The Seating Center
The largest program of its kind in Southern California, the Seating Center at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center provides mobility through customized wheelchairs (and related equipment) to individuals who would otherwise have been completely dependent on others to get around at home and in the community. The seating center evaluates the functional needs of the individual, taking into account the disability to enable independence and freedom to live life.
Our Physical Therapists are specially trained in wheelchair and equipment selection to match the functional needs of the patient. Exceptional care is taken to promote mobility in a safe, comfortable and supportive wheelchair system. Collaboration with family members promotes successful outcomes.
If new equipment is recommended, the Seating Center staff will coordinate the ordering process with the client’s physician, equipment supplier, and medical insurance provider and will provide follow-up care to ensure that the equipment is installed and working effectively. The seating center has an established network of reputable vendors within the community.
Services
- Cushion Evaluation - To improve sitting comfort and posture, or to protect against skin breakdown and pressure sores. Testing with a computerized pressure mapping system is available to assist in finding the best cushion solution.
- Wheelchair and Scooter Evaluations - For clients with existing equipment that is in disrepair, the Seating Center staff will assess the need for a new wheelchair or make a recommendation for wheelchair repairs. Includes a mobility evaluation and training for the client and care-givers to ensure the best choice, safe use and independence with any equipment prescribed.
- Sitting Posture Evaluation - To address concerns about slouched sitting posture, a curved spine or other sitting problems. Frequently, a problematic sitting position can affect a person’s balance, driving ability and ability to perform daily activities, and can cause pain, fatigue and the development of pressure sores over bony areas. Adjustment of the wheelchair and new positioning equipment can provide support and stability to address these problems
- Complete Care - The Center has an assortment of new equipment available for trial during the evaluation which can also be loaned for several days if necessary, for trial at home. If necessary, arrangements can also be made with the vendor to provide trial equipment during the appointment or afterward at home. Any installation, modification and redesigning of the seating system can be done by the Seating technician who is a part of the Seating team. All concerned parties including the equipment supplier are welcome and encouraged to accompany the client to the appointment.
Appointments / Referrals
Please complete the Patient Information and Physician's Referral forms and send or fax to the Seating Center prior to making an appointment. Office staff are available to schedule an appointment Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. either by phone or in person.
For a new wheelchair, please obtain and bring an Estimate of Repairs for the old wheelchair from the equipment supplier.
Patients Served
The seating center provides services to patients of all ages and gender that require a wheelchair; predominately following a spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, polio, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuro diseases, arthritis, or other disabling illness or injury.
For additional information, please contact:
The Seating Center
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242
Tel: (562) 401-7078 / Fax: (562) 401-7902