Toronto Rehab - Patient Care - Spinal Cord Rehab Program

Upon admission to the program, patients go through an initial assessment by the rehabilitation team. The team, in partnership with patients and family members, develop individualized treatment and discharge plans to help return home, to work or school. Patients are expected to play an active role in their rehabilitation.

Patients typically attend daily education and therapy sessions during the week. They learn about their injury or illness, and how to care for themselves. Personal and/or family counselling and peer support groups are available to help patients and families cope with the sudden and traumatic life changes following a spinal cord injury or illness. Time is also set side each day for recreational activities and quiet, personal or family time.

^ back to top

Your rehabilitation team

Members of the rehabilitation team guide a patient's care. The rehab team includes these people:

Physiatrist	The rehab doctor who follows a patient's day-to-day care and progress, will also oversee any needed tests, medication and may refer the patient to other medical people if necessary
Physiotherapist	The health care professional who works to: help assess movement, manage pain, help to make the patient stronger, and have more control over muscles, to be as independent as possible.
Occupational therapist	The person who helps a patient re-learn how to perform daily living tasks such as getting dressed and using the phone, will advise on wheelchair set-up, and will look at a patient's home to see how it can be modified to best meet a patient's needs.
Social worker	This person provides ongoing support to patients and their families. The social worker can help a patient cope with personal challenges, help the patient and his/her family adjust to the life-altering situation, and help the patient make plans for the future. The social worker will also help the patient get in touch with other community supports, if needed.
Psychologist	The person who helps patients and their families adapt to the new life-altering situation, understand the physical and emotional changes a patient may be dealing with, and develop strategies for dealing with those changes.
Nurses	These caring and knowledgeable people provide much of a patient's daily care, including teaching about bowel and bladder management.
The team may also consists of the following professionals:

Therapeutic recreationist	will help plan for the independent leisure and recreation a patient can enjoy upon returning home
Urologist	may test bladder function
Dietitian	helps to assess nutritional needs
Pharmacist	dispenses the drugs the doctor prescribes, and also teaches about the proper use of those drugs
Speech-language pathologist	assesses and treats any swallowing, voice or communication issues
Program service manager	supports the whole rehab team and looks after the overall daily operation of the unit and the rehab team - the manager has an office on the unit for quick contact
Plus... a number of assistants, students, volunteers, and attendants, all of whom are clearly identified and closely supervised

All the members of the rehab team are dedicated to helping a patient achieve their personal goals; helping to become more independent; and guiding the patient as they re-enter the community.

Team meetings are an important part of the rehabilitation process. Patients and family members are invited to attend these meetings regularly to update the team on their progress, and to identify any issues or concerns they may have about their care or future plans.

^ back to top

Visitors

Family and friends are an important part of a patient's care and treatment. Children of all ages are welcome to visit, although we ask that children be with an adult at all times. The safety of both patients and visitors is important.

Visiting hours
Monday to Thursday, Sundays and holidays	11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fridays	11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturdays	10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

^ back to top

Returning home

Length of stay in the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program varies depending on both the level and extent of injury or illness, and on a patient’s rehabilitation goals. A target date for discharge will be set for each patient soon after admission. The rehabilitation team works closely with patients and families to address their needs, and to help them prepare and plan for weekend passes, and ultimately, discharge from the program.

Important referrals to outpatient services, community service providers and other resources are made prior to discharge as well as linkages with support groups such as the Canadian Paraplegic Association. Newly discharged patients are asked to return at one-month, three-month and six-month intervals for comprehensive follow-up assessments.

^ back to top

Outpatient clinics

One month following your discharge from Lyndhurst, and again after three months and six months, we ask that you attend the Follow-up clinic to meet with a nurse and social worker. They will see how your return to the community is going and help you to arrange for any help you might need.

At lease once a year, you should consult your doctor at his/her Physiatry clinic. Your doctor will be able to monitor your progress, advise you about health issues and make suggestions for additional services.

Your doctor may also refer you to one of the following clinics that are all wheelchair-accessible:

Assistive Technology Service

The Assistive Technology Service assesses and trains clients in the use of specialized devices to meet their writing needs at home, school or work.

Bone Density Lab and Clinic

The Bone Density Lab is a diagnostic service that tests for osteoporosis. The Bone Density Clinic specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and study of osteoporosis in clients with spinal cord injury and other neurological impairments.

Fitness Centre

Fitness Centre members participate in individually prescribed fitness programs and group recreation programs. There is an initial assessment fee for this service as well as ongoing monthly membership fees.

Gynaecology Clinic

This clinic provides gynaecological services to female clients with disabilities. Services include routine pelvic examinations, and counselling on fertility issues, pregnancy, menstrual irregularities and menopause.

Hydrotherapy

This service offers therapeutic exercises and activities in a heated pool with the goal of improving clients’ physical functioning through increased balance and reduced pain or spasticity.

Nursing Follow-up

A Registered Nurse offers guidance and education about managing one’s health and living in the community with a disability.

Nutrition Counselling

A Registered Dietician assesses a client’s nutritional needs and provides education and support to meet those needs based on the client’s individual eating style and preferences.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy provides assessment and intervention to break down the barriers that influence function and impede the client’s everyday activities including self-care, leisure, work and productivity caused by physical injury or disease, psychosocial and environmental factors.

Physiotherapy Services

Physiotherapy assists clients in maximizing their physical function, ambulation, balance, transfers and wheelchair skills.

Physiatry Clinics

Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians with expertise in spinal cord rehabilitation diagnose, treat and provide education to help clients prevent and manage complications arising from spinal cord injury or illness.

Psychology Services

Psychology provides assessment, counselling and psychotherapy services to assist clients and their families in adjusting to the stresses of living with spinal cord injury.

Robson Clinic

The Robson Clinic provides urological care to prevent, diagnose and manage urological dysfunction. Consultation around sexuality and fertility issues is available for male clients.

Seating Clinic

Therapists authorized by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provide assessment and prescriptions for client’s wheelchair mobility and seating needs.

Skin and Wound Clinic

The Skin and Wound Clinic provides care and education for preventing and managing pressure wounds.

Social Work Service

The Social Worker provides education, adjustment counselling, and practical assistance to clients and families in coping with the effects of spinal cord injury and reintegration into the community. The Social Worker also assists with discharge/future planning, and provides information and referrals to resources in the community.

Speech Language Pathology

The Speech Language Pathologist identifies and treats swallowing and communication disorders affecting voice, speech and language.

Therapeutic Day Service

This program accepts clients requiring two or more therapeutic services on an intensive basis.

^ back to top

Parking

Daily Rate: $6.00 (purchase a token inside Lyndhurst before exiting)

Monthly Rate: $40.00 (purchase monthly pass in the Business Office). A one-time $10 deposit is required.

Outpatient Pass: $50.00 per length of stay (up to a maximum of one year) A one-time $10 deposit is required.