Brain Trauma Unit (BTU)

The Brain Trauma Unit (BTU) is the acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation component of the Center for Head Injuries. Located within the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ, the BTU utilizes an integrated interdisciplinary approach to provide rehabilitation to adults who have sustained brain injuries and other related disorders.

As the first phase of brain injury rehabilitation, the Brain Trauma Unit serves patients with various levels of disability and impairment. Conditions range from patients who are emerging from a coma with significant medical, physical, and cognitive problems to patients who are ambulatory, but demonstrate difficulties with self-care activities, community mobility, behavior, cognition and communication.

Each patient in our central New Jersey rehab facility receives daily visits by a rehabilitation medicine physician and 24-hour rehabilitation nursing care in addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, therapeutic recreation, neuropsychological and social work services. Family members are considered very important members of this interdisciplinary team.

The BTU provides a structured, therapeutic environment in combination with individual treatment plans to address issues regarding awareness, behavior and safety. Therapy programs are developed based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation by the interdisciplinary team and may include individual and group sessions that focus on the goals of each patient.

Important aspects of the BTU program are education, training and support for the patient and the family. This is designed to help patients and their families to understand of the recovery process and adjust to the patient's needs. Conferences and training sessions are scheduled as needed to involve the family in the rehabilitation process and in decisions regarding future rehabilitation needs.

After our patients complete their stay on the BTU, they often need additional services. The Center for Head Injuries provides a continuum of care that includes the Extended Recovery Unit, the Transitional Living Program and Outpatient Cognitive Rehabilitation program. We also offer long-term care at the JFK Hartwyck facilities in Edison, NJ or Plainfield, NJ.

Once the patient is medically stable but continues to require specialized brain injury services, he or she may be transferred to the Extended Recovery Unit. This program provides a similar therapeutic program over a longer period of time. Any medical, dental or diagnostic services not available at this subacute program are readily accessible at a Solaris Health Care-affiliated facility.

ERU Management Program

The ERU Management Program is a long-term brain injury program that provides specialized nursing care and individual therapy services to patients. This program offers timely evaluations by the rehabilitation team to monitor and provide treatment when necessary.

Funding for the inpatient brain injury programs (BTU/ERU) is included in most health care/managed care plans, Medicare, Medicaid, motor vehicle and workers compensation plans. The subacute program is designated as a specialty Traumatic Brain Injury Unit by the State of New Jersey and requires special authorization for Medicaid funding. Funding for the ERU Management Program is only funded by private pay or workers compensation plans.

Referrals

To make a patient referral or to receive additional information, call Client Services at 732-321-7733.