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acute rehabilitation unit

Acute Rehabilitation Unit

Recovering from a disabling injury, illness or disease takes time and specialized care. 

The Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) at UCI Health is a complete inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) program designed to help you regain your abilities and adapt to new limitations. 

Our team of physical therapistsspeech therapistsoccupational therapists and a neuropsychiatrist will tailor a plan specifically to your needs. We have one goal: to maximize your function so you can safely return to the activities and lifestyle you enjoy. 

When you see our team, you can expect unmatched expertise and skill. We are highly rated for patient experiences and outcomes. Learn more about:

For more information, call 714-456-6923.

Every area of the ARU is designed for your rehabilitation from injury or illness. Our state-of-the-art facility features:

  • 14 beds
  • Physical therapy gymnasium
  • Occupational therapy gymnasium
  • Speech therapy area
  • Indoor common area
  • Six private rooms
  • Four semi-private rooms
  • Negative-air pressure room
  • Dialysis beds
  • Outdoor retreat

The ARU is designed for patients who:

  • Have physical impairments that limit functional ability
  • Need help performing daily living functions
  • Have medical complications that cause a significant decline in physical function
  • Suffer from the onset of a recent disability
  • Are willing to learn to adapt and cope with their new limitations and prepare for their return home

To be admitted into the ARU, certain conditions must be met. You must:

  • Need intensive rehabilitative services from physical and occupational therapy at a minimum
  • Have a condition that shows potential for improvement
  • Be medically stable
  • Be able to respond to verbal and/or visual stimuli
  • Have sufficient mental alertness
  • Be at least 14 years old

Learn more about what happens once you are admitted to the ARU ›

When you are a patient at the ARU, you receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy as needed, along with specialized nursing care under the direction of a physiatrist, a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Advanced treatment programs are offered for a variety of medical conditions, including:

  • Amputation
  • Brain injury
  • Burns
  • Cardiac (including Ventricular Assistive Device)
  • Hip fracture
  • Neurological disorders
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Stroke
  • Trauma

The ARU brings together a variety of specialists who use their talents to help you with every aspect of your rehabilitation.

You, your family, your caregiver and other important people in your life are a key part of your care team.

Your care team may also consist of the following depending on your specific needs:

  • Physiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in rehabilitation
  • Residents
  • Nurses specially trained in rehabilitation
  • Speech pathologist, who can help with speech and language problems, as well as difficulty swallowing
  • Physical therapist, who can help improve strength, endurance, balance and coordination
  • Occupational therapist, who helps with self-care, living skills and improving upper extremity function
  • Neuropsychologist, who performs cognitive evaluations and provides emotional and psychological support
  • Neuro Ophthalmologist
  • Case manager, who coordinates discharge planning
  • Registered dietitian to help with nutritional needs
  • Pastoral care and social worker
  • Nurse manager, who is a link between you, your family, the discharge planner, attending physiatrist and the consulting staff
  • Rehab manager
  • Integrative Health Services, including acupuncture, aroma therapy, meditation and relaxation techniques

Learn more about what happens during your stay in the ARU ›

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