Exceptional Care for Exceptional Patients
Cooper University Health Care understands that people with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities often experience the world differently. Our expert primary care and specialty physicians, advanced practice providers, and team members are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care in a stress-free environment. Our support services are designed to help patients with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) feel comfortable and have an excellent patient experience.
We know that coming to the hospital can be particularly stressful and overwhelming if you or your loved one has an intellectual or developmental disability. Some of the ways that we ensure a positive experience include:
- Identifying special needs in advance of the patient’s visit.
- Creating an individualized care plan for each patient.
- Offering developmentally appropriate explanations about the patient’s condition and what to expect during the visit.
- Providing sensory spaces and items that promote a soothing environment.
- Supporting parents and caregivers so that they can rest and recoup.
Caring Professionals
Cooper has doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses, therapists, and other team members who have experience providing inpatient and outpatient care to people with IDD. Read more about our experts in each specialty here.
Sensory Support
The hospital experience can be stressful for anyone, and especially so for a person with sensory sensitivities. Cooper has created multisensory rooms in key areas throughout its Camden campus: in the Pediatric Emergency Department and Radiology Department at Cooper University Hospital, and the Pediatrics office in the Sheridan Pavilion. The sensory-friendly rooms are therapeutic spaces with special lighting and features to help calm and focus patients so they can better interact with the care team. Additional tools such as weighted blankets, noise canceling headphones, and sensory fidget toys can be made available to our patients.
Cooper has deployed mobile sensory units with equipment and tools that can be taken to multiple hospital locations: exam rooms, patient rooms, or testing areas to help patients during potentially overwhelming or overstimulating experiences. The mobile units are available in Cooper's many outpatient locations: doctor’s offices, ambulatory surgical centers, and testing areas.
The special rooms and carts can help patients with more acute sensory needs avoid further stress, anxiety, and agitation so they can access their medical care and their family can feel more comfortable.
To plan a visit, arrange for services, or ask a question, please email our IIDD Support Team at the following email address: iidd@cooperhealth.edu