Independence Square

Finding real-life solutions to everyday challenges is at the heart of recovery in Independence Square. By combining a positive, vibrant environment with expert therapy, this innovative and effective program helps patients make a successful transition to normal life.

The first step along the patient's journey to recovery involves expert medical treatment to resolve the illness or injury that led to the admission. But the return to independence involves much more than healing a medical problem. Many patients must learn to function with new physical limitations, such as impaired sight or the loss of a limb.

The goal of the rehabilitative staff is to make the hospital environment as much like home as possible, with a clear focus on moving the patient toward wellness and independence. Nurses, therapists, counselors, and a chaplain work with the patient and the patient's family to prepare the patient for a successful return home.

Facilities in Independence Square include a complete kitchen and bedroom area, which gives the patient the opportunity to become comfortable performing household tasks. Family members are encouraged to participate fully in the rehabilitation process, and a community room affords space for families to gather, maintaining that vital link between the patient and home.

Independence Square also duplicates several scenes out of our local area: a grocery store, a city street, a bank and an apartment. These therapy modules reflect the places people go every day, making rehabilitation more realistic, more interesting and more effective. Independence Square presents familiar obstacles for the patient: curbs, concrete sidewalks, stairs and others.

It's a unique approach to rehabilitation that offers physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists an unprecedented opportunity to use the full range of their skills in helping patients regain independent lifestyles.