom – The hospital ward is equipped with a dedicated environment for neurorehabilitation programs that utilize the aid of modern technologies. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are employed for the rehabilitation of patients with limited motion functions of the upper limbs after stroke. Virtual reality environments are also used in the rehabilitation of movement and in the rehabilitation of cognitive functions such as attention, memory and executive skills. Read more

Assistive Devices Facility (SARA-t) – Many technologies are available today to help the patient to act and communicate, where brain damage has reduced natural capacity. The use of these tools, however, requires that they are adapted to the residual capacities of the individual patient. This is the task of the team of physicians, bioengineers and occupational therapists that make up the Assistive Devices Facility of Santa Lucia Foundation, also known as “Ausilioteca”. Their involvement ranges from the identification of the most suitable wheelchair, to the customization of technologies for augmentative communication, mobility and interaction with the environment. Read more

Custom Rehabilitation Programs

The rehabilitation program is prepared individually for each patient, using functional assessment, neurophysiological, nutritional and dietary consultation. The medical team analyzes the overall clinical picture and the residual capacity for movement and cognitive ability. According to comorbidity detected, involved are all the clinical specialists needed for a multidisciplinary approach to the patient. The medical staff dedicated to activities in the gym processes the rehabilitation plan with an assessment of disability, a biomechanical assessment and identification of operations suitable for the patient. Given shared objectives and priorities, regularly checking the results achieved and proposing ongoing updates, maximum progress is assured.

Rehabilitation Interventions

The main areas in which a rehabilitation plan is articulated include:

Physiotherapy for upper/lower limbs and walking (often help of robotics and virtual reality)
Hydrokinetic therapy
Neuro-feedback modules with brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for cognitive and motor rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of balance
Speech therapy
Phoniatric rehabilitation (dysphagia, dysphonia, dysarthria)
Respiratory rehabilitation

Technical Neuromodulation (TMS and tDCS)

Managing your Hospitalization

The patient and family are followed by Foundation staff at all stages of hospitalization programming. We can also offer assistance to arrange transport of the person, provide logistical information related to national and international travel, inclusive of arranging private flights with medical assistance. The Social Services of Hospital helps with follow up care issues upon discharge. Additional services such as Driving Tests for Disabled facilitate the patient's return to daily life.

Accommodation

The patient can choose between single or double room in the hospital. All rooms are equipped with systems to monitor patient vital signs. The rooms are large (45sm) with private bathroom, TV and telephone. The beds are equipped with anti-bedsore mattresses and electric position adjustment. Meals are served in thermal trays and specially prepared in the hospital under the control of the dietary service, taking into account of specific eating habits or religious beliefs. The hospital also offers a free laundry service to support prolonged periods of hospitalization.

Services for Visitors and Companions

Visitors, caregivers and relatives of the patient can benefit from free underground car park of the hospital for free. If the patient selects a single room accommodation, a second bed and room service meals can be made available for a companion. The common living room areas of the hospital departments allow meeting visitors even outside the hospital room.