12
S I LV E R PA G E S - FA L L 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2
Treating Bariatric Patients Sensitivity is needed not just for the patient but for the family as well By: Lynne King
The physician of a man who had fallen and sustained a hip fracture ordered a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine treatment.An EMS unit received a call from the physician for a nonemergency transport of the patient to a local hospital. Upon arriving at the man’s home, the EMS unit realized they were to transport a bariatric patient who was 6 feet, 4 inches tall and 350 pounds. Due to his weight, after they secured the patient safely into the ambulance, the EMS unit had to travel to three different hospitals before they could find one that could accommodate a bariatric patient for a CT scan.Through the entire process of traveling from hospital to hospital, the patient and his family had to listen to the insensitive and embarrassing discussions of how to lift him on a stretcher, who would help lift him, and if the hospital even had a bed that would accommodate him. Treating bariatric patients is a sensitive matter and requires specialized equipment. Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation is announcing a new program for short-term rehabilitation or longterm bariatric care.The skilled nursing center understands that sensitivity is needed to treat a bariatric patient and that emotional support is critical for the patient and his or her family.The center is equipped with bariatric equipment and programs to support the patient. It offers physical and occupational therapy at the patient’s
bedside or in the therapy gym. There is no need to transport the patient for rehabilitation therapy, which puts less stress on the patient and family members. Chaplinwood is ready should the need arise for bariatric rehabilitation and care.They know first hand how it feels to have a bariatric family member; the daughter of the man who passed away is an associate at Chaplinwood. Another clinical specialty program that Chaplinwood offering is wound care. The center provides skilled wound-care services for patients with all types of chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, complex surgical wounds, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. Care is patient-focused with a multidisciplinary approach, involving the following members of our health care team: • Physician • Wound/Treatment Coordinator • Nurses • CNAs • Registered Dietitian • Clinical Pharmacist • Physical and Occupational Therapists Chaplinwood Health & Rehabilitation is ready to serve you and your family members when you need them.