In Patient Rehabilitation

The inpatient unit at Tahlequah City Hospital is the only unit of its kind in Cherokee county.  The unit employees a physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, a certified occupational therapy assistant, a part-time occupational therapist, a rehabilitation technician and a part-time speech therapist.  Patients in this department require intensive rehabilitative procedures and an extended hospital stay.  

An inpatient stay is typically 5 to 14 days depending on their diagnosis, but more involved patients may stay as long as 60 days.  Patients are required to spend a minimum of three hours in therapy each day, relearning everyday tasks needed to care for themselves.

A patient’s typical day begins with breakfast in their room.  They will then shower and get dressed, a serious challenge for many patients.  After dressing, patients will begin some type of therapy before eating lunch in the unit’s dinning room.  They will then participate in more therapy before dinner.  Evenings, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., are typically reserved for visiting with friends and family.  

The hard work and dedication on behalf of the staff and patient’s has proven successful.  More than seventy-five percent of patients are able to return home or to their prior living situation after rehab.

For more information on Tahlequah City Hospital's Inpatient Rehab program call (918) 458-2404.

Dr. John Galdamez
Medical Director of 
Inpatient Rehab