Preparing for Your Stay

Can my child wear their own clothes?

Children on rehab may wear their own clothing. For safety, if a child is going off the unit without a staff member (between therapies or after), they must wear one item of hospital pajamas (gown or pants).

Can my child go off the unit?

Children can go off the unit with their parent or legal guardian if medically cleared. Children on isolation may not leave the unit. Children with tracheostomies must be accompanied by an RN or parents must have completed training for management. If parents wish to designate an adult that is not a legal guardian to take a child off the unit, it must be added to the medical record and the designated adult given a pink duck sticker by nursing staff. If going off the unit, children must sign out at the nurses’ station and must stay on hospital property which does not include Livingston Park, Ronald McDonald House, Panera, or CVS. They may go to the grassy area right in front of the main hospital.

Who can spend the night with my child?

Parents/legal guardians and grandparents have 24 hour visiting and can spend the night. Any additional request for overnight visitation must be approved by the program manager or social worker. No one under the age of 18 may spend the night. All parents/visitors must wear their badge at all times while on the unit.

How will isolation affect my child's rehabilitation?

Children on isolation will still receive all therapies they need. Access to common areas including the main gym, activity room, school room, and family lounge is not permitted. Some cases will allow for use of individual therapy rooms. If your child is not cleared for an individual treatment space, they will receive all therapies in their patient room. No children on isolation may leave the unit outside of therapy or testing/procedures.

What do I bring?

Please bring:

• 4 to 5 pairs of sweatpants or shorts
• 4 to 5 T-shirts or tops
• Comfortable pajamas
• 4 to 5 undergarments (underwear, undershirts, bras, etc.)
• Tennis shoes or shoes with non-skid soles
• Socks
• Light jacket, sweater or coat (depending on the season)
• Glasses/contacts or both
• Brush/comb or any other hair accessories
• Favorite/special items from home (pillow, blanket, stuffed animals, etc.)
• Special equipment currently being used (braces or adaptive equipment)

The Rehabilitation Unit provides basic self-care items including soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and lotion. However, we acknowledge that children and adolescents may prefer their own items.

How can I be involved?

We recognize that the parents/family are the constant in the child’s life. Patients and families always come first on our Rehab team. Patients and families are asked to identify their goals of rehab upon admission, as well as ongoing weekly goals towards discharge. Patients and families are involved in collaboration of their care and decision making throughout their rehab stay.

What amenities are on the Rehabilitation Unit?

• 2-bed medical unit
• Activity room for recreational purposes
• Private rooms/bathroom
• Parents are welcome to stay 24/7
• Pull-out couch for parents to sleep in room
• TV
• Wireless Internet Access
• Small refrigerator in each room
• Shared family lounge (laundry, microwave and coffee supplies)

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