Tailored Multi-Trauma Recovery Solutions

Story by Ann E. Butenas

At MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital, personalized care guides patients to successful rehabilitation and return to home.

Located in Overland Park, Kansas, MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital boasts a top-of-the-line facility and a team of experienced professionals dedicated to aiding patients in their recovery from multi-trauma injuries, accidents, and illnesses. With personalized rehabilitation programs designed to help individuals reach their full potential and regain independence, the hospital’s compassionate staff offers exceptional care and support. Guiding patients along their journey to improved health and a brighter future, MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to providing outstanding service and guidance every step of the way.

Under the leadership of Occupational Therapy Manager Nicole Bergeson, OTR/L, CBIS, MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital prides itself on its commitment to providing personalized care and proven expertise to patients undergoing multi-trauma rehabilitation. With 23 years of experience at the hospital, Bergeson oversees numerous complex cases and finds immense joy in witnessing the progress that patients make throughout their rehabilitation journey. What sets MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital apart, as declared by Bergeson, is their dedication to delivering three hours of Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy daily, in addition other areas focused on are activities of daily living, functional mobility, cognition and other key areas of improvement.

“We work specifically on the patient’s goals,” Bergeson emphasized. “We focus on what they want and on what we want for them. We want to understand what their role was before the accident, injury, or illness so we can determine a path to get them back there.”

At MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital, the professionals make it a point to consult with patients regarding their aspirations, incorporating their input into the individualized plan of care. Bergeson elaborated on the collaborative nature of the hospital’s approach, highlighting the diverse team of specialists including Physicians, Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses, Occupational therapists, Physical Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Dietitians, Case Managers and Speech Therapists, all working together to address the holistic needs of each patient. With an average length of stay of 11-12 days, patients transitioning from acute care receive comprehensive therapy aimed at reintegrating them into their daily routines. Bergeson also stressed the importance of addressing the psychological aspect of recovery, helping patients manage anxieties and fears while instilling confidence in their ability to handle activities of daily living independently upon returning home.

MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital takes a proactive approach in helping patients modify, compensate, and adapt to their environment, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Bergeson emphasized the pivotal role of the facility as both a starting point and a final step before patients transition to home health or out-patient services, equipping them with the skills and resources necessary for a successful reintegration into their daily lives. She underscored the hospital’s dedication to supporting patients beyond physical rehabilitation, acknowledging the emotional hurdles patients may face, such as guilt or loss, as they navigate their recovery journey. MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital offers support groups for continued knowledge and information as well.
Echoing the rewarding nature of her work, Bergeson shared one remarkable success story of a patient who, after a grueling recovery process following a motorcycle accident, returned to the hospital with a desire to be a volunteer, expressing gratitude for the care received. Bergeson recounted the patient’s journey, marked by determination and resilience, emphasizing the hospital’s role in facilitating his remarkable recovery. Through compassionate care and tailored rehabilitation programs, MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital strives to not only aid patients in regaining physical function but also in rebuilding their confidence and independence. The hospital’s hands-on approach extends beyond the confines of the facility, with outings designed to reacclimate patients to routine tasks and classes on home modifications to ensure a smooth transition back to familiar surroundings.

Bergeson lauded the exceptional staff at MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital, describing them as a source of comfort, support, and professionalism for patients. She emphasized the integral role of family involvement in the rehabilitation process, emphasizing the importance of advocacy from both healthcare providers and families in ensuring patients receive the necessary support and services.

“We advocate for our patients,” Bergeson affirmed, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to setting patients up for success and equipping them with the resources needed for ongoing recovery and well-being. In the holistic approach taken by MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital, every aspect of a patient’s journey is carefully considered, from physical rehabilitation to emotional support, with the goal of empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and thrive beyond their injuries.

For more information on MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital and all its exceptional teams, visit them online at
encompasshealth.com or call 913-491-2400