A typical day at the Rehabilitation Institute of Montana is anything but typical. For starters, we are a complete 24-hour facility, caring for patients around the clock. Every day, across multiple disciplines and through a series of specially designed programs,
rehabilitation patients of all kinds move one step closer to a more independent life. Here’s how.

Morning

7:00 AM the day begins: Most patients wake at 7:00 a.m., depending on their needs. Nurses and occupational therapists help patients prepare for the day.

8:00 AM Breakfast: Breakfast is normally part of the therapy day, depending on the patient’s individual program and schedule. Patients are encouraged to take all meals with other patients in the social setting of the Rehabilitation Day Room.

9:30 AM Occupational Therapy: Many of our scheduled therapies are 45-minute, one-on-one sessions, when patients practice daily living skills such as eating, bathing, grooming and dressing.

10:30 AM Physical Therapy: In physical therapy, therapists work with patients to improve and maintain muscle strength, endurance and mobility. Sessions are normally held in our gym facility, aquatic center
or in locations throughout the Institute.

11:15 AM Nursing: Dedicated nursing time may be scheduled during the day.The nurse may change dressings and teach patients how to take medications. Pharmacists are also involved, teaching patients and their families more about medical prescriptions.Afternoon

12:00 Noon Lunch: Delicious meals prepared by the hospital’s “blue ribbon”kitchen are served. A staff dietitian, who specializes in rehabilitation nutrition, meets with each patient to ensure an appropriate diet and nourishment.

1:00 PM Occupational Therapy: Afternoon occupational therapy sessions often take place in our fully equipped therapy kitchen. Patients learn skills such as shopping, food preparation and home care, in addition to fine motor skills. Families are
encouraged to attend these therapy sessions to learn techniques for use at home.

2:30 PM Physical Therapy: Patients may continue work on strengthening and mobility, or other identified therapy goals.

3:30 PM Speech Therapy: Our speech therapists work to help patients improve their cognitive and communication skills. A full round of exercises assists in speaking, reading, writing and thinking.

4:15 PM Additional Therapy: Patients meet with their rehabilitation physician regularly, in addition to social workers and psychologists. Social workers help coordinate services for patients and families, both at the Institute and in the community. Psychologists may help patients and families adjust to living with a disability. Finally, activity specialists help patients bring leisure activities back to their lives, including music.

5:00 PM Dinner: Lunch and dinner are both served in the Rehabilitation Day Room. During dinner, visiting families can catch up on the day’s events. evening

Evening: Family and friends often visit in the evening. Patients can also use their free time to surf the Internet and e-mail family or friends. Nurses and patients may review educational materials provided in our Pathfinder manual. Normally, patients are in bed by 10:00 p.m. A good night’s sleep is welcome after a full day of working toward goals.