Neuro News A newsletter from NeuroRestorative
Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury
Fall 2017
NeuroRestorative Celebrates 40 Years of Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury
Prevention is Key to Keeping Return-To-Hospital Rates Low.....2
In January, NeuroRestorative kicked off its 40th year of rebuilding lives after brain injury by proudly welcoming its 1,000th person served in a residential setting on one given day.
NeuroRestorative Maine Participants Conquer Rapids.......3
Welcome Mentis Neuro Rehab....4
1977
Programs Coming Soon..............4
NeuroRestorative Gives Back......5 NeuroRestorative Georgia Participant Promoted to Specialist in the U.S. Army...........5
NeuroRestorative Michigan Opens Attendant Care Program..............7 NeuroRestorative Participates in 2017 Run To Home Base............7
1998
Neuro Institute Educational Offerings......................................6
A Survivor’s Thank You Letter......8
Make a Referral
Call 800-743-6802
In 1998 CCS joined The MENTOR Network, a national network of local health and human services providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses; to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges, as well as their families; and to elders in need of support.
2010
Years later, The Network brought CCS and its growing array of brain injury rehabilitation services together under the MENTOR ABI name. MENTOR ABI quickly became a recognized provider in the field of community-based brain injury rehabilitation and continued to build an array of individualized programs through strategic growth and acquisition.
2017
Let our caring professionals help you find the right services and resources for your patient or loved one.
NeuroRestorative’s roots date back to 1977, the year the renowned Center for Comprehensive Services (CCS) was founded in Carbondale, Illinois. As a pioneer in post-acute services, CCS set the pace for community-based care for people with brain injury and evolved into a nationally recognized center of excellence in treating post-acute neurological trauma.
In 2010, the organizations which previously made up MENTOR ABI, including the Center for Comprehensive Services (CCS), Lakeview Healthcare Systems, and the NeuroRestorative legacy programs in AR, LA, TX and OK were unified under the NeuroRestorative name. Today, we offer programs in 21 states and are America’s largest and most experienced provider of post-acute rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges. For 40 years, NeuroRestorative has been leading the way--establishing high quality community-based supports for people of all ages with brain injury. On behalf of all of us at NeuroRestorative, thank you for joining us on our journey.
Prevention is Key to Keeping Return-toHospital Rates Low at NeuroRestorative In 2013, NeuroRestorative began researching the rate of return to hospital from our facilities. The results revealed that our rate of return to the hospital is very low, approximately 1.3%. To further analyze NeuroRestorative’s data, a comparison was completed with Hammond, et al. (2015). Their study results indicated approximately 28% of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were rehospitalized within nine months of TBI rehabilitation discharge due to a wide variety of medical and surgical reasons. The Centers for Disease Control data indicate that residential care facilities in the United States have a hospitalization rate of 8.3% overall. “If you or a loved one receives services from NeuroRestorative, the typical participant may have one trip to the hospital within 1,000 days (3+ years) of care,” says Gordon Horn, Ph.D., National Deputy Director of Clinical Outcomes, NeuroRestorative.
NeuroRestorative has been working to further reduce our very low risk of hospitalization across all settings. The research is clear that the following items have a high rate of predicting hospital readmission. NeuroRestorative evaluates each of these items during the pre-admission process to reduce the complications associated with post-hospital care. • • • • • • • •
Age of injury (older injuries have a higher risk of complications) Experienced seizure before or during rehabilitation Urinary tract infection (during acute care or inpatient rehabilitation) Lower Functional Independent Measure (FIM) score at the time of rehabilitation admission More severe non-brain injury specific illnesses during inpatient rehabilitation History of one or more previous brain injuries. Psychiatric history Administration of an antipsychotic medication during the last days of rehabilitation as a marker of psychiatric or neurobehavioral readmission
Each facility also has a medical director managing medical care from the time of admission to discharge.
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*Hammond FM, Horn SD, Smout, RJ, Seel RT, Beaulieu CL, Corrigan JD, Barrett, RS, Cullen N, Sommerfeld T, & Brandstater ME. (2015). Rehospitalization during the 9-months following inpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. Archives of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, 96(8,0): S330–S339.e4. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2014.09.041.
NeuroRestorative Maine participants and staff members skilfully navigate white water rapids.
NeuroRestorative Maine Participants Conquer Rapids as a Part of Rehabilitation Participants and staff of NeuroRestorative Maine braved class 4 rapids this summer as part of their rehabilitation journey. Michael Cyr, Cognitive Retraining Specialist at NeuroRestorative Maine, planned a camping and rafting trip as a way for staff and participants to challenge themselves and prove they could tackle something extraordinary. Cyr, who also works as a Maine Guide*, has witnessed white water rafting to be a life-changing experience for many people. “It is not uncommon for someone to feel fear, challenge and apprehension. Afterward, there is a sense of accomplishment, even for those that may not view themselves as confident or outdoorsy,” said Cyr. Leading up to the trip, Cyr and colleagues spent significant time preparing for the trip to ensure the safety of the participants by drilling safety precautions and organizing the raft seating. Cyr worked with one participant at the gym on balance and positional tolerance using a physio ball, which mimics the feel of the soft floor of the raft. The two also went swimming to practice life-saving maneuvers, like flipping from the front to the back, and rescue throws using a rope. At the start of the trip, everyone donned wetsuits, life jackets, and helmets. One participant used a modified paddle attached to the raft for added stability and support.
“I used to be a lifeguard, so getting in the water was awesome. I’m ready to do it again!” - Scott MacDougall, participant “The rafting trip was a great experience for all. It was so rewarding to see the genuine enjoyment on our participants’ faces, and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it. Mike did a great job planning and coordinating the trip, and I think our participants really appreciated it. His efforts certainly did not go unnoticed. I hope we can make this an annual event!” - Abigail Young, Cognitive Retraining Specialist The trip was a success and allowed participants the opportunity to build confidence, practice effective communication, foster teamwork and practice skills in a challenging, real-world environment. When someone asked one of the guides where the trip would end, the guide said: “three far-sees.” When asked if anyone knew what “far-see” meant, Scott MacDougall provided the definition, describing it as the longest distance a person can see and then measuring a second and third long-sight distance. The guide noted that MacDougall was the first person, to his knowledge, to ever correctly answer the question. * Maine state law defines “Guide” as any person who receives any form of remuneration for his services in accompanying or assisting any person in the fields, forests or on the waters or ice within the jurisdiction of the State while hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, snowmobiling or camping at a primitive camping area. http:maineguides.org
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New & Expanded Programs At NeuroRestorative, we understand how important it is for participants to have the support of their loved ones during rehabilitation. That’s why we continue to expand our programs to ensure that more people have access to the rehabilitation they need close to home. The programs listed below will offer new services within the next six months.
New Hampshire
Maine
Massachusetts Michigan
Rhode Island Pennsylvania
Iowa
New Jersey
Ohio
Nevada
Illinois
Maryland
Colorado
California
Virginia Kentucky North Carolina
Tennessee Arizona
Arkansas Georgia
NeuroRestorative
Texas
CareMerdian
Louisiana
Coming Soon
Coming Soon Location
NeuroRestorative Kentucky—Union Day treatment and residential services
NeuroRestorative Nevada—Las Vegas Day treatment and increased residential services.
NeuroRestorative Texas—Austin Residential services
NeuroRestorative Illinois—Mount Prospect Increased residential services
Florida
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts— Stoughton Residential services
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts— Fall River Residential services
NeuroRestorative Illinois—Carbondale Increased residential services
NeuroRestorative Welcomes Mentis Neuro Rehab
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NeuroRestorative is pleased to welcome Mentis Neuro Rehab to the NeuroRestorative family, expanding our programs in Texas and Ohio. Mentis provides a full continuum of long-term residential, inpatient transitional and outpatient services, including physical, vocational and speech therapies, cognitive rehabilitation, neuropsychology, 24-hour nursing and supportive living services. Mentis will continue to offer the same level of expertise and care that they have provided since their inception in 2006.
NeuroRestorative Gives Back NeuroRestorative employees, participants, friends, and family members volunteered to make a difference in their communities as part of The MENTOR Network’s 5th National Volunteer Day. NeuroRestorative hosted projects were completed in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Projects included cleaning up a therapeutic horse farm, serving meals, distributing safety helmets to support brain injury awareness, assisting with an animal shelter adoption event and more. “I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the great success of The Network’s fifth national Volunteer Day,” said Bruce Nardella, President and CEO of The MENTOR Network. “It’s inspiring to see so many of our employees excited about giving back to the communities in which we live and work year after year.”
NeuroRestorative is a partner of The MENTOR Network
NeuroRestorative participants and staff members give back by cleaning up a therapeutic horse farm, volunteering at a pet adoption event, and serving meals.
NeuroRestorative Georgia Participant Promoted from Private First Class to Specialist in the U.S. Army NeuroRestorative Georgia participant and Active Duty Soldier JeShawn Motley was recently promoted from Private First Class (E3) to Specialist (E4) in the United States Army. A pinning ceremony took place on the Center West campus of NeuroRestorative Georgia. The ceremony was conducted by First Lieutenant Colin MacGregor and attended by Army personnel from Fort Jackson, Fort Benning, and Fort Gordon. Specialist Motley’s grandmother, Nellie Motley, and grandfather, Harold Motley, were also in attendance. Specialist Motley earned his promotion while serving in Germany, but was unable to participate in a pinning ceremony at that time due to sustaining a brain injury. Thanks to his tremendous efforts in therapy, JeShawn was able to stand at attention during the ceremony in Georgia. While he still struggles with audible speech, Motley indicated that he was proud of his promotion and stated that he felt “good” while giving a thumbs up. NeuroRestorative is proud to offer specialized services for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members.
Pictured from left to right at the ceremony: 1LT Colin MacGregor, Nellie Motley, SPC JeShawn Motley, Harold Motley
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Continuing Education for Rehabilitation Professionals
The Neuro Institute offers monthly, one-hour online CEU opportunities for brain injury rehabilitation professionals. On the last Friday of every month from 12-1 p.m. EST, our expert faculty members deliver engaging, innovative presentations spanning a variety of topics related to rehabilitation services. After the initial presentation, video recordings are available on our website to view for CEU credit. Opportunities are updated often, so make sure to check back for future presentation topics.
To learn more visit: www.neurorestorative.com/institute Meet some of NeuroRestorative’s experts and knowledgeable faculty members who provide monthly online learning opportunities and CEUs for brain injury rehabilitation professionals.
Jennifer Doble, MD
Gordon J. Horn, PhD
Presentation Title: “Medical Management of Substance Use Disorders after TBI”
Presentation Title: “Residual Behaviors Influencing TBI Treatment and Recovery”
Medical Director, NeuroRestorative Michigan & NeuroRestorative Florida
Now Available Online! Colm Roe, PTA, CBIS
Clinical Evaluator, NeuroRestorative Florida Presentation Title: “Spinal Cord Injury, From Dependence to Adaptive Independence”
Now Available Online! Karl Gunnarsson, MS, BCBA
Program Director, NeuroRestorative Illinois Presentation Title: “Applied Behavioral Economics for Clinicians Serving Individuals with Brain Injury”
Now Available Online! 6
National Deputy Director of Clinical Outcomes, NeuroRestorative
Now Available Online! Pam Feinberg-Rivkin, RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN, ABDA Interventionist, Founder and CEO of Feinberg Consulting, Inc. Presentation Title: “Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorder”
Now Available Online! Andrea Hubbard, OTD, OTR/L, LDE
Occupational Therapist, NeuroRestorative Kentucky Presentation Title: “Low Vision and TBI – Treatment, Considerations, Adaptations”
Now Available Online!
NeuroRestorative Michigan Opens Attendant Care Program Earlier this year, NeuroRestorative Michigan proudly opened a new Attendant Care Program which offers person-centered care for people with brain and spinal cord injuries and other severe orthopedic trauma. The program delivers quality nursing and attendant care services to individuals and their families within a 75mile radius of Washtenaw County, Michigan. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Attendant Care Program staff consists of Licensed Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Life Skills Trainers (LSTs) whose objective is to aid in recovery and increase independence. Services offered by the Attendant Care Program include: • • • • • •
Medication Administration Nursing Assessments Medical Appointments Attendance Vitals Check Wound Care Bowel/Bladder Management
• • • • • •
NeuroRestorative Michigan Staff Members
Catheters and Feeding Tube Maintenance Ambulation and Transfer Assistance Health & Safety Check Supervision & Monitoring Personal Hygiene Care Meal Planning & Preparation
• • • • • •
Community Integration Leisure & Recreation Home Management Assistance Transportation On-Call Assistance Stand-By Assistance
For the seventh year, NeuroRestorative participated in Run-Walk to Home Base on July 15 in Boston. Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for post-9/11 Veterans, Service Members and their families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research. Employees from NeuroRestorative participated in the race and provided information about our specialised services for Veterans at an exhibition booth. The unique event takes place through scenic Boston and culminates by crossing home plate at historic Fenway Park. “This is my fourth year of having the privilege to participate in the Run to Home Base representing NeuroRestorative. As a veteran, I am honored to run for those who have served our country and to be part of an organization that supports the outstanding work being done each day by the Home Base program. From the pre-race ceremonies, the crowd and volunteers cheering the runners and walkers during the race, to finishing at Fenway Park, it is an incredible experience,” said Bob Moritz, Senior Director of Human Resources, NeuroRestorative.
NeuroRestorative’s Run to Home Base team cross home plate
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A Former Participant’s Thank You Letter NeuroRestorative is honored to serve individuals recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries. We recently received a letter from one of the many participants we are privileged to work with on a daily basis.
The following letter was written by Megan Johnson, survivor and former NeuroRestorative Carbondale participant. Hi, I am a 40-year-old mother of twin, almost 16-year-old, boys. Last year I suffered a Brain Injury called Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome and was somehow, luckily picked to go to NeuroRestorative in Carbondale, Illinois for my first rehabilitation stop out of the hospital here in Des Moines, Iowa. It was at first very intimidating to get Megan at her home in Huxley, IA transferred so far away from my family and friends to start my rehab. And to do it in a city you didn’t know was scary, but I think that helped keep me more focused on myself and my recovery. The staff are absolutely the best! Everyone was so patient, caring, supportive and professional! Because of NeuroRestorative and their wonderful staff and therapists, I am in the lucky only 20% of people that recover from this type of brain injury, and I am back in Huxley, Iowa living with my twins again!!! Thank you so incredibly much for helping me get to this point! NeuroRestorative Carbondale absolutely saved my soul! Can never thank all the wonderful staff there enough!!! Megan Johnson Survivor
NeuroRestorative Radio NeuroRestorative is proud to announce the launch of our podcast, NeuroRestorative Radio. In each episode, our staff and participants briefly discuss topics related to community-based rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges. Current episodes include:
R ADIO
Specialized Training at NeuroRestorative Featuring Scott Kruczek, Regional Director of Training & Employee Engagement The Differences Between After-Hospital Community-Based Brain Injury Rehab and Nursing Home Care Featuring Victoria Harding, PhD, MBA, CCC/SLP, Vice President of Development Overcoming The Challenge Of Distance When Choosing A Post-Hospital Neurorehabilitation Program Featuring Maureen Butler, MS, Regional Manager, Marketing & Business Development 8
You can listen on our website and iTunes. Be sure to subscribe, so you never miss an episode!
Do you have a story idea that you want to share? Tell us about it. Email us at neuronews@neurorestorative.com We want to hear from you!
NeuroRestorative is a leading provider of post-acute rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges. In a variety of locations and settings, we offer a continuum of care and rehabilitation options, including specialized services for children, adolescents, and Military Service Members and Veterans. NeuroRestorative is a partner of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families.
Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury
For more information, to schedule a tour or to make a referral: Call 800-743-6802 Email neuroinfo@neurorestorative.com Visit NeuroRestorative.com
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