For Patients & Families - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program?

A program that utilizes an interdisciplinary team of specialists to develop and implement patient specific recovery plans for impairments from childhood illness or injury.

  • It is goal-oriented and functionally-based.
  • It is hospital-based with a full range of consultant services.
  • It is family-centered.

How would my child benefit from a Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program?

  • After a complete examination and evaluation, our interdisciplinary team of specialists, led by a pediatric rehabilitation physician, will develop and implement a treatment plan to promote mobility, communication, cognitive awareness, social skills and self-care.
  • Every individualized plan is re-evaluated on a weekly basis.

What is the goal of inpatient rehabilitation?

  • To assist patients in reaching their greatest level of independence
  • To maximize your child’s recovery

Who is on the inpatient rehabilitation team?

  • Patient and Family
  • A board-certified pediatric rehabilitation physician
  • Resident physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychologist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Care Coordinator
  • Rehabilitation nurse
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Speech language pathologist
  • Social worker
  • Child life specialist
  • Patient Care Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Unit Clerk Assistant
  • Educational Specialist
  • Therapeutic Recreation
  • Child Life Specialist
  • OT/PT Therapy Technicians
  • Dietitian
  • Chaplin
  • Pet therapy

How long is my child’s stay?

  • Inpatient rehabilitation is fully customized for each individual patient based on his or her condition.

What are the admission criteria?

  • A medically stable patient who is able and willing to actively participate in 3 hours of therapy per day, 6 days per week.
  • A diagnosis where the patient is expected to benefit from a comprehensive inpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation program.
  • Established goals that are specific and pertain to improving functional independence.

What are examples of diagnoses served by pediatric inpatient rehabilitation?

  • Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
  • Amputation
  • Anoxic Brain Injury
  • Brain Tumors
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Deconditioning
  • Encephalitis
  • Guillain Barré
  • Intracranial Hemorrhage
  • Meningitis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Near Drowning
  • Post-op Orthopedic
  • Polytrauma
  • Spasticity Management
  • Spina Bifida
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke
  • Transverse Myletitis
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

What is my involvement?

  • Family and/or caregivers must be willing, able and available to participate in the care and training of your child.

What should I bring to the unit for myself and my child?

For Yourself

  • Comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Sweater or light jacket
  • Hand lotion
  • Medicines you take regularly
  • Change for the vending machine
  • Entertainment items such as books, magazines, etc.
  • Cell phone and changer so that staff can reach you when you are off of the unit
  • Journal for writing notes and questions
  • Special laundry soap if needed/preferred
  • Food of your choice-we have a designated basket in the refrigerator to keep your items

For Your Child

  • Athletic type shorts or sweatpants with elastic waist
  • Tee shirts or tops (any graphics appropriate for a children’s hospital
  • Undergarments (underwear, undershirts, bra, etc.
  • Tennis shoes (or shoes with non-skid soles) and socks
  • Light jacket or coat depending on the season
  • Comfortable PJ’s
  • Glasses and/or contacts and containers for safe keeping
  • Toiletries
  • Deodorant, makeup and lotion
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Brush/comb or hair accessories (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.)
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • DVD’s or parent approved movies rated G, PG, and PG-13
  • Favorite music
  • School books and assignments
  • Special equipment currently being used (braces or adaptive equipment)
  • Special comfort items such as favorite pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, toy, pictures, cups, ect.

Where is the Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program located?

  • Texas Children’s Hospital
    West Tower, 12th Floor Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
    6621 Fannin Street
    Houston, TX 77030

Where should I park?

Valet parking is available for Texas Children’s Hospital at the West Tower entrance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a flat $13 charge for each 24-hour period. Other parking options inlcude Texas Medical Center Garages 1, 2, 12, 16 and 21. Visit tmcparking.org for garage rates.

Whom should I contact?

Care Coordinators:

  • Autumn McLearen: 832-826-4798
  • Kori Josey-Sanders: 832-824-7197
  • Tina Phan: 832-826-5633
  • Inpatient Rehabilitation Referral Line: 832-826-1248