The Comprehensive Occupational Rehabilitation Program or Work Hardening Program is a CARF and Joint Commission accredited outpatient care service within the Worker Assessment and Rehabilitation Center (WARC). Work Hardening is an interdisciplinary, outcomes-focused and individualized program, which addresses the medical, psychological, behavioral, physical, functional and vocational components of employability and return to work. The treatment team includes: physical and occupational therapists, psychologist, vocational rehabilitation counselor/case manager and physical therapy assistant.
Work Hardening bridges the gap between initial acute injury management and return to work. We use a team approach to treatment and you may work with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, vocational counselor/case manager and psychologist.
This comprehensive program has three major components:
Injured workers participate in the program four hours per day; five days per week. Their average stay in the program is three to four weeks.
These services are provided at the Worker Assessment & Rehabilitation Center in Menomonee Falls by a Work Hardening Team: Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor/Case Manager and Psychologist.
The fitness center is fully equipped with Badger Magnum fitness equipment and aerobic exercise equipment (treadmills, bikes, Stairmasters, etc.). A Job Simulation area provides materials and equipment to simulate tasks requiring material handling (conveyor, dollies, carts); construction trades (hand and power tools, shoveling station, multi-workstation for drywall application, carpentry, electrical conduit work and plumbing); production/manufacturing (small parts assembly equipment and fabricated job simulation equipment); mechanical (car front to work on body mechanics, hand tools); driving (BTE work simulator and vibrating truck seat simulator); health care (hospital bed for transfer training); fire/police/rescue personnel (rescue practice manikin with capacity to be weighted to 175#s) and more.
The Work Hardening program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); Therapist/Center Certification: WorkWell Systems’ Functional Capacity Evaluation V.2.
To maximize abilities to return to work or pursue alternative vocational goals, following a work-related injury or illness. These services result in an increase in strength, physical conditioning, ability to perform job tasks, endurance, ability to cope with job stress or loss, confidence to perform job tasks safely, using proper body mechanics and injury prevention techniques.
Q: What is the difference between physical therapy services previously received, and Work Hardening services?
Work Hardening is a program designed to address your specific return to work needs. In individual therapy, you may have received one-on-one treatment directed to the area of injury. This has been effective in addressing your needs related to your injury, but may not have been enough to prepare you for your job demands at work. Work Hardening bridges the gap between initial acute injury management and return to work. We use a team approach to treatment and you may work with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, vocational counselor/case manager and psychologist. This comprehensive program has three major components: 1) Job Simulation - activities used to recreate the physical demands of your tasks at work; 2) Fitness/Conditioning - combination of a fitness/aerobic equipment routine and individual exercises to improve your overall conditioning and endurance for work; and 3) Education - to help you understand your injury, the risk factors that contributed to your injury and ways to avoid a re-injury. Injured workers participate in the program four hours per day and five days per week. Their average stay in the program is three to four weeks.
Q: Why is Work Hardening such a time-intensive program?
The purpose of Work Hardening is to restore your functional abilities (e.g., lifting, carrying, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, etc.) for a full work day. In Work Hardening, we are focusing on your endurance for these activities, as well as on progressing you to your maximum ability in each area. Our team will provide your physician with recommendations for your return to work and we will need to comment on your ability to perform your job for a full day. We will also recommend any restrictions or accommodations that may be required to enable you to return to work safely.
Q: Why do I need to work with a team of therapists in Work Hardening?
Your injury in relation to your job and the impact that it has had on your life has become more complicated the longer you have been away from work. Our team will address your work issues from a physical perspective, but also assist you in managing other areas affecting your work status. For example, our psychologist may work with you to teach you ways to manage your pain symptoms through techniques such as biofeedback, relaxation and stress management training. Our vocational counselor will serve as your case manager and keep all parties informed of your progress and needs by coordinating return to work services with your employer, carrier, doctor and rehab nurse if one was assigned to you. This level of communications very important in worker's compensation cases. Our therapists will not only design effective exercise programs to increase your strength and abilities, but will also provide education in correct body mechanics and techniques for preventing future injuries.
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The Joint Commission is a highly respected certification that is offered only to hospitals that meet stringent national standards such as demonstrating a commitment to top quality care and safety. The Joint Commission is the world leader in evaluating both quality and safety in all types of healthcare settings. A Joint Commission certification is considered the "gold seal" of approval. |
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The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation indicates that Community Memorial is recognized nationally for providing excellence in rehabilitative care. CARF-accredited programs ensure the highest industry standards possible, providing risk reduction and accountability. When the services or provider you choose is CARF accredited, you're assured the highest quality services possible. |
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