Burns

Staffed by a highly skilled team of physicians, therapists, and psychologists, Good Shepherd's comprehensive Burn Care Program is designed to ease your transition from an acute-care burn unit to a rehabilitation setting. All disciplines work closely together to help maximize your functional independence and facilitate your return to home and the community.

Levels of care:

• If you are stable and ready to leave an acute-care hospital, but are not well enough to go home or to a rehabilitation hospital, our long-term acute care hospital may be appropriate for you.  
• Inpatient burn care rehabilitation for adults is available at four eastern Pennsylvania locations.
• Inpatient burn care rehabilitation for children is available at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit. 
• If you are more advanced in your rehabilitation program, Good Shepherd offers numerous outpatient rehabilitation facilities to continue your progress.
• Many of Good Shepherd’s wellness programs, including fitness opportunities, home modification and more, are appropriate to help you increase and maintain your function and independence. 

As a burn patient, you may need wound cleansing and application of dressings once or sometimes twice a day. You may require splinting and special positioning for comfort and to prevent the formation of contractures, or a shortening of the tissue, usually involving a joint or other movable part, resulting in a loss of range of motion. Movement therapy is important as scar tissue is a threat to normal movement. Good Shepherd closely monitors nutritional intake, as you may require special supplements.

Due to smoke inhalation injuries, you may need respiratory or breathing treatments. In addition, your speech and swallowing may be impaired and you may require speech and language therapy to regain these abilities. 

Highlights of Good Shepherd’s Burn Care Program include:

• Adaptations and training for daily living and everyday tasks
• Aquatic therapy
• Community reintegration through therapeutic recreation and community outings
• Emotional support and counseling
• Family education and conferences
• Hand therapy
• Home visits
• Infection control (IV antibiotics)
• Mobility training, including ambulation and functional transfers
• Nutritional therapy
• Skin care and scar tissue management, including garment prescription and fitting

For more information on the Good Shepherd Burn Rehabilitation Program, contact us, call 1-888-44-REHAB (73422) or Request an Appointment.