Lyndhurst Centre, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3V9

Inpatient Services

Admission Criteria
Admission to the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program is based on (1) the medical diagnosis and (2) the ability to actively participate in the rehab component of the program.
Diagnosis.

Spinal cord injury or disease refers to any pathology or process that impacts spinal cord function resulting in an impairment(s), which can be addressed in a rehab setting.  The underlying etiology can be either traumatic or non-traumatic.

Note:  Medical, surgical and psychiatric stability is required, and the required resources (e.g. staff, equipment) must be available at Lyndhurst to meet the patients' needs.

The operating definition for participation in the Rehabilitation component includes the following:

• The willingness to actively participate in and comply with the components of the individualized rehabilitation program.
• The ability to tolerate 3 hours of rehabilitation activity daily, and safely sit for a minimum of 2 hours daily. It must be anticipated that the patient will meet this threshold at rehabilitation admission or shortly thereafter.
• The identification of realistic rehabilitation goals by the patient in partnership with their health care team prior to admission.

Note:  Other patients who may benefit from the specialized services of the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation program will be considered on an individual basis. 

Short-term Inpatient Services

Short-term inpatient services are also available in the comprehensive inpatient program. These are provided in a 2-4 week program of assessment and intensive therapies geared to previously injured spinal cord patients and to patients following an acute episode.

Admission Criteria

Outpatient Therapeutic Program

The Outpatient Therapeutic Program serves patients who have identifiable rehabilitation goals, require two or more therapies, and do not require the level of nursing care provided to inpatients. Patients must have access to transportation and have the necessary resources to live safely at home. Specific goals will be discussed in consultation with the patient prior to admission and at the time of assessment.

Outpatient Services and Outpatient Therapeutic Program

Outpatient Services promotes a continuum of health services that allows individuals with spinal cord injury to achieve an optimal level of functioning. Outpatient Services, which includes the Outpatient Therapeutic Program, provides access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, urology, sexuality, gynaecology, skin and wound, seating, speech, therapeutic recreation, social work, nutrition, psychology, physiatry, hydrotherapy, education and training on personal care. Outpatients use the same facilities as inpatients and have access to ongoing services such as individual and family counselling, change management and pain management.

Admission Criteria

Outpatient Therapeutic Program

The Outpatient Therapeutic Program serves patients who have identifiable rehabilitation goals, require two or more therapies, and do not require the level of nursing care provided to inpatients. Patients must have access to transportation and have the necessary resources to live safely at home. Specific goals will be discussed in consultation with the patient prior to admission and at the time of assessment.

• Bone Density Clinic (osteoporosis)
See below

• Follow-up Clinic
Nursing and social work follow-up is provided at one, three and six month intervals post inpatient discharge to assess how reintegration into the community is progressing.

• Gynaecology Clinic
Provides routine gynaecological care for women with mobility impairments in a wheelchair accessible environment.

• The Seating Clinic
Assistive Devices Program (ADP) authorized therapists assess clients' mobility and seating needs. This service works in partnership with the client, the client's vendor and the Skin and Wound Clinic to address pressure management difficulties.

• Skin and Wound Management Clinic
The goal of this service is to prevent and manage skin breakdown in people with spinal cord injury.

• Physiatry Consultation
Physiatry assessment and diagnosis help and manage problems and disability as a result of spinal cord impairment. This service uses education, advice, direct management of issues and, when needed, will refer patients for additional assessments to investigate and treat health issues.

An annual assessment with a physiatrist is recommended for people with spinal cord injury to prevent long-term complications and monitor progress over time.

• Robson Clinic (Urology/Sexuality/Fertility)
The Robson Clinic provides urological care to individuals with spinal cord injury and related disability. The focus is on the prevention, diagnosis and management of urological dysfunction in an active research environment.

Service highlights include urodynamic studies, renal ultrasounds, cystocopy and male sexual dysfunction and fertility procedures in a wheelchair accessible environment.

• Osteoporosis and Bone Density Clinic
Tel: (416) 597-3422, ext. 6357
Fax: (416) 422-5402
Email: bonedensity@torontorehab.on.ca

Referral required: Physician

The Bone Density Lab specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and study of osteoporosis in people with spinal cord injury and other neurological impairments. People with spinal cord injuries are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a bone disease which is associated with declining bone mass and an increased risk of fractures.

Service Highlights

Assistive Technology Service
Tel: (416) 597-3422, ext. 6208
Fax: (416) 422-5625

A referral from a physician is required for this service.

The Assistive Technology Service at the Spinal Cord Rehab Program sees adults with a spinal cord injury or related neurological impairment. Patients with both acquired or congenital physical impairment and work/school related goal are also eligible for this service. We provide assessment and training for patients who require the use of specialized devices to meet their computer access needs for personal or employment use. The Assistive Technology Service is a partnership between Toronto Rehab and the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Ontario) Employment Resource Centre. We are also an authorized clinic for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

Fitness Centre
Tel: (416) 597-3422, ext. 6151
Fax: (416) 422-5216

Initiation fee: $10 (includes fitness assessment and personalized fitness program)
Monthly cost: $30 (includes all programs and activities)
Facility: Wheelchair accessible

The Fitness Centre provides programs of a physical, social and spiritual well-being nature that inspire people who have spinal cord injury to take a pro-active approach towards their health. Organized programs include aerobics, wheelchair basketball, tai chi, relaxation therapy and presentations by guest speakers. Fitness Centre members can also take advantage of free weights and universal machines.

A medical consent form signed by the person's family physician or referring physician is required.

Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario
Tel: 416) 422-5644, ext. 245
Fax: (416) 422-5943

CPA Employment Resource Centre
(Employment Information Officer)
This centre is operated in partnership with Toronto Rehab. The centre helps adults with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.

Services include: