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Primary Children's Hospital - Salt Lake City

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Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy

at Primary Children's Hospital

Award - CARF

Inpatient rehabilitation provides care for toddlers, children and adolescents who have experienced a significant change in function or cognitive status due to a traumatic event, acute medical condition, or complications from a chronic medical condition. Our program follows a multidisciplinary team approach focused on optimizing the ability of the patient to return to his or her daily life.

An individualized plan is created for each patient to address his or her unique needs. The plan is revised by the care team based on individual progress. Caregivers and patients are key members of the team, providing ongoing input and feedback. Therapy is goal directed, cost effective, and outcome oriented.

Scope of services
Inpatient rehab2

What sets us apart

CARF Accreditation

Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) as a Pediatric Specialty Program. Achieving CARF accreditation demonstrates conformity to internationally-recognized standards for rehabilitation.

Multidisciplinary Care 

Our team consists of multidisciplinary pediatric health care professionals that collaborate to provide the best possible outcomes. Our team works closely with the medical team allowing therapies to start as soon as possible in the care cycle.

Caregiver Involvement

You and your child are the most important part of our team. Your input is critical to developing goals and a treatment plan for your child. You will be vital in supporting your child as he or she regains independence and you will learn new skills to care for your child when you get back home.

Excellent Outcomes

Through collecting data and tracking outcomes, we are able to continually assess, analyze and improve our care. Not only are patients admitted to our program faster than the national average, but we discharge children home at a higher functional level compared to similar facilities and the national average. We get patients home faster - easing the burden on families.

Primary Children's Hospital

Discover what to expect during your visit to Primary Children's Hospital and explore our patient services. We're here to support you and your child, ensuring comfort and providing the care needed for a great experience throughout your stay.

Your visitPatient support
Acute inpatient rehab

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy

A former patient describes their rehabilitation journey at Primary Children’s Hospital after a car accident, emphasizing the personalized care and support received. The staff focused on motivating and making therapy enjoyable, celebrating small but significant milestones. Creative approaches, like music therapy, helped in recovery, fostering a hopeful environment where progress was seen every day.

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What to expect

The rehabilitation team will work with you and your child to determine the timing for admission to inpatient rehabilitation.

We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible during their stay. Listed below are items to bring to the hospital when you are admitted to the program. Contact our rehabilitation nurse case manager if you have questions about this or any other requirements.  

Items to bring

  • Four to five pairs of sweatpants or shorts
  • Four to five t-shirts or tops 
  • Comfortable pajamas
  • Four to five undergarments (underwear, undershirts, bras, etc.)
  • Tennis shoes or shoes with non-skid soles 
  • Socks 
  • Light jacket, sweater or coat (depending on the season)
  • Deodorant, makeup, lotion 
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Glasses/contacts or both
  • Brush/comb or any other hair accessories (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.)
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Favorite/special items from home (pillow, blanket, stuffed animals, etc.)
  • Special equipment currently being used (braces or adaptive equipment)

*Please put your child's name on all personal belongings.

Your child will have a private room on the Neuroscience Trauma Unit (NTU). The NTU provides basic self-care items including soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and lotion. However, we know that children and adolescents may prefer specific brands/products. Rooms include television, video game system with DVD capabilities, and wireless internet access. 

Visitation for parents is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and one parent is able to sleep in the patient's room. For additional family member accommodations, The Ronald McDonald House is located nearby and provides rooms for families at an affordable price. Extended family and friends are asked to visit during regular hospital visiting hours which are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

In order to make your child's discharge from the hospital as smooth as possible, we will start preparing for discharge from the day of admission. Generally, discharge occurs when care can be managed safely and effectively in the home and community. Discharge may also occur when the intensive therapy provided in an inpatient setting is no longer needed. Services can be continued in other settings such as outpatient, home health, or school. If progress or participation is poor, discharge to a more appropriate setting such as a skilled nursing facility may be considered. 

Your case manager and social worker will assist you with discharge planning. Several questions you may want to discuss include: 

  • Who will be your child's primary care physician? 
  • How much care and assistance will your child require? 
  • How much assistance will your family and friends be able to give you? 
  • Who will be helping you and how much training will they need?
  • What resources are available in your community? 
  • Is your home accessible? 
  • What services and equipment will be needed?
  • What services will your insurance company cover?

An essential part of rehabilitation is helping your child successfully re-enter his or her community and home. Your case manager and social worker will assist you in finding resources in the community and navigate insurance issues. Your case manager will keep you informed of the team's recommendations for length of stay and follow-up services. She or he will also assist you in obtaining equipment and setting up follow-up appointments.