Pediatric Therapy
St. Luke’s is dedicated to helping every patient return to their community healthy, strong and with a renewed spark for life. As the only Level I Trauma rehabilitation hospital for adults and pediatrics in the Inland Northwest, we’ve been helping pediatric patients regain their fullest lives for more than two decades.
Our commitment to our pediatric patients and their families is exemplified by our commitment to provide seamless care from our acute care Children’s hospital to our CARF accredited intensive multidisciplinary Inpatient Rehabilitation pediatric program and extends to our outpatient incontinence and traditional pediatric department clinics.
Our interdisciplinary pediatric trained team works closely with every patient and their families to help them achieve their best outcomes. St. Luke’s therapy program increases patient quality of life and prepares them to return to their lives as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Our outcomes speak to our excellence and to the perseverance of our amazing patients – we regularly discharge more patients to their homes than the national average for rehab facilities.
Although the causes of injury may vary, our quality of care is constant. Our hallmarks include:
- Patient-centered model of care
- Deep respect for the wants and desires of our patients
- Recognition of our patients’ individuality
- Tailored treatment to achieve unique goals
- A safe and secure care setting
- Low-stimulation environment to aid in healing, if needed
- Transition back to the community
Our pediatric services can help kids achieve:
- Increased articulation of words and movements
- Increased mobility
- Increase ability to communicate
- Development of communication skills
- Increased health and fitness
- Family education on progressive therapy and management
- Increased functionality and life skills
- Enhanced body image
- Improved fine motor skills
- Improved cooperation and coping skills
- Reduced social anxiety
- Development of social skills
- Increased attention span and mental alertness
- Return to school
Pediatric outpatient services are beneficial for children with:
- Brain injury
- Cancer-related impairments
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Feeding/swallowing deficits
- Genetic deficits
- Multiple traumas
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neurological disorders
- Orthopedic injury
- Incontinence issues (outpatient continence services provided at St. Luke’s Outpatient Therapy – North)
- Sensory integration disorder
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injury
During your child's rehabilitation stay, we will do everything possible to make you and your child feel included, safe and comfortable. You and your child are essential members of the health care team. Please ask us questions anytime.
Your first few days at St. Luke’s will focus on evaluations by all the caregivers. This will help to identify areas of strength and challenge and be an opportunity to define what the goals are for your child.
Most patients have three hours of therapy per day, at least five days per week, though this can change a little from person to person. Therapists work with your child where they are to move towards their goals. Child Life works directly with you and your child to help them relieve tension, express concerns and fears and feel more in control about their visit.
We encourage parents and family to attend and participate in therapy sessions, and also try to also make videos or provide handouts so that family can see the progress made and the support that will be needed.
Recovery after an illness or injury is best when you are being challenged to complete tasks that you can successfully complete. When activities are too easy or too hard, we don’t get the same benefit.
Our therapists specialize in determining what the “just-right” challenge is for your child – where they are challenged, but can succeed at the activity. This promotes recovery and builds confidence. We work with both your child and the family to find challenges that are meaningful.
The rehabilitation team will meet weekly to discuss discharge planning. These discussions will include:
When it’s your time to leave St. Luke’s, we will determine what therapies will be needed and arrange continued services. These follow up services may include:
- Outpatient therapies
- Home health therapies
- Home health nursing
The rehab doctor will determine what follow up medical appointments are required and St. Luke’s will schedule them for after discharge.
St. Luke’s inpatient and outpatient programs are fully accredited by the Joint Commission and CARF International, beacons in the medical community that hold health care facilities to the highest level of consistency and compliance.
