Second Chance Rehabilitation Program for Children

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If your child is chronically ill and struggling with recurrent hospitalizations and long-term complications, the Second Chance Rehabilitation Program at Good Shepherd can help improve his or her quality of life and maximize function.

The multidisciplinary team at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit [2] 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 Second Chance Rehabilitation Program may be appropriate following an acute-care hospitalization, a recent change in status or at a developmental milestone, when learning increased independence is important.

The Process

• In The first step is to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s current status including overall medical status, mobility, activities of daily living, speech, nutrition, equipment needs and medication management. 
• The second step is to develop a personalized treatment program designed by a team of pediatric specialists, including: pediatrician, pediatric physiatrist, physical, occupational and speech therapists, registered dietician, neuropsychologist, care manager, pediatric rehabilitation nurses and patient care assistants.

Good Shepherd’s Second Chance Rehabilitation Program inpatient services include:

• Pre-admission evaluation by nurse liaison upon referral
• Comprehensive evaluation upon admission
• Complete diagnostic studies, as needed
• Specialty evaluations, based on each child’s specific needs
• Family and caregiver education
• Comprehensive, intensive treatment plan and intervention

Additional services offered in the Second Chance Rehabilitation Program:

• Medication management to identify the best medication profile to manage each child’s needs
• Nutrition assessment and recommendation to move toward optimal weight and nutrition
• Equipment evaluation for seating, feeding, activities of daily living and transportation to promote ideal positioning, safety and mobility
• Evaluation and provision of splints, casting or braces, as appropriate based on diagnosis
• Extensive patient and family education to promote the highest level of independence
• Interface with the child’s school to ensure that all available and appropriate services are being provided
• Referrals to community support groups and additional resources to assist the family and child in attaining the highest level of function, while reducing the burden of care in the home
• Assessment and referrals for additional services, as appropriate

Your Care Team in Good Shepherd's Second Chance Rehabilitation Program:

Pediatrician: A board-certified pediatrician [3] medically manages the treatment of each child and coordinates the work of other professionals on the therapy team.

Pediatric Physiatrist: A board-certified pediatrician specializing in rehabilitation medicine [4] 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 Second Chance Rehabilitation Program include:

• Chronic illness, either congenital or acquired
• Spina bifida
• Cerebral palsy
• Failure to thrive
• Developmental disabilities [5]
• Prior traumatic injury (TBI [6] or SCI, burn, amputation [7]) with a recent change in status, either functional decline or recent functional gain
• Deconditioning secondary to prolonged hospitalization

Location:
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit [2]
2855 Schoenersville Rd.
Bethlehem, PA  18017

Contact:
Phone: 610-807-4200

Request an Appointment [8]