The JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) provides comprehensive services in New Jersey for patients who have had an amputation. The primary focus of the rehabilitation team is to assist amputee patients in functioning with the loss of a limb as independently and safely as possible.

Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation during the first days of his or her inpatient stay in one of our NJ facilities. Based upon the patient's individual needs and the rehabilitation team's recommendations, goals and a treatment program are then developed. The rehab program may address any of the following areas:

• Skin care and wound care
• Swelling reduction
• Foot care
• Tub/shower/toilet use
• Bathing/dressing
• Transfers in/out of bed
• Wheelchair mobility
• Adjustment to changes in health status
• Walking
• Balance
• Nutrition
• Diabetic education
• Medication education
• Homemaking
• Leisure activities
• Driving
• Ordering of equipment for home use

Daily therapy schedules are tailored to meet individual needs. Therapy is scheduled for three hours a day, Monday through Friday. Typically, the patient and his or her rehabilitation team decide together when the patient is medically and physically ready for an artificial limb (prosthesis) or has the need for specialized footwear.

Depending upon the patient's progress, an inpatient stay is typically one and a half to two weeks. The team meets weekly to discuss the patient's goals, progress and discharge plans. Family members are expected to take an active part in training and discharge planning. Additional services for continued therapy are available upon discharge.