The Pediatric Rehabilitation Program at Rusk Institute offers comprehensive care by a team of specialists who provide integrated treatment for children/adolescents. Treatment will include:
• Medical Care
• Speech therapy (if needed)
• Rehabilitation nursing care and education
• Cognitive therapy (if needed)
• Developmental exercises and gait training
• Psychological support and counseling (if needed)
• Muscle re-education and strengthening
• Swallowing Therapy (if needed)
• Activities of daily living
• Leisure/play activities
REHABILITATION TEAM
From the moment of arrival, the child/adolescent and the family become a part of the team and remain at the center of the team during the rehabilitation process. The Physiatrist (physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine) will be the team leader responsible for the medical care and the coordination of the child/adolescent’s rehabilitation treatment program. Other team members include:
•Rehabilitation Nurses
•Social Workers
•Nutritionist
•Teachers
•Physical Therapists and Assistants
•Recreation Therapists
•Occupational Therapists and Assistants
•Vocational Counselors
•Psychologists
•Swallowing Specialists
•Speech-Language Pathologists
•Horticultural Therapists
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Therapy will be provided in individual and group sessions five days per
week. Other services and activities are offered on the weekends. Weekend
passes for children/adolescents to leave the hospital may be available, if
approved by the physiatrist.
The child/adolescent’s regular treatment and education program will
include:
•Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (a minimum
of 3 hours per day)
•Psychology evaluations and treatment sessions, (½-1 hour, if needed)
•Speech/Language Pathology (½-1 hour, if needed)
•Horticultural Therapy (½-1 hour, if needed)
•Educational Services coordinated through the NYC Board of Education
•Other specialists if needed.
The rehabilitation nursing staff will work with child/adolescent to reinforce functional skills achieved in therapy. In preparation for discharge, the nursing staff will also provide the child/adolescent and the family with information concerning health care, including information about the medications prescribed by the physiatrist.
The social worker will meet with the child/adolescent and family members to help guide them through the rehabilitation process.
AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY AT THE RUSK INSTITUTE FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS:
The length of stay for pediatric patients varies depending on the medical and rehabilitation needs of each patient. The child/adolescent’s physiatrist, social worker and rehab team will keep the family up-to-date with information discharge information.
More information about the Pediatric Rehabilitation Program at Rusk Institute
