Choosing a SCI Rehabilitation Center

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Understanding how to compare your options for specialized care

Finding the right spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation center can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. Yet, it’s not always clear what sets one hospital apart from another. Whether you’re comparing local options or considering traveling for care, understanding the critical factors in specialized SCI rehabilitation can empower you to make the best choice for your health and well-being.

Key factors in selecting a spinal cord injury rehabilitation center

A spinal cord injury is a life-changing event, and selecting the right rehabilitation center is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your recovery. This choice requires more than recommendations from your doctor or family members — it involves gathering critical information about each facility’s expertise, programs, and outcomes.

To make an informed choice, compare at least three rehabilitation programs to determine the best fit for your needs or your loved one’s recovery. Here are some key factors and questions to help guide your choice.

Look for a specialized comprehensive program that is experienced caring for your type of injury for your age group.

Questions to ask

  • Does the hospital specialize in spinal cord injury, or is it one of many services they offer?
  • How many patients are treated in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program each year?
  • How many years of experience with spinal cord injury patients does the hospital have?
  • What is the average age of patients in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program?
  • Does the hospital have special programs for adolescents and young adults?
  • Is the facility equipped to manage life-threatening emergencies on-site?
  • Are patients able to begin rehabilitation if they have significant medical challenges?
  • What is the patient to nurse ratio?
  • What stages of the continuum of care does the facility provide?
    • Intensive care?
    • Inpatient rehabilitation?
    • Post-acute rehabilitation (Day Program)?
    • Outpatient services?
    • Transition support program?
    • Ongoing health and wellness activities?
  • Does the hospital have a program specializing in high cervical injuries?

Look for a program with a variety of integrated supportive care services for patients and families going through a significant life event.

Questions to ask

  • What types of coping and support services are available?
    • Peer support?
    • Individual and group therapy?
    • Psychotherapy?
    • Family counseling?
    • Vocational counseling?
    • Substance misuse counseling?

Look for a program with engaged staff that has a track record of success in returning patients to healthy lives with purpose, and as much independence as possible.

Questions to ask

  • What percent of patients with spinal cord injury return home rather than go to long-term facilities?
  • What percent of patients with spinal cord injury who arrive at the hospital using a ventilator are able to wean from the ventilator?
  • How many patients need rehospitalization for any reason within 30 days of discharge from their rehabilitation program?
  • How often and for how long each day do patients get treatment by specialists such as speech, recreation therapists, psychology, and neuropsychology if they are medically able?
  • What is the employee engagement rate? This is a measure of the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace. The national average for all industries is 4.1 out of 5.0.
  • Does the hospital have a clinical research program focused on improving treatments and outcomes?

Look for a program that meets the needs of both patients and their families.

Questions to ask

  • Are there low-cost or funded living arrangements for family members? What is the cost?
    • What style housing is it? How far from the hospital?
    • How long can you stay? How do you qualify?
  • Are activities planned for patients on weekends and evenings?
  • Is there family counseling available?
  • Is there training for family members on how to befuture caregivers?
  • Is there support for after discharge?

Look for included services that go beyond the minimum covered by most insurance plans.

Questions to ask

  • What value added services are offered?
    • Recreation therapy?
    • Vocational therapy?
    • Assistive technology consultations?
    • Adaptive driving instruction?
    • Peer support?
    • Facility animals assisting with independence and emotional support?

Look for a hospital that earns top marks and rankings.

Questions to ask

Does the hospital have key recognitions and accreditations that help validate the organization’s qualifications, including recognition as a Model System by the National Institutes of Health, accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of RehabilitationFacilities (CARF), and recognition as a top hospital for rehabilitation by U.S. News and World Report?

Download our center comparison worksheet

To help you compare and contrast up to three rehabilitation facilities, we offer a worksheet titled “Questions to Ask When Choosing a Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program.” This tool is designed to assist you in evaluating the important factors that will help determine the best facility for your care.

Download SCI Program Guide (PDF)

Why choose Shepherd Center for spinal cord injury rehabilitation?

Unmatched expertise in spinal cord injury care

We are a leader in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive approach that is uniquely tailored to each patient. With cutting-edge technology and a team of highly trained specialists, we help patients maximize their recovery potential and improve their quality of life.

Specialized services and facilities

Our inpatient rehabilitation program is designed specifically for SCI patients, featuring advanced therapies, medical management, and innovative treatment options to address the complexities of spinal cord injuries.

Multidisciplinary team approach

You’re supported by a dedicated team of professionals — including physicians, therapists, nurses, and psychologists — who work together to create personalized care plans. This collaborative approach ensures holistic treatment, addressing both your physical and emotional needs.

Continuum of care and lifelong support

Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave Shepherd Center. We provide a seamless continuum of care, including transitional services, outpatient therapy, and community reintegration programs. Our ongoing support helps patients adapt to life after rehabilitation with confidence and independence.

Shepherd Center is worth the trip

While other facilities may be closer, few match Shepherd Center’s level of specialization and expertise in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. We’re proud to be a leader in helping patients recover, rebuild, and reclaim their lives after injury.

Our compassionate care, innovative therapies, and commitment to your long-term success make us the clear choice for SCI rehabilitation. Choosing Shepherd Center means choosing a brighter future, no matter where you’re coming from.

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