What can I expect after spinal cord injury?

Special Programs

Pediatric Programs

Because incidence rates of SCI among children are relatively low, rehabilitation hospitals and programs usually do not maintain a separate program or unit exclusively for children with SCI. As an alternative, caregivers may consider facilities/programs which place children with SCI in rehabilitation units with other children with chronic disabilities. Hopefully, this will provide families and children with opportunities to share common experiences and information with each other, and may lead to the development of support networks in the community.

It is possible that children may be placed in units with other children who are too ill for rehabilitation. Children generally derive greater benefit if they undergo rehabilitation with other children who are actively involved in the rehabilitation process.

1. Are the beds for children with spinal cord injuries in one area or in the same location as children with similar disabilities?
2. Are children of the same sex and similar age currently in the program/facility?
3. Is the physician in charge an individual with experience in rehabilitation? Does this physician have experience with children? If not, what are his/her qualifications? Do the other staff members specialize in pediatrics?
4. How many children with SCI does the program/facility admit on an annual basis?
5. Does the program/facility offer educational programs for children and young adults undergoing treatment? If not, does the facility coordinate tutoring programs with local schools? If so, who is responsible for payment?
6. Are there child life or therapeutic recreation specialists on staff? (Child life specialists develop programs for children and families which strive to maintain normal living patterns and minimize the clinical environment. Therapeutic recreation specialists focus on teaching persons with disabilities new leisure and sports skills to maximize their independence).
7. Are young siblings and friends allowed to visit the unit?
8. Does the program/facility offer adaptive technology to help children communicate and learn?
9. Is counseling available for siblings and families members?
10. Is the equipment used by therapists, i.e. physical therapists and occupational therapists, appropriate for children?
11. Does the facility/program provide patient education materials for children and family members?

Ventilator Programs

1. Is the physician who directs the program a board certified pulmonologist or a physiatrist? Does he/she have experience with SCI?
2. Are ventilator users treated on the same unit?
3. How long has the facility been providing treatment for ventilator users?
4. If the treatment team determines that an individual cannot breathe independently, what kind of services are offered to assist them in living as independently as possible?
5. Are people in the unit similar in age to the person considering admission?
6. Will they have the opportunity to meet ventilator users who have returned to the community and maximized their independence?

Before Making the Final Decision

1. Were staff members helpful and friendly when information was requested?
2. Were you offered an opportunity to tour the facility? If you were able to make a tour, what were your impressions of the overall atmosphere?
3. Did you have an opportunity to speak with people currently participating in the program? If so, were they satisfied with their rehabilitation programs?