Frequently Asked Questions
We are sure that you have many questions about Pediatric Long Term Care services. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
How is Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Pediatric Long Term Care center rated?
Children’s Specialized Hospital Pediatric Long Term Care Center is
5-star rated. There is an official State-level inspection and quality
rating conducted annually. The overall rating is a combination of the
health inspection rating, the staffing rating, and the quality measures
rating. Analysis was conducted on these three data sources and each of
these ratings was combined into one overall rating. When looking at the
five-star ratings, more stars are better. Five (5) stars are the most
a long-term center can get. One (1) star is the fewest.
I have just moved my child from a Rehabilitation Hospital to Children’s Specialized Pediatric Long Term Care Center. Can you provide me with information about what is the definition of Pediatric Long Term Care versus Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation is a treatment or treatments designed to facilitate the process of recovery from injury, illness, or disease to as normal a condition as possible. The purpose of rehabilitation is to restore some or all of the patient's physical, sensory, and mental capabilities that were lost due to injury, illness, or disease. Rehabilitation includes assisting the patient to compensate for deficits that cannot be reversed medically. Pediatric Long Term Care Center provides dignified and tender loving care for children with long-term medical needs. The therapeutic atmosphere coupled with specialized medical and nursing care and a diversity of activities is designed to maintain each child’s abilities and encourage the maximum potential in each child.
How are my child’s therapy goals different in a Rehabilitation Hospital versus Pediatric Long Term Care center?
Rehabilitation Hospital Care is primarily therapy focused with goals related to restoration and/ or improved function.
I have just moved my child from an Acute Care hospital to Children’s Pediatric Long Term Care center. Can you provide me with information about what is the definition of Pediatric Long Term Care versus Acute care?
Acute Hospital care is primarily medically focused with goals related to medical treatments/outcomes. If your child is coming to us from an acute care hospital, this means that he/she is now more medically stable … this is good news. In the Acute Care (critical care setting), your child may have had more intensive nursing care than will be provided here; we can assure you that we have an entire team (doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and others) working together with you and your child to insure that your child stays safe and receives quality care. Pediatric Long Term Care Center provides dignified and tender loving care for children with long-term medical needs. The therapeutic atmosphere coupled with specialized medical and nursing care and a diversity of activities is designed to maintain each child’s abilities and encourage the maximum potential in each child. Pediatric Long Term Care is a maintenance/home model with primary focus on nursing and activities with goal to maintain function and provide quality of life.
Can my child see a doctor of my choice for medical care?
Yes, they can see a doctor of your choice.
Can I take my child home for home visits?
Yes, families can take home their children 24 nights a year. However, children can go home for unlimited day visits. The social worker will discuss with you the policy on overnight visits for your child.
When can I visit my child?
Parents and guardians can visit their child anytime. Recommended hours for visiting are 8am to 8pm. This is the only time visitors, other than parents and guardians, can visit.
Can I stay overnight with my child?
You can visit your child 24/7. However, we do not have sleeping accommodations for families to stay overnight.
Who supplies the clothing for my child?
The toiletries, such as shampoo, lotion, cleansing soap and deodorant are supplied by the hospital. However, you are responsible for supplying the clothing for your child.
Do you offer religious/spiritual care?
Yes, we do offer religious/spiritual care. Also, families are invited to have their own specified clergy visit their child.
Is it safe to have my child in the Pediatric Long Term Care center?
Yes, we have a 24-hour security guard.
Is the staff screened for safety purposes?
Yes, they have to undergo background checks and are fingerprinted.
Does my child go to school when they reach School Age?
All children ages 3-21 are entitled to educational services. Your Social Worker will assist you in working with your local school district in determining the least restrictive educational environment for your child and facilitating placement there. As the parent/ guardian, you are the legal representative for your child to their school district.
How often does a doctor see my child?
The day-to-day care is overseen by a Nurse Practitioner. The child’s primary physician sees the child every other month (as required by all Special Care Nursing Facilities) and as needed in response to status changes or request for consult.
What are the NJ State Requirements for Pediatric Long Term Care: Hours of Care Required?
Children’s Specialized Hospital or any Pediatric Long Term Care center in New Jersey is required to provide the following hours of care for each child per day. The minimum hours required is 2.5 hours per day for Basic Care. If a child has other needs, such as oxygen therapy, extra time is added.
NJ State Care Requirements (Required Hours per day)
- Basic Care 2.5 hours
- Wound Care 0.75 hours
- Oxygen Therapy 0.75 hours
- Tracheotomy or Ventilator 1.25 hours
- Gastric, Nasogastric or Jejunostomy Feeding Tube 1.0 hours
- Neuro/Ortho 1.5 hours
What is a Social Worker?
A Social Worker is available to support and assist you/your child and will maintain close contact with you. She can help you get answers to questions, find special resources for your child’s needs, inform you of special meetings and events and in general help you navigate the many journeys you will make in caring for your child.