Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are things any individual may need at any point in his or her life. People commonly assume that these programs are more important for adults who have experienced serious injuries or are otherwise infirm, but they’re equally important for children who may be experiencing similar issues. Here are six interesting things parents should know about children’s rehabilitation programs.
The Rehabilitation Approach for Children is Vastly Different from the Approach for Adults
Pediatric Rehabilitation is, at its core, focused on the same goal as other rehabilitation programs. However, because children are still learning and growing, and because they experience the world differently from adults, these programs can be quite different in their approaches from those meant for adults. For example, a pediatric rehabilitation program will include many toys and games for children to play with as part of their physical therapy.
There Are Many Reasons To Enroll Your Child in a Rehabilitation Program
Generally, physical therapy and rehabilitation programs involve helping someone regain mobility in some way. For children, physical therapy may be required for a variety of reasons. Younger children may need to start physical therapy to help with side effects from birth defects, premature birth, congenital conditions and developmental delays. Rehabilitation of this kind may continue over a long period of time. Older children may require short-term rehabilitation for issues such as sports and musculoskeletal injuries, head trauma or the symptoms of various autoimmune diseases.
It’s Important for Parents And Guardians To Be Involved in the Program
Because children require round-the-clock care, it’s important that a parent or guardian get involved in his or her child’s rehabilitation program. Physical therapists will often discuss the details of a child’s session with parents when the session ends, as well as things parents can do at home to help the child continue practicing and improving. In some cases, parents can choose to get involved directly with their children’s sessions. Make sure you ask your child’s physical therapist how you can best support your child and get involved with his or her rehabilitation.
There Are Things You Can Do at Home To Support Your Child’s Rehabilitation Program
What you can do as a parent to support your child will vary depending on the reason your child is receiving physical therapy and the type of program he or she is enrolled in. Your child’s physical therapist can provide suggestions and advice. In general, parents can supervise any at-home exercises the therapist assigns to ensure children don’t injure themselves. Parents can also invest in tools and equipment their children can use at home.
Both Inpatient And Outpatient Programs Exist
Pediatric rehabilitation programs, like those for adults, exist in two main forms: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient programs involve children being checked into the hospital or rehabilitation clinic and staying there for a period of time while receiving physical therapy. Inpatient options are ideal for long-term, intensive rehabilitation needs. The vast majority of people will only require outpatient rehabilitation, where appointments are made for certain amounts of time and at specific intervals but the patient can return home after each one.
Insurance Coverage May Vary
Insurance coverage is an important thing to consider with any healthcare service, but especially with rehabilitation. Talk to your doctor and a representative of your insurance provider and review your policy to determine what’s available to you. You can get referrals from your doctor and compare them to your insurance coverage. You can also review laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Act to see how they affect your child’s situation.
Your child’s rehabilitation program should be one that he or she feels comfortable with. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about what programs and centers are available to you and which ones he or she thinks will be a good fit. Make sure you talk to your child about the program and its necessity in a way he or she will understand.
