Spinal Cord Injury brochure

Spinal Cord Injury Program

Items to bring to the rehabilitation unit � comfortable clothing (easy to put on and take off) � comfortable lace-up walking shoes (if you do not have any, please do not buy new shoes; a therapist will recommend shoes after you arrive) � toiletries: kleenex, shampoo, comb/ brush, toothbrush/paste, electric shaver, make-up, etc. � hearing aids with spare batteries (if used) � glasses � dentures (if worn) � wrist watch � copy of any special diet which you have been following at home � leisure items (e.g. cards, books, crosswords) � a list of your interests; information on family, job � recent pictures or a photo album of your family and friends � feel free to bring your own pillow or quilt

Contact Providence Care Spinal Cord Injury Program St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital 340 Union Street P.O. Box 3600 Kingston, ON K7L 5A2 613-544-5220

Working with you to maximize your independence and quality of life

Please ask on your arrival about anything else you would like to bring to your room (e.g. television, radio). www.providencecare.ca Further information and details will be available after admission to the Spinal Cord Injury Program.

Content of this publication is available in accessible formats upon request to the Communications Department.

June 2013

Purpose The purpose of the Spinal Cord Injury Program is to help you become as independent as possible. We will work with you and family members to assist you in doing as much as possible for yourself.

The average length of stay is three to six months depending on the severity of the injury and impairment.

Who will benefit The inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program is directed towards people 16 years of age and older who are: ďż˝ disabled as a result of a spinal cord injury or other neurological condition ďż˝ medically stable and for whom all acute investigations have been completed ďż˝ able to actively participate in a rehabilitation program

Treatment Treatment involves a team approach in which a number of health care professionals work with YOU, as part of the team, to plan and carry out your Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation program.

The team includes nurses, a physician who specializes in Rehabilitation Medicine, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, dietitian, social worker, spiritual health,

pharmacist, recreation therapist, discharge planner and a case manager from the Community Care Access Centre.

Progress towards independence is achieved through participation in two to three hours of therapy daily.

If necessary, depending on the severity of your spinal cord injury or neurological condition, we will teach you about changes that have occurred to your body and its functions, and how to manage your care needs to stay as healthy and fit as possible. We hope to develop a life long relationship with you and to provide guidance as the stages of your life unfold such as returning to work/school, having a family, etc.

Family members are encouraged to be active participants in your recovery process. They are welcome to attend therapy and to learn more about your nursing/therapy routine.

Preparing for discharge Discharge Planning is a team approach that includes you and your family and begins soon after your admission to the Rehabilitation Program.

WEEKEND and DAY PASSES are part of the Rehabilitation Program whenever possible. You will be encouraged to go home on a pass as soon as your condition allows you to do so safely. We encourage

families to participate in the planning and preparation for these passes.

Arrangements such as accessibility, equipment, home care services and transportation need to be made well in advance of the pass and should be reviewed with the Rehab team.

Your family will be asked to complete a weekend pass questionnaire to let us know how your weekend went.

If your injury was the result of a motor vehicle or work-related accident that involves an insurance claim, with your approval the team will work with lawyers, insurance companies and case managers on your behalf. We will make recommendations to them for your ongoing rehabilitation needs.

Community services may be arranged before your discharge if you are eligible and require assistance in returning home. These services could include inhome visits by a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other professionals. You may also be eligible for Outpatient therapy or the Day Hospital program.

Whenever possible, early discharge home with continued rehabilitation as an outpatient is encouraged.

If returning home is not possible, appropriate facilities (such as residential, nursing home or complex continuing care) will be discussed with you and your family.