We offer care for a wide range of conditions that affect mobility, speech, function, feeding and independence while children are in the hospital. Learn more.

Our team uses a positive attitude to encourage children with rehabilitation needs to overcome their physical and mental challenges. Comprehensive, compassionate treatment increases mobility, improves function and fosters independence for the children we serve. Learn more.

We know a hospital room is the last place your child wants to be. Therefore, our team of rehabilitation specialists is dedicated to getting your child back home as safely and quickly as possible.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital was the first hospital in Broward and Palm Beach Counties to offer inpatient rehabilitation services for children and adolescents. Unlike other facilities with sporadic, infrequent treatment schedules, our inpatient rehabilitation experts provide focused physical, occupational or speech therapy for at least three hours, five days per week. Our accelerated level of care helps speed your child’s progress and typically shortens their hospital stay.

You can expect:

• A cozy, warm environment with rooms large enough for family members to spend the night
• Art therapy, yoga sessions, humor therapy and other special programs that promote healing in fun, innovative ways
• Frequent interactions with members of your child’s care team who can update you on progress
• In-person learning from a Broward County school teacher who works with your child’s school to continue their education with minimal interruptions during their hospital stay
• Specialized, state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment designed and sized for pediatric patients

A Team of Experts Dedicated to Your Child

The inpatient rehabilitation team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood provides patient- and family-centered care while your child is in the hospital. Every member of our team is highly qualified, with advanced training and expertise in rehabilitation for children. But even more than that, we’re passionate about the care we give.

Our inpatient rehabilitation team consists of pediatric rehabilitation experts led by a team of pediatric physiatrists. Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in treating physical and neurological conditions affecting how the brain, spinal cord, limbs, muscles and nerves function.

The rehabilitation team includes pediatric specialists in each of the following fields:

• Child/adolescent life services. Uses age-appropriate activities, such as therapeutic play, distraction and education, to help children cope with their health challenges.
• Exercise physiologists. Create customized exercise and fitness plans to increase function, mobility and overall health.
• Humor and pet therapy. Freedom, our facility dog, and Lotsy Dotsy, our resident clown, provide a welcome distraction from injury and illness.
• Integrative therapy. Provides music therapy, art therapy and yoga to help children express emotions, manage pain and anxiety, and grow developmentally.
• Nutrition services. Ensure children get the nutrition they need while in the hospital.
• Occupational therapy. Teaches children skills and exercises to increase their ability to perform day-to-day tasks and encourage independence.
• On-site teacher. A Broward County school teacher works with your child’s school to continue their education with minimal interruptions during their hospital stay.
• Orthotics/prosthetics. Implants, devices and technology that replace a missing body part or improve the function of an impaired limb, hand or foot.
• Physical therapy. This therapy helps children improve their mobility and function without surgery or other invasive procedures.
• Respiratory therapy. This therapy provides care for children with breathing issues, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
• Social services. These services provide counseling, education and information for children and their families about available community resources.
• Social workers. Provide counseling, education and information for children and their families about available resources and community support services.
• Speech-language therapy. This therapy helps children improve their ability to understand and use language, swallow correctly and speak clearly.
• Neuropsychology. Experts who evaluate and treat changes to children’s behavior and brain function caused by a disease or injury to their central nervous system.