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    INPATIENT REHABILITATION

    OUTPATIENT CARE

    SPECIAL PROGRAMS

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    Spinal Cord Injury Day Treatment Program

    Our Program

    From Injury to Independence
    - and Beyond

    Every spinal cord injury journey is different ... and so is every path forward. Whether you're newly injured or have been living with SCI for years, this intensive day treatment program is designed to help you fine-tune your skills, build confidence, and take control of what’s next.

    The only program of its kind in Connecticut, our SCI Day Treatment program offers personalized, goal-driven care with a dedicated team of experts to help you move forward.

    The program is designed as an eight-week course of treatment, however length of participation may vary based on clinical recommendations. 

    Moving You Forward With:

    Greater independence in daily life

    Improved mobility and strength

    Confident navigation at home and in the community

    Long-term health and wellness management

    What to Expect

    The SCI Day Treatment takes place at Gaylord’s Wallingford campus on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This full-day outpatient program is designed to help you build skills, strengthen independence, and stay focused on your long-term goals. Programming may include:

    physical therapy
    • One-on-one and group physical and occupational therapy sessions (speech therapy available as needed)
    • In-depth education on medical considerations and prevention of complications
    • Education and resources provided related to various topics including: adaptive technology, medical supplies, seating and mobility, nutrition, skin, bowel and bladder care, mental health, education on return to driving, return to work and home
    • Wheelchair support services
    • Return-to-work preparation and vocational support
    • Caregiver education and training
    • Reintegration to recreation activities at a wheelchair level
    • Aquatic therapy (as appropriate)
    • Support groups and social opportunities

    A National Leader in SCI Expertise

    Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is uniquely qualified to support individuals with spinal cord injuries. As the only long-term acute care hospital in the U.S. and one of two in the world with CARF accreditation for all inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, including recognition for Spinal Cord Injury, we set the standard in rehabilitation excellence.

    Gaylord is among Modern Healthcare’s Top 20 Largest Rehab Providers and is part of one of only 18 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems in the U.S.

     

    Admission Guidelines: 

    If the person meets the criteria below, a referral can be initiated by a provider or self. The patient will be scheduled for a physical and occupational therapy evaluation, where the clinicians will determine if the patient is clinically appropriate to participate in the Day Program. 

    Injury Status


    Have a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury (acute or chronic)

    Mobility


    Use a wheelchair as their primary means of functional mobility

    Support


    Require moderate assist or better (50% or less) for transfers

    Supervision


    Require distance supervision or less for toileting

    *Exceptions can be made if a primary caregiver is present for the full-day program.

    Sample Day Treatment Therapy Schedule

    This sample calendar gives you a sense of how your time may be structured across therapy sessions, education, and rest.

    SCI sample schedule graphic
    Start Strong with the Right Information

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Is the program covered by insurance?
    How long does the program last?
    Is a doctor referral needed?
    Can I participate more than once?
    Can my caregiver or loved one stay with me?

    Meet The Team

    2020-11-20 GAYLORD DR (DR DAVID ROSENBLUM)-5 first choice (1)-1

    Dr. David Rosenblum

    Medical Director, Spinal Cord Injury Program
    Aldrich, Sarah_headshot_2025_0339-1-1

    Sarah Aldrich

    Rehab Aide
    2023-04-03 KATE DONAHUE

    Katelyn Donohue

    PT
    Fredsall Kim_2025_headshot_horizontal

    Kimberly Fredsall

    PT, DPT, MSCS
    James, Sonya_headshot_2025_0319_preferred_glasses-1

    Sonya James

    Intake Representative
    Mayer, Caleb_headshot_2025_4910-1-1-1

    Caleb Mayer

    PT
    2022-01-20 GAYLORD KIERSTY_-7 preferred-1-1

    Kiersty Neeman

    OT
    Thompson, Casey-2

    Casey Thompson

    OT

    Move Forward with Confidence.

    Contact Jackie Magnuszewski, Program Coordinator, at jmagnuszewski@gaylord.org or (203) 284-2989.
    Referrals can be faxed to (203) 294-8705.

    Contact Jackie Now

    Move Forward with Confidence.



    For more information, please contact us at SCI_Transitional_Program@gaylord.org
    Referrals can be faxed to (203) 294-8705.