Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Inpatient Program at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre

Frequently asked questions

• What is rehab?

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  Rehab (short for “rehabilitation”) helps you get better at doing things, so you can live independently and fully as possible. These things could be:

  • Moving and doing physical tasks
  • Thinking and learning
  • Feeling strong and happy 

  You might need rehab if you had an illness, an injury, or medical treatments that made it hard to do everyday stuff.

  G.F. Strong offers a short-term intensive rehab program.  Our approach is Client-Centered and Goal-Oriented:  We understand that each person's journey is unique. Our team works closely with you to:

  • Regain Functional Abilities: Focus on improving the skills you need for daily life.
  • Adapt to New Challenges: Learn strategies to manage any challenges you may face.
  • Enhance Independence: Aim to improve your quality of life and ability to return to your community, home, or a new environment.

  Your time in the program is an opportunity to actively engage in rehabilitation, giving you the best chance to achieve your goals, build new skills, and try using any special or adaptive equipment you may need. You will be learning how to take care of yourself, mange your health, and direct your care, as needed.

  We believe that the best outcomes come when you, your family, friends, and loved ones become "partners in care" with us. Together, we create a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth.

  Ask us anything. We’re here to help you feel confident and independent—every step of the way.

• What does G.F. Strong expect of me?

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  1. Participation. You are expected to actively participate in rehab, be on time for therapy sessions, and attend education sessions. Be ready to learn, rest when needed, and communicate your needs to the team.  
  2. Consideration. Please be considerate of your roommate. Visiting hours end at 9 p.m. and we ask that you please keep the volume of your sound equipment to a low level and turn it off by 10 p.m. We suggest earphones for your personal devices.  
  3. There is a Harm Reduction Policy at Vancouver Coastal regarding substance use. Please inform your team if you are using substances or start to feel you are needing them, so they can work best to support your overall well-being.
  4. G.F. Strong is a non-smoking, non-vaping, (drug-free) facility. Speak with your care team to discuss options for nicotine replacement or other resources. 

• How is my length of stay determined?

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  Early in your stay, a discharge date will be determined based on your inpatient rehab goals. Your discharge date allows you, your family or supports, and your team to plan for your return to the community. It provides a timeframe for exploring funding sources, planning home modifications, finding alternate accommodations, and/or purchasing equipment. 

  This date may change as you progress through rehab.  Your team can talk to you about resources you still need at discharge and will work with you to set them up.

• How are rehab goals determined?

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  To help us with your rehab plan, we will discuss what your hopes are for your rehab, what your concerns are, and what you would like to achieve at G.F. Strong. You and your team will then set individual goals. These goals need to be doable and achievable during your short stay. Some goals, called long-term goals, need more time and will not be finished by the time you leave GF Strong. Information on how you can work on these goals, beyond your inpatient stay, will be discussed with you.  

  Your team will meet with you (including your family or supports) for a team meeting during your stay to talk about your goals, rehab plan and discharge, but you are encouraged to voice your concerns throughout your rehabilitation to any care team member at any time. The team meets regularly to talk about your progress.  You can talk to your social worker about the time frame for your team meeting.