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Inpatient Rehabilitation FAQs

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How big is the Rehabilitation Unit?

We have a 30-bed unit.

What are the criteria for admission to the unit?

The child must:

  • Be able to tolerate and actively participate in therapy at a minimum of three hours per day, six days per week.
  • Show the potential for making gains in therapy.
  • Require at least two kinds of therapy – physical, occupational or speech therapy.

What ages do you accept?

There is no age minimum, but individuals up to age 21 can receive care in the unit. Children must meet some developmental milestones (sitting unassisted, cruising, walking, etc.) prior to the illness or injury in order to qualify for rehabilitation.

What sets your unit apart?

We love to help kids get better! Our team of experienced doctors, nurses and therapists see many kids annually with complex medical conditions. The team is able to care for complex medical needs and rehabilitation needs in one location. In addition, our unit’s physiatrist is specially trained in pediatric rehabilitation. Each child also is followed by another doctor to make sure he or she receives the most appropriate combination of care. Pediatric specialists staff the unit 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

How much therapy will my child receive?

Therapy is provided for a minimum of three hours per day, six days per week, excluding Sundays. Sessions are divided into half-hour or hour-long segments.

What additional services are provided in the unit?

Neuropsychiatric testing, schooling (provided through Los Angeles Unified School District), child life services, music, art, dance and animal-assisted therapy, bibliotherapy, massage therapy and hydrotherapy.

Which additional specialties do your team work with?

Some of the most common specialties include:

  • Adolescent Medicine
  • Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • General Pediatrics
  • Hematology-Oncology and Radiation Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
  • Pain Rehabilitation 
  • Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Rheumatology

Can I spend the night with my child in the unit?

Parents have access to the unit 24-hours per day. Regular visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. One or two pull-out beds are available at each bedside, based on space and availability. View our visitor policy for more information.

Are meals provided for my child?

Yes. For a small cost parents also may order food for themselves.

 

What else can you tell me about the unit?

The unit is able to provide chemotherapy, g-tube and NG-tube feeds, IV medications, wound care and tracheostomy care, as well as hemodialysis and radiation, if needed. Ventilator and BiPAP or CPAP care is unavailable on the unit.

It is located on the top floor of the Mary Duque Building and is situated around the “dome” – a common play area with a glass ceiling. There is a kitchen available for use by families. It also is used for therapeutic cooking activities. Children are encouraged to enjoy gardens, located in front of the Gateway Building. A playroom is available on the unit, as well as a teen lounge on a nearby floor.

Can I take a tour of the unit?

Yes. Call Rachel Blackburn, CRRN, intake coordinator, at 323-361-4155 to schedule a tour.

What resources are available in the neighborhood for families?

A grocery store is within walking distance of the hospital, as well as various restaurants.

I live far away. Where can I stay in Los Angeles while my child is in the hospital, and how do I get around the city?

The Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House (RMH) is within walking distance from the hospital and available for families on a first-come, first-serve basis. Referrals to RMH are coordinated by our social worker. Several hotels also are located in the vicinity.

Parking is available at no cost at RMH and for a fee at the hospital. Bus and Metro train stops also are available nearby. Visit Getting to the Main Hospital for more details.