Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, the flagship facility of the Kessler system, has pioneered the course of physical medicine and rehabilitation since its founding in 1948. Today, Kessler Institute is consistently recognized as one of America's leading rehabilitation hospitals both by U.S. News & World Report and by the patients we serve. Comprehensive programs, innovative treatment and compassionate care have helped Kessler receive accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and be a federally designated a model system for spinal cord injury.
In fact, our spinal cord and traumatic brain injury programs, including our specialized ventilator management services, are among the most respected in the world. Similarly, Kessler's stroke, amputee and orthopedic rehabilitation programs are renowned for our patients' outcomes. New wellness initiatives, such as our women's health services, sports rehabilitation, and pain management programs, have also been introduced to meet the needs of patients from across the country and around the world.
At each of our three rehabilitation hospital campuses in New Jersey, Kessler Institute brings together a specially trained staff of rehabilitation professionals who work together to make our patients and their families feel at home ... even when they may be far from home. And, just as we have for over fifty years, Kessler is committed to helping individuals with disabilities and functional limitations lead rewarding and independent lives.
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KESSLER … A MODEL SYSTEM
Kessler offers patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) a comprehensive, coordinated system of care designed to improve physical and cognitive outcomes. Studies have shown that early intervention in the rehabilitation process can significantly help patients with such injuries.
The Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System, which is comprised of Kessler, Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation (KMRREC) and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital, provides a multi-disciplinary approach to treat patients from the time of injury through the inpatient, outpatient, community integration and long-term follow-up periods. In addition, the system supports a number of innovative research projects designed to advance patient care.
THE KESSLER TEAM APPROACH
Patient care, research, the training of rehabilitation personnel, community education and even an international program are all part of the mission of Kessler Institute. What always comes first, however, is patient care. To that end, our medical, therapy and support staffs work closely together, providing an interdisciplinary, or team, approach to what founder Dr. Henry Kessler first recognized as the "need to treat the whole person."
A team of rehabilitation professionals develops a plan of care to meet each patient's individual needs. Depending on the nature of a patient's condition, a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation), nurses, physical, occupational, speech and/or recreation therapists, neurologist, psychologist, urologist, case manager, vocational counselor and other specialists, as required, work together to provide comprehensive care to each patient. Patients and their families are encouraged to ask questions and be an active part of their care team.
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INPATIENT SERVICES
As part of our interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation, Kessler offers patients a full range of services during their stay.
Medical Services
Kessler provides around the clock medical coverage at each of its facilities and closely monitors each patient's condition. A physiatrist will supervise the delivery of care and prescribe the necessary therapy programs. When necessary, other medical specialists will be consulted in order to provide optimum care. A patient's personal physician is kept informed of the progress and is given recommendations for future medical and/or therapy treatment upon discharge.
Rehabilitation Nursing
Kessler nurses are specially trained to provide care to individuals with disabilities. They are on duty 24 hours a day to assist patients with medications and self-care and to reinforce the skills and techniques learned in therapy sessions.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Kessler's physical therapists carefully evaluate their patients and implement individualized treatment programs to optimize movement, flexibility, and muscle control, build strength and endurance, and improve balance. The goal of physical therapy is mobility – walking unassisted or with the aid of such devices as braces, canes, walkers or orthoses, or using a wheelchair.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Kessler's occupational therapists help patients gain independence in performing daily activities, from dressing and eating to more complex tasks needed at home, school, the workplace or the community. An individualized program is designed to increase strength, range of motion and coordination through exercise and to enhance skills in actual or simulated settings.
Occupational therapy is also used to evaluate and treat visual or cognitive difficulties, such as problem solving, memory, or perceptual problems that interfere with a patient's ability to perform daily tasks.
In addition, an occupational therapist may visit a patient's home, school or workplace to make recommendations for structural modifications or suggestions for different ways of approaching tasks. They may also indicate the need for certain assistive devices, computers, and even specially-equipped cars and vans.
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Speech Therapy and Audiology
Individuals requiring specialized help with communication, swallowing or hearing are treated by Kessler's staff of certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Comprehensive screening procedures, including hearing tests and special x-ray techniques for swallowing disorders are used. Therapy services may also introduce compensatory strategies and retraining efforts, as well as the use of electronic devices and computers.
Kessler also offers a unique language interpretation and translation service. Available around the clock, this service provides over-the-phone interpretation in 150 languages and helps complement those members of our staff who speak several languages.
Neuropsychology and Psychology Services
Emotional adjustment to a disability can be difficult for both patients and their families. Kessler's team of professional psychologists provides help through individual, group, and family counseling sessions that focus on building self-esteem, personal relationships, and emotional well-being. There are also a number of support groups that meet regularly at Kessler.
In addition, for those patients who have sustained a brain injury, stroke or other neurological condition, a neuropsychologist on staff may conduct specialized testing to help in identifying problems and recommending treatment.
Case Management
Kessler's Case Management department addresses the social and economic issues which may arise as a result of disability and coordinates team recommendations with patients, families and insurance carriers. Our case managers work one-on-one with each patient to ensure a smooth transition back into the community and also provide access to a variety of area services.
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Career Guidance and Placement Services
Career guidance counselors help direct patients toward employment and educational opportunities that are compatible with their physical and cognitive abilities, level of education and personal goals. This comprehensive service includes vocational evaluation and testing, individual counseling, resume preparation, interview techniques and even assistance with job accommodations and modifications to the workplace.
Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation gives patients the opportunity to pursue leisure and recreational activities while at Kessler and following their discharge. Kessler's licensed recreation therapists help patients adapt their skills or learn new ones to participate in a wide range of activities, from arts and crafts to shopping and sports, including our highly acclaimed "Sports on Wheels" and Tae Kwon Do programs.
The department also hosts weekly religious services, holiday activities, special events and guest entertainment. Patients and their families are encouraged to participate together.
Food and Nutrition Services
Because good nutrition is important in gaining the strength to meet a rigorous program of rehabilitation and recovery, Kessler's Food and Nutrition Services focus on the preparation of appetizing, well-balanced meals. Our registered dietitians, as part of the rehabilitation team, follow the physician's diet prescriptions and a patient's own preferences in meeting an individual's dietary needs.
Interpreter Services
Kessler Institute enhances access to hospital services for foreign speakers with a new interpreter service provided by OnLine Interpreters. This full-service language interpretation and translation company administers over-the-phone interpretation in 150 languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service complements our in-house list of staff who speak and interpret other languages, including sign language.
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OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Each Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation facility has a state-of-the-art Outpatient Center within its building that enables patients to continue their treatment within the Kessler system as they move further along in their rehabilitation. These outpatient centers offer individuals a wide range of services, including a special fitness gym and the convenience of flexible hours and therapy sessions.
FACILITIES
Kessler Institute has four inpatient locations throughout New Jersey, making it the state's largest acute care rehabilitation hospital with a total of 322 beds. Each site provides comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation services and may be home to specific Kessler programs.
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - West Orange Facility
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1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 731-3600
Fax: (973) 243-6819 |
, Senior Vice President, Administration.
This contemporary 138-bed facility, set on a sprawling campus in suburban Essex County, is home to Kessler's internationally recognized Centers of Excellence for spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation and its highly specialized ventilator management program.
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Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - Saddle Brook Facility
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300 Market Street
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
(201) 368-6000
Fax: (201) 368-6262 |
, Vice President, Administration
This 112-bed rehabilitation campus, located in Bergen County, near Manhattan, is a modern, five-story building that includes recently redesigned patient and therapy wings and a special rehabilitation garden. Like our other sites, Saddle Brook provides comprehensive care for individuals with stroke, amputation and both neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.
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Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - Chester Facility
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201 Pleasant Hill Road
Chester, NJ 07930
(973) 584-7500
Fax: (973) 252-6343 |
, Vice President, Administration
Set among the rolling hills of Morris County, this 72-bed rehabilitation hospital offers the comprehensive services of Kessler's renowned brain injury program, as well as treatment for individuals with stroke, amputation and general rehabilition needs. Our Chester campus also maintains a unique pain management program and has a new rehabilitation garden for patients to enjoy.
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ACCREDITATION
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation is accredited by: |
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) |
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The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) with special certifications in: |
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The Spinal Cord Injury Program |
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The Brain Injury Program |
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The New Jersey State Department of Health – Comprehensive Rehabilitation Hospital |
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ADMISSIONS
Kessler facilities – inpatient and outpatient – offer you a streamlined process to help you get the treatment you need quickly and efficiently. Our staff works closely with you, your physicians and your insurance carrier to assure your care.
Inpatient Admissions
We have made admission to Kessler as easy as possible for our patients, their families, and referral sources, including physicians, case managers and insurance or managed care companies.
A single phone call sets the process in motion. All necessary data will be exchanged and we will provide you with information on fees, insurance coverage and other relevant material. Kessler does participate with Medicare and Medicaid and accepts most insurance and managed care plans. We will contact your insurance carrier to verify coverage; however, we recommend that you speak with your carrier, if you have any questions about your plan.
Admission to Kessler is determined according to your individual rehabilitation needs. We will provide your referring physician with complete evaluation and treatment reports, as well as follow-up recommendations for care after your discharge. Also, as a courtesy to your referring physician, visitation privileges and access to your medical records may be provided.
For additional information on admission to Kessler for inpatient rehabilitation, contact Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Pre-admissions office, 1-888-KESSLER.
Outpatient Referrals
A referral from a physician is required for most outpatient services at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation or Kessler Rehabilitation Centers. There are a number of ways to schedule your treatment:
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If you have already been examined by your physician and have a prescription for outpatient therapy, simply call to arrange an appointment. |
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If you have not yet seen a doctor, you may choose to visit your own physician or make an appointment with a member of Kessler's medical staff. He or she will provide a comprehensive physical evaluation and advise you about the outpatient services that will best fit your rehabilitation goals. |
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If you are currently an inpatient at one of our facilities, your Kessler physician can arrange outpatient services for you prior to your discharge to insure the smooth transition of care. |
For more information, to schedule therapy or make an appointment with a Kessler physician, call the location nearest you or call toll-free at 1-888-KESSLER. Click here for more information on Kessler Rehabilitation Center.
CONTACT US
, President
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 731-3600 or toll-free (800) 248-3221
Fax: (973) 243-6819
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