Transitional Rehabilitation Program
[1]
[2]If your child needs to be safely transitioned from an acute-care hospital to their home following an injury, illness or other condition, the Transitional Rehabilitation Program at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit [3] can help.
The multidisciplinary team at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit [3] will assess your child to determine his or her needs relating to medication, positioning, equipment, splinting, nutrition, pulmonary management and community support services. Then, the team will develop a personalized treatment plan, based on both clinical and evidence-based best practices, to help your child achieve his or her maximum function. Child and family education is also a critical part of the process.
Good Shepherd's Transitional Rehabilitation Program is appropriate for children who have been stabilized at an acute-care hospital and who are not candidates for inpatient rehabilitation due to a lack of progress with intensive rehabilitation or a chronic condition that does not require intensive rehabilitation. The program may also be appropriate for children who are not yet able to go home, or who are on a waiting list for long-term or foster care; children whose current placement is no longer appropriate; or children who are currently at home but require care due to a medical status change or a social situation.
Highlights of the Program
- Safely transitions children from an acute-care hospital to home
- Helps families take control of the decision-making process regarding their child’s care
- Provides families one-on-one access to neonatal and pediatric nurses, where they can ask questions and learn how to meet their child’s complex medical needs
- Allows families to learn to care for their child using the same equipment they will use at home
- Offers a calm, home-like environment that provides a healthy setting for a child’s growth and development
- Helps parents and siblings adjust to their new roles and responsibilities
- Allows overnight stays for parents to practice caring for their children “on their own,” knowing that the nursing staff is close at hand.
- Pre-admission evaluation by nurse liaison upon referral
- Comprehensive evaluation upon admission
- Specialty evaluations, based on each child’s specific needs
- Intensive case management to ensure a smooth transition to home
- Comprehensive, intensive treatment plan and intervention
- Extensive child and family education to promote the highest level of independence
- Referrals to community support groups and other resources to assist the child and family in attaining the highest level of function possible, while reducing the burden of care at home
- Assessment and referrals for additional services, as appropriate
Your Care Team in Good Shepherd's Transitional Rehabilitation Program:
Pediatrician: A board-certified pediatrician [4] medically manages the treatment of each child and coordinates the work of other professionals on the therapy team.
Pediatric Physiatrist: A physicial who is board certified in pediatrics and rehabilitation medicine [5] coordinates the work of the therapy team.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Nurses: Expert nurses evaluate and monitor each child, including height and weight. They also develop care plans in collaboration with the team, and they oversee each child's progress and education.
Physical Therapist (PT): A PT works with each child to improve strength, range of motion, balance and mobility.
Occupational Therapist (OT): An OT provides sensory needs assessment and intervention and works with each child on activities of daily living.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): An SLP evaluates each child and recommends treatment plans to address issues with speaking, swallowing and other disorders.
Neuropsychologist: A neuropsychologist reviews the needs of the child and family and provides services. The neuropsychologist also recommends behavior management approaches for the treament team.
Registered Dietician: A registered dietician evaluates the nutritional needs of patients and recommends personalized diets. The registered dietician also provides nutrition therapy and education for the patient and family.
Care Manager: Working directly with the child, family and care team, care managers complete assessments, coordinate ongoing care with the patient’s insurance company and assist with any necessary discharge plans
Diagnostic Groups Appropriate for Good Shepherd’s Transitional Rehabilitation Program include:
- Apneas and bradycardias
- Asthma
- Central lines/ hyperalimentation/ antibiotic Rx
- Cardiac problems
- Chromosomal syndromes
- Chronic lung inflammation
- Chronic lung disease (CLD)
- Colostomy
- Congenital anomalies
- Cystic fibrosis
- Encephalopathy
- Failure to thrive
- Feeding problems [6]
- Gastrostomy
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Ileostomy
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Neurological problems [7]
- Ostomies
- Poor oral feeding ability
- Post-operative care
- Post cardiac surgery (infants and toddlers)
- Prematurity
- Respiratory problems
- Seizure disorders
- Short gut syndrome
- Shunted patients
- Suction: oral and respiratory secretion management
- Tracheostomy
- Ventilator dependence
Location:
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Contact:
Request an Appointment [8]
