Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Rehab FAQs

Residential FAQs

Where is Texas NeuroRehab Center located?

Our facility is located within the city limits of Austin. The campus-style treatment center is tucked away on approximately 68 acres, which provides an ideal therapeutic setting in a year-round warm-to-moderate climate. The property is filled with large, shady oak trees and accented with colorful wildflowers in the spring.

What is their schedule for an average day?

Schedules vary according to living unit, but all child/adolescent programs have a wake-up/clean-up period followed by breakfast. Every morning includes a Goals Group to set the tone for the day, and a half day of therapeutic school, which incorporates not only academics, but the child's treatment plan goals. After lunch, the child may have a skills building type of class for functional living skills or a prevocational programming geared toward sequencing, tasking, and positive attitude. During the day the child may have vocational, speech, occupational, physical, sensory integration, and/or substance abuse therapies in individual or group formats, depending on the unique issues of the child. They also have individual, group and/or family psychotherapy. There are fitness activities in the gym, swimming pool, or on the grounds, and for those who can participate, community groups. After dinner and hygiene, each child participates in therapeutic recreational activities and Goals Groups. The day concludes with a structured hygiene and bedtime process for winding down, and concludes with lights out.

What about the therapies my child will receive?

Frequency of therapy is based on every child's specific needs. Every weekday our children receive therapy in a variety of different categories based on the psychiatrist's evaluation of need. Individual psychotherapy can occur one or two times weekly, while some form of behavioral and/or psychotherapy group occurs daily. If the child can participate in family therapy, it occurs weekly in person or over the phone, but if not, family therapy is provided. Children may receive speech, physical, sensory integration, and/or occupational therapy as often as prescribed. Recreational therapy and/or recreational activities are received daily. All children see their psychiatrist for evaluation and medication management. The psychiatrist clinically directs patient care.

What is the staff's training?

There is a selective, talented and well-rounded group of professionals at Texas NeuroRehab Center. The facility employs psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, substance abuse counselors, master's level social workers, registered nurses for every unit, special education teachers, nutritionists, registered physical, speech and occupational therapists, recreational therapists, neurotherapists, and our medical director, who is a neurologist. Direct care staff receive 65 hours of initial orientation training and 40 hours of formal training per year.

What kind of education program does Texas NeuroRehab Center provide?

Texas NeuroRehab Center's school is in separate buildings, operates year-round, and is equipped with modern computers. Our certified special education teachers work closely with every student to help them achieve academic gains. Classes are kept small (6-8) and allow students to learn at their own non-competitive pace. The school provides report cards, school transcripts, GED certificates, diplomas and graduation ceremonies. Our teachers communicate with students' home schools as necessary, and credits are transferable. The school is provided by the University Charter School, a component of the continuing and extended education of the University of Texas at Austin. We are accredited by Texas Education Agency and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Are the children required to participate in every activity?

Children are strongly encouraged to participate in all therapies and activities. Their involvement is reflected in their rewards according to each individualized treatment plan. All activities are carefully planned based on the treatment needs of the child.

How are families kept involved from a distance? Can family members visit?

If a family cannot be physically present for the weekly family therapy, they are included through conference calls. Every child has phone call privileges. Our commitment is to strengthening the family bond, and we feel family involvement positively effects each child's progress. Family visits are encouraged and welcomed.

How are the meals and nutritional needs handled?

Our cafeteria provides balanced meals specially designed daily by our dieticians and nutritionists to meet the needs of growing children. All the meals are home cooked on campus. Dietary restrictions and variations are made to satisfy the most difficult of eaters. Weight reduction diets are also available upon individual need.

Do they get to go outside?

Our campus is beautifully positioned on 68 acres of grassy fields spotted with oak trees in a residential area of South Austin. With such a wonderful setting and climate, we have the opportunity to allow kids to be kids! A variety of recreational outdoor activities are offered including: a ROPES course, swimming pool, barbecues, ball games, basketball goal, an outdoor playscape, hikes, walks, and a variety of other community-based leisure activities. With so many activities, the children spend a good deal of time enjoying the outdoors, and we also have an indoor gym. Children also leave their living units to go to school and therapy buildings.

Can they run away? If they do, what happens?

Our patients who are minors are supervised 24 hours a day and reside within secured units. All activities occur under staff supervision. In the rare case that a child should try to run, they are located immediately and returned to the facility.

How often will we talk to a therapist?

You will be contacted at least once a week by us for an update on your child's progress. You also have the option to call and speak with a nurse, therapist, physician or administrator.

Is my child's treatment individualized?

Absolutely! Each child is given an extensive evaluation by our interdisciplinary treatment team and then assigned a highly individualized therapeutic plan to meet their specific needs. You have the opportunity to be included in every staffing meeting regarding your child.

How much will insurance pay?

A comprehensive insurance verification is done prior to admission for an estimate of charges. Each insurance company and each employer varies in the amounts of coverage allowed. Most insurance companies will pay a good portion or all of our rates, which include physician fees and therapies as well as room and board and education.

What information is needed for admission?

We would like to have the most recent clinical records, such as a psychiatric assessment and/or psychological assessment and a social history with diagnosis, behavioral tendencies, and medications. There is no application to fill out. We meet every Monday through Friday to discuss new prospective patients and can provide quick answers regarding admittance once we get the clinical information.

What is the admission criteria?

We accept ages eight through adult. Admittance is based heavily on our ability to best meet the needs of each child. We have a number of living units, each having specific criteria for admission depending on its treatment focus. We separate each population—children and adults with developmental and neurological problems, individuals needing long term medical rehabilitation, residential treatment, and subacute hospitalization—in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment within the unit and group. Most patients have neuropsychological and/or neuropsychiatric impairments while others also have some form of brain injury.

What must I bring on admission day?

We will need a copy of their birth certificate, immunization record, custody documents, social security, and insurance cards along with any co-payment that has been agreed upon between you and your admissions counselor. At least seven days of clothing should be included; it is helpful to mark clothes with the child's name. We ask for children to have tennis shoes and no boots. We provide hair care products, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, brushes, combs, female hygiene supplies, and electric razors/shavers. Personal items such as pictures (no glass frames), journals, books, stationary, and stamps are allowed, as well as small toys and a stuffed animal.

How does discharge planning work?

From the moment your child steps on campus, we focus on helping them return to you and their lives as a productive member of society. Therefore, we coordinate the entire process to achieve this outcome and ensure smooth, seamless transitions. Discharge options are discussed and planned from the first to last day your child is with us. We have a number of facility liaisons, who gather community resources to help facilitate the patient's transition.

Is treatment kept confidential?

Absolutely! At admission, you are asked to sign releases for those who can receive copies of reports from us. We also issue a numerical code to use when you call your child. Only those who have the code can reach him/her. TNC strictly follows all HIPPA regulations which protect patients' and their families' confidentiality.

How can I get my child in the program?

To get your child help, call our admissions department at (800) 252-5151 or (512) 462-6618. Be prepared with as much information as possible regarding your child's diagnosis, behaviors and medications.

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Residential FAQs

The focus of your treatment at Texas NeuroRehab Center is to help you become as healthy and independent as possible. This is your opportunity to move from being a patient and return to the person you want to be.

With 20 years of experience, we have learned that we are more successful when we work as a team with our patients and their families. The answers to our "frequently asked questions" are a key to meeting these goals and achieving the best possible outcome.

1. What do I need to bring?

You will need 4-5 changes of loose comfortable clothing. You will also need socks, underwear and night wear. We recommend a sweater or a jacket. Shoes should be tie-on or velcro style with rubber soles. Your family may use the laundry facilities to wash your clothes. You will also need grooming and toilet articles that you are used to using at home. You may bring family photos, a favorite pillow, books, or other mementos from home. A small bulletin board is available in your room. Please be aware that TNC cannot be responsible for lost items.

2. When and how many people can visit me?

Therapies are an integral part of your treatment program. Since you are in therapies and working hard for most of the day, visiting hours start at 4 p.m. To ensure a good nights rest, the visiting hours end at 8 p.m. Weekend hours are from 12-8 p.m. for the same reasons. For special circumstances, your physician may order exceptions to these times. Please be respectful regarding the number of visitors visiting at one time.

3. How do people find me?

Once visitors arrive on the Texas NeuroRehab Center campus, please have them follow the signs directing them to the Bluebonnet Rehabilitation Hospital. Ample parking including handicap parking is available.

4. Can a family member stay overnight and for how long?

One family member is welcome to stay the first two nights to ensure a smooth transition. When patients are close to discharge, we may also ask a family member to stay at that time in order to participate in training. If you are under the age of 18, one adult family member may spend the night throughout your stay. Special circumstances may be considered with a physician's order.

5. Can my family members have meals with me?

Meal times are an important socialization opportunity for patients. Families are welcome to have evening meals with you. Families can purchase dinner meal tickets from the switchboard Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $2.75. Due to the limited space in our dining room, we do ask that families be respectful regarding the number of people eating with you at one time.

6. Can my pet visit?

We realize the importance of pets in your daily lives as well as in the recovery process. For this reason pets are allowed to visit, but they must remain outside and on a leash at all times.

7. How long will I be here?

Each patient's program is individualized so it is difficult to predict the length of stay. Depending on medical stability and functional abilities, the average length of stay is 3-4 weeks.

8. How will my family and I be kept informed of my progress?

At TNC, we offer a unique opportunity in which you and your family are encouraged to participate in the treatment staffing. Upon admission, the various disciplines will evaluate you. An initial staffing is held to discuss evaluations and treatment goals. A staffing occurs every two weeks. We also encourage your family to observe therapies on the day of the staffing. The physician, nurse, case manager, and social worker are also available to address any questions. Texas NeuroRehab Center is a small and caring community. It is easy to get attached to other patients and their families. Please be advised that due to confidentiality issues, we are not able to give you information regarding other patients.

9. Where will I go from here?

Discharge placements vary from patient to patient depending on the medical status and level of independence at the time of discharge. Many patients are discharged directly home. Other discharge placements include assisted living facilities, acute rehabilitation hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. Your physician and treatment team can help you identify the best discharge option.

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