RESOURCES

If you’ve noticed that your child moves, talks, learns, or eats differently from other children their age—or if teachers, physicians, or caregivers have expressed concerns—our team at Capernaum is here to help.

Our therapists can work with you to determine whether your child may benefit from:

· Physical therapy

· Occupational therapy

· Speech therapy

We’re always available to answer questions, talk through concerns, or help you understand what the next steps might look like. If you’d like more information or to schedule a time to meet with a therapist, please call our front office at 952-285-2840. We’d be happy to support you and your child.

Starting something new can feel a little overwhelming for kids and parents alike. Our goal is to make your family feel comfortable and supported from the very first moment you connect with us. Here’s a simple overview of what the first steps look like.

Before your appointment:

• After you contact Capernaum’s office, our staff will coordinate with your child’s physician to obtain the required doctor’s order for therapy.
• You will receive a packet of forms, either mailed to you or available for download on our website.
• Please complete the forms and bring them to your child’s initial evaluation. This packet includes 1) privacy and confidentiality policies, 2) insurance and demographic information, and 3) a questionnaire about your child’s history.

During the Evaluation:

• The therapist will begin with an interview with a parent or caregiver.
• Your child will participate in standardized testing and clinical observations tailored to their needs.

After the Evaluation:

• You will receive a detailed report explaining the results of the evaluation
• If anything in the report is unclear, or you would like to talk through the findings, your therapist is always happy to help.

Ongoing Communication:

• Your therapist will keep both you and your child’s physician updated on progress throughout the course of therapy.

Capernaum proudly works with the following insurance companies:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• HealthPartners
• Hennepin Health
• Medica
• Medical Assistance
• Surest
• Tri-Care/Tri-West
• UCare
• UMR
• United Healthcare
• And others!

It is important that you contact your insurance provider to determine the details of your insurance plan. Please note that some plans within an insurance company may not cover all services.

Capernaum generally has openings in all therapies. The more flexible you are with therapy times, the faster you can get in! If your child cannot be seen soon enough for your needs, we will gladly give you the names of other pediatric therapy providers in the area. 

The frequency and duration of your child’s therapy are dependent on your child’s particular skills and challenges. To encourage rapid progress, your therapist will work with you to determine your therapy schedule, provide ideas for home programming, and regularly discuss discharge plans.

Benefits for your child:

• Improved coordination, strength, and mobility, and/or communication skills
• Improved functional life skills and readiness to learn and play
• Improved self-esteem and sense of self-worth
• Improved social skills, attention, and ability to participate in community activities
• If appropriate, G-tube to oral feeding
• Assist with obtaining appropriate, durable medical equipment

Benefits for you:

• Increased understanding and awareness of your child’s strengths and challenges, and how they impact their daily life
• Parents/caregivers/teachers are empowered to meet the individual needs of the child

• Open communication is important. Let your therapist know your priorities for your child’s development. Provide your therapist with feedback on your progress and challenges at home.
• Read your child’s evaluation and progress reports. Always ask questions, seek clarification, and ask for help as needed.
• Caregiver involvement can improve participation, increase enjoyment, and speed up success! Join in the treatment session, tap into your child’s interests, give choices, and practice in a sensory-friendly environment.
• Consistently implement home program recommendations. Routine is key to building new skills and habits. It’s okay to start small by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Therapy services provided in the school setting focus on developing skills specifically needed for the student to access their education. Goals are developed in collaboration with their IEP team, focusing on the child’s role as a student and full participation in school activities.

Whereas the medical/clinical model of therapy assists a child to achieve functional intervention goals that enhance performance at home, in the community, and in other settings.