Stroke Recovery Starts With Acute Inpatient Rehab

The after-effects of a stroke can be devastating and life changing. The type of rehabilitative care someone receives in the days, weeks and months following a stroke can make a world of difference in the level of recovery. The Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at North Kansas City Hospital provides a level of care that goes beyond that of a skilled nursing facility.

The first three months after a stroke are crucial for functional recovery, and we have the staff to address a patient’s critical needs. Every stroke patient should be given an opportunity to come to acute inpatient rehab because we have better outcomes.


Our Acute Inpatient Rehab Unit is the largest hospital-based unit in the area. Our program offers:

• Low patient-to-nurse ratios
• Modified therapy schedules that encourage family involvement
• Patient-specific treatment plans
• Specialized 24/7 nursing care
• Three hours of intensive, individualized occupational, physical and speech therapy each day
• Access to NKCH’s full medical staff in case of a health emergency

NKCH surpasses national stroke outcome averages in:

• Additional functional improvements from admission to discharge (based on Quality Indicator codes)
• Higher discharge-to-home rate
• Shorter lengths of stay

Team Approach to Care

The main interdisciplinary team includes:

• Physiatrists
• Case managers and social workers
• Certified nursing assistants and patient care technicians
• Dietitians
• Pharmacists
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Psychologists
• Specially-trained rehabilitative care nurses and technicians

Patient-Centered Treatment Plans

Working with the rehab team, each patient develops personal goals that will help them return home safely. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in the program and show progression towards their goals.

Family and caregiver involvement helps patients achieve their goals and is encouraged throughout the patient’s stay. The RehabTracker app is a way for patients, families and caregivers to review daily progress and goals together.

ARU Program Features

To help patients relearn the physical aspects of daily living, the facility has a/an:

• Private patient rooms
• 1,800-square-foot gym
• Home-simulated activity rooms that include a kitchen and washer/dryer (for training purposes only)
• Dining room

Weekly meetings are led by the physician, and all interdisciplinary team members attend. During the meetings, the team:

• Assesses the patient’s progress toward rehab goals
• Problem-solves any concerns that could affect the patient’s progress
• Reassesses rehab goals
• Monitors and revises the treatment plan, as needed

After the meeting, the case worker or social worker shares meeting information with the patient and family.

Coordinated Care

Before discharge, a social worker or case manager helps patients, families and/or caregivers


obtain any equipment they will need at home, arranges recommended follow-up services, makes transportation arrangements and provides access to community resources.

Explore NKCH’s Acute Rehab Unit or call 816.691.1451 for more information.

NKCH Acute Inpateint Rehabilitation Unit vs. Skilled Nursing

Source: 2016 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association study

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Kala Danushkodi MD and Adam Schulte MD

Kala Danushkodi, MD, is one of the Acute Rehab Unit’s medical directors. She is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Danushkodi coordinates treatment plans and works closely with patients, families and the care team to help patients achieve the rehabilitation goals.

Adam Schulte, MD, is one of the Acute Rehab Unit's medical directors. He graduated from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Schulte’s primary interests are inpatient rehabilitation, physiatry consultation and electrodiagnostic medicine.