Parents as Partners
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Click here to read this information in Russian.
Parents and families are an important part of the Pediatric Rehabilitation
Program of the Rusk Institute. If you want, you may stay over the first three
days of your child's hospitalization in order to help your child make a smooth
transition to the Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit. You may extend your stay
if needed. Later in the rehabilitation process, your support plays a very
significant role in helping your child adapt as well as possible to everyday
life. Following are descriptions of how you will participate in various aspects
of your child's care.
Pediatric Physiatry
The doctor directs the treatment of your child and leads the interdisciplinary
team of which you are an important member. You will collaborate in ongoing
family meetings to discuss your child's progress and plan for the transition
back into the community.
Rehabilitation Nursing
Nurses are accessible 24 hours a day. They foster a learning environment
in which you participate in the daily care of your child.
Rehabilitation Therapies
Our highly trained and specialized staff of physical, occupational, and speech
therapists formulate an individual treatment plan for your child. Your
participation is important, and families are strongly encouraged to attend
all therapy sessions. The knowledge you gain will help you to follow through
with the treatment at home and outside the hospital.
Social Work
The social worker meets with each family upon admission and will assist with
patient and family adjustment to the hospitalization experience. Our services
are specifically designed to be family-centered, respectful of your values
and your special needs, and focused on helping your child resume activities
at home and in the community. The social worker will plan and coordinate
the services you will need to assure a smooth transition from hospital
to home. The social work department will also arrange for interpreters
for patients and families who are not fluent in English.
Psychology
A psychologist sees each child during the course of his or her hospital stay.
The family is part of every evaluation. The psychological goals and plans
for treatment are developed and discussed with the family, and your child
as appropriate. Services include psychotherapy, neuro-psychological evaluations,
and cognitive remediation as needed.
Therapeutic Recreation
The recreation therapist provides your child with recreational activities,
art and music. Parents and family members are encouraged to participate
in hospital activities and community excursions. Programs for siblings
are also available. Families are offered an introductory class to learn
how to access resources on the Internet.
Education
We have a team of teachers from the New York City Board of Education on site
for preschool, elementary school, middle school, and high school children.
The teachers collaborate with the family and the community school to determine
each child's educational needs.
The Total Child
Families are pivotal members of the team that plans a child's care. At the
Rusk Institute, we pride ourselves on our collaborative team approach in
which the professional staff works closely with families to address the
physical and developmental needs of each child.
For more information, call the Department of Social Work at 212-263-5018.
How to Get Started and Contacting Us
Appointment Scheduling and Information:
212-263-5018
Review eligibility and insurance plan coverage for Rusk Services.
