Family Matters

Families play an important role in a child’s recovery

When a child experiences a significant illness or traumatic injury, it is devastating for the entire family. For the parents, it can be physically and emotionally exhausting. For siblings, it can be a frightening time.

For a child who is rehabilitating, it can be all of those things and more. At Totally Kids, we have an amazing, skilled and compassionate staff to care for our young patients. But we also know that kids need their moms or dads.  

In fact, studies have shown that families play an important role in a child’s rehabilitation. The presence of a loving and supporting family can help reduce anxiety and fear and can help the child fight for their recovery. Supportive words from a parent can encourage the child to take the next step in their development and remind them not to give up when things get hard. In addition, a parent is a child’s best advocate. For all of those reasons, we encourage family participation. We also work closely with families to ensure their needs are being met as well. We never forget that this is a very difficult time for the entire family.

From the first visit, we walk parents through our facility and explain how the rehab process works. We show them our scheduling board so they know what to expect for their child’s treatment every day and we encourage active parental participation. We are always available to answer any questions parents have or to make them more comfortable.

Taking time out

To help ensure that parents are taking needed breaks, Totally Kids offers workouts and walks for families so they focus on their own physical and mental health. We also have a prayer room where families can spend as much time as they need to relax their body and mind. And we work on building support networks by encouraging families who are facing similar challenges to get to know each other.

How often to visit

At Totally Kids, some families are on site each day, while others visit as often as they can. Each family’s challenge is unique and the amount of time families spend at the hospital often depends on whether there are young siblings at home who need to be cared for, employment and financial obligations, or transportation issues. We encourage families to be here as often as possible.

Sibling visits

Siblings can play an important part in a patient’s recovery and development as they are a part of the patient’s family, too. People are often sympathetic towards parents and caregivers, but it’s important to remember that siblings are also affected. To make sibling visits as successful as possible, we have an Activity Room that is specially set up for family interaction. It includes gaming equipment — Xbox, PS4, and Wii — as well as large cupboards full of family games, activities and toys that may be used at any time. An outdoor courtyard is also set up with recreation equipment for siblings and families. These activities are all part of our Recreation Therapy program.

Special events

Families have many opportunities to interact with their child at Totally Kids. Large groups are welcome to gather in our multipurpose room for any occasion. In addition, Totally Kids organizes several events throughout the year to gather families and patients. We provide food, entertainment and have never limited the number of family members who want to attend. This is all provided at no additional cost to families.

For patients in our sub-acute program, Totally Kids periodically organizes fun outings to places like Disneyland or the Zoo, and families are welcome to join in the fun.

Discharge planning

When a child is ready to be discharged, we work with families to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home. We offer family training and, when needed, home visits prior to discharge. For patients who require complex medical equipment, we offer specialized training to help parents understand the equipment and how to assist in care.

When a child is hospitalized, a family faces many challenges. The entire staff at Totally Kids is here to help make the rehabilitation process easier for everyone. If there is anything you need, please let us know.

 

Many thanks to our Recreation Therapist Mary Kay Chesher and Child Development Coordinator Kris Million for contributing to this article