Parkwood’s TLC Program
When a child grows up with a condition like cerebral palsy, spina bifida or a developmental delay, families naturally become familiar with the pediatric care world. There are regular check-ins, specialists who know your child well and a sense of routine. But when those same children begin to reach adulthood, that familiar system changes and families are unsure of where to turn next.
To help bridge that gap, Parkwood Hospital created the Transitional and Lifelong Care (TLC) Program, a unique adult-focused program designed specifically for people who were born with, or developed, physical disabilities in childhood. For many families, TLC is a steady and reliable support system during a time that can feel overwhelming.
Who the TLC Program Helps
The TLC Program supports individuals 15 years and older who live with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular conditions and complex developmental disabilities. These individuals need specialized medical oversight, mobility support and rehabilitation as they move into adulthood, but traditional adult healthcare systems aren’t always set up for this. TLC fills that gap by offering care that understands where patients come from and what they will need throughout their lives.
A Team Approach to Long-Term Support
One of the things that makes the TLC Program so valuable is its multidisciplinary team. The program assists youth and their families as they move out of pediatric care, helping them understand what adult care looks like and how to navigate it. The care team may include a physiatrist, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker, rehab therapists, dietitian and more. Families may receive help with:
- Mobility and posture assessments
- Bracing or orthotic needs as bodies grow or change
- Spasticity and tone management
- Strength, flexibility and gait training
- Daily living skills and independence planning
- Access to community resources and long-term support services
Accessing the TLC Program
The TLC Program is covered by OHIP, and a referral from a physician is required. The clinic is located at Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario, and serves communities throughout Southwestern Ontario. TLC offers something invaluable: continuity, expertise and a place that truly understands lifelong mobility and rehabilitation needs.
The Custom Orthotics Team (519) 850-4721 | office@customorthoticsoflondon.com | @cool_bracing
