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Luis R. Allende-Ruiz, Chief Executive Officer, Encompass Health of Miami
Throughout the month of September, we celebrate the success stories of patients and families who have benefited from all forms of rehabilitation in alignment with National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. We also recognize and thank the rehabilitation professionals across the country who have dedicated their career to making a difference in the lives of others.
The need for different types of rehabilitation first became most prevalent during World War I and World War II. Physical therapy emerged as a profession during WWI when there was a growing need to take care of injured soldiers, and the first physical therapists were called “reconstruction aids.” The demand for physical therapy increased in the late 1960s and 1970s, and the career of physical therapy assistant was created to meet the demand. Like physical therapists, occupational therapists also treated injured soldiers in WWI and WWII. The need for speech rehabilitation services also grew during WWII, as many soldiers suffered brain injuries resulting in aphasia. This created an expanded need for speech therapists that attracted large numbers of men and women to the profession.
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week was established in 1976 to create awareness of people with disabilities and promote the benefits of rehabilitation. In 1990, a presidential proclamation designated the third week of September as National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, which has grown to include more than 7,000 organizations. This year, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami and other Encompass Health hospitals across the country will celebrate National Rehabilitation Awareness Week during the week of September 19 with a theme of ‘The Art of Rehabilitation.’ By weaving together our expertise, tools, team and best practices, we are able to help our patients prepare for their most awe-inspiring performance yet – their return back to the people and things they love most. The successes of our patients and dedication of our teams are what truly define ‘The Art of Rehabilitation.’
At Encompass Health of Miami, we are honored to have served the Miami area and beyond for more than 35 years. Encompass Health of Miami first opened to patients in August 1986, as a 15-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Since that time, the hospital has expanded to 60 beds, with the capability to serve approximately 1,500 patients per year. During this time, the hospital has also achieved Disease-Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission for three of its rehabilitation programs, including stroke, hip fracture, and oncology rehabilitation. These certifications reflect the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.
Mostly importantly, over the span of the past 35 years, Encompass Health of Miami has discharged thousands of patients back to their local communities in southeastern Florida and the surrounding areas each year with more independence. Especially during the pandemic, the work of our rehabilitation teams has become vital to ensuring individuals in our local community can return to the daily activities they love. As Miami continues to grow and the need for rehabilitation services continues to expand, we have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to continue providing high quality care close to home and identifying new ways to connect with the communities we serve.
As we recognize National Rehabilitation Awareness Week the week of September 19-25, join us in celebrating our patients who have returned home and cheering on those who are currently in rehabilitation, as well thanking our local rehabilitation care teams for all they do to help individuals return to fulfilling lives and the families they love.
