After an injury, hospitalization, surgery, or the diagnosis of a disease, there can be a lot of questions and a lot to learn. Our team of Rehabilitation Professionals developed diagnosis- and topic-specific education groups to meet the unique needs of each individual we serve. These groups offer education as an adjunct to scheduled therapies, useful handouts, and a friendly environment to ask questions and learn from others. Family members are welcome to attend. Currently, we offer the following education groups (subject to change based on current patient population):

• Stroke Education Group
• Amputee Group
• Diabetes Group
• Spinal Cord Injury Group (3 rotating topics)

Other groups we offer for psychological health, leisure, or helping you reach your goals are:

• Relaxation Group (with Neuropsychologist)
• Cooking Group (with Occupational Therapy)
• Stroke Adjustment Group (with Neuropsychologist)
• Peer Mentor Group (with survivors)
• Canvas Painting Group (with Recreation Therapy)
• Horticulture Group (with Recreation Therapy)

Maximizing mobility in the lives of those in our care is imperative. Whether you need a wheelchair for simple mobility or choose a chair-based active or athletic lifestyle, the professionals at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital are experts at finding the best chair for you. We evaluate manual chairs, power/electric chairs, back systems, and seat systems. We also assess current wheelchair users for equipment modifications and upgrades. The clinic can provide additional services such as pressure mapping, assessing for additional equipment needs like shower chairs, gait trainers, and specialty mattresses.

We designed this program to provide recommendations of seating system options to maximize patients’ functional independence. Call Inova Rehabilitation Center at 703-664-7190 for more information.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital offers the Peer Mentor Program, a unique collaboration that brings brain injury or stroke survivors into a mentoring relationship with patients newly adjusting to their lives as survivors of the same conditions. Mentorship may include sharing experiences related to hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing integration into home, work and community setting.

Interested learning more about the Mentor Program?

• Email: Valerie Scarano at valerie.scarano@inova.org
• Or call: 703-664-7044

The Orthotics and Prosthetics Clinic offers individuals a comprehensive program in order to evaluate and treat those who have lost a limb or who are survivors of a debilitating injury or disease. Our clinic provides a wide range of both upper- and lower-limb custom-designed and fabricated orthoses and prostheses. Our skilled team of physicians and clinicians strive to improve the lives of our patients, one step at a time, collaborating with a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist to identify the ideal recommendation for each individual.

Therapeutic recreation programs help patients re-enter the community and practice life skills in fun and familiar settings. Our Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists collaborate with patients, families, and therapists to address health, recovery and well-being using meaningful goal-oriented activities. Specialized services at our Inpatient Rehabilitation Center include:

Horticulture Group

Canvas Painting Group

Patients of all abilities meet weekly for a painting project with step-by-step guidance from a volunteer community artist, striving to inspire and uplift those who may have experienced illness or injury through visual arts. Some individuals realize art is a talent they never knew they had, others find a new way to express emotions, or just enjoy the company of their peers during a fun project.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal lovers enjoy this volunteer service program! Our therapy animals make special visits to interested patients and never run out of love to give each and every one. Research has shown animal assisted therapy to be effective in lowering blood pressure, improving pain, mood and more.

Harp/Guitar

Volunteers at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, in parternship with our Chaplaincy Program, share their talents by playing soothing music and crowd favorites for patients in rehab. Many patients enjoy listening or singing along.

Community Outings

Using our wheelchair accessible van, and in collaboration with physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy, patients travel to actual community settings in order to practice life skills, challenge their abilities, and prepare for life after discharge. Some past outings have included, but are not limited to, the grocery store, local restaurants, clothing stores, Old Towne Alexandria, local parks, and Topgolf.