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Employed Caregiver Program Broadcast
A broadcast on “Innovative Employer Caregiving Programs” for employed caregivers is airing on the web and by satellite on September 17, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (Pacific Time). The Department of Health and Human Services New Freedom Initiative Subcommittee (NFI) is producing the broadcast.
The broadcast is for employers, caregivers and organizations that provide caregiver services. It will include presentations from employers and organizations that have successfully instituted programs to help their employed caregivers. Presenters will discuss their programs, experiences, and how their successes can be replicated by others.
Assisting caregivers is an important topic for employers as their full or part-time employees are increasingly being called upon to care for an aging, sick or injured loved one. Helping caregivers through developing intelligent programs keep employees productive and able to balance all the demands on them. There will be a 30 minutes Q&A session by conference call following the broadcast. Employers looking to create services or programs should tune in.
The broadcast will be available on the web through the National Institutes of Health. There is also an audio line to listen in via telephone.
To get all the information about accessing the broadcast, and to register click here. You need to register to get broadcast access details.
Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Newsletter
With 1.4 million Americans experiencing traumatic brain injury and 5.3 million living with long-term and severe brain-related disabilities, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force is now publishing a quarterly newsletter. The mission of the Task Force is to educate and promote awareness of brain injury and to support funding for research.
The newsletter recaps legislative activity, studies and reports, media coverage and upcoming events related to brain injury. While much of the activity in the Task Force is driven by the increased incidence of brain injury in soldiers in Iraq, much of the information and funding impacts anyone with brain injury.
The link to the full newsletter is here. New Brain and Spinal Injury Web Site and Blog
MIT’s Technology Review brings us a report about a new Brain and Spinal Cord Injury web site and blog. It is a rich resource, aimed at helping with learning to cope after a life-altering accident. Spend just a few minutes there and you will see that they are building an extensive knowledge base of information about rehabilitation, recovery, research, coping and treatment.
You’ll find a growing video library and a daily blog on the latest news and developments. The blog has a unique “Technology Thursday” posting each week which highlights new technological developments for treatment or assistance. Topic categories on the blog make for easy searching of more specific topics related to brain or spinal injury. Soon they will have a comprehensive list of treatment centers.
The website and blog are definitely worth checking out. You’ll find them here.
America’s Heroes At Work
The U.S. Department of Labor has just unveiled a new web site, America’s Heroes at Work, supporting the employment and success of returning Vets who have TBI and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is designed for employers and workforce development organizations or departments and includes fact sheets, presentation & training tools, success stories, on-the-job challenge resources and best practices.
The initiative is jointly managed by the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the Veteran’s Employment and Training Service in collaboration with several federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the Small Business Administration and the Social Security Administration among others.
Recovery is a journey. It is a journey of heart and spirit as much as it is of body and mind. It is a journey not only foisted upon the ill or injured, but it becomes a journey for all those connected to them. And journeys - whether they are joyful or painful - are not complete nor fulfilled unless they are shared. 
CaringBridges was created to make that sharing a little easier, and to ease the burden of the sometimes emotionally exhausting task of informing one’s concerned circle about an ill, injured or recovering loved one.
This is a free web-based service where anyone can quickly and easily create a personal web site that then serves as a hub of communication and support for both the patient and the family. 
Each web site has a “journal” for communications from the patient or caregivers, as well as a message board for friends and family to post messages. Each site has a photo gallery that also serves to help visitors stay connected to the family and loved one.
CaringBridges was founded by Sona Mehring in 1997 when she was faced with task of spreading the word about the premature birth of her dear friends’ baby. She hit upon the idea of creating a web site as a method to keep their social circle informed during the difficult days ahead. Sona created her web site the day the baby was born, and it since has blossomed into CaringBridges and has enabled more than100,000 individual web sites, each created by people facing their own short and long-term life journeys.
While CaringBridges has mostly health-related web pages, a recent story in Delta Airline’s Sky Magazine cites couples creating a web page at CaringBridges to keep friends informed of their international adoption proceedings, and a displaced nursing home that created pages for all of its residents right after the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
Not only do these sites serve as a central communication point, they relieve some of the emotional stress for caregivers of delivering news while at the same time being a lifeline of support and encouragement.
CaringBridges is being embraced by healthcare organizations and non-profits serving health-related issues as a way of serving their constituents. St. Francis Hospital in Minnesota, or example, has gone so far as to put a computer for accessing the site in their Acute Care family waiting room.
CaringBridges has grown to be the largest charitable non-profit website in the world. More than 100 sites are being created there each day, and it averages three people each minute coming to register to visit them. Visitors from 40 different countries have left over 15 million messages of hope and encouragement. CaringBridges is supported solely by donations - 90% of them from individuals and families who use the service.
We hope you will stop by the CaringBridges web site and support them by spreading the word.
Inside our warm, home-like (yet highly specialized rehabilitation) Fresno CareMeridian facility, we’re proudly caring for some of our country’s veterans.
About one year ago, the Veteran’s Administration contacted us to assist them in caring for some of their most medically complex veteran patients. We of course welcomed this opportunity to serve with open arms. Plus, it made such perfect sense.
The VA approached us because CareMeridian has in place the knowledge
and high quality medical care programs for the very specialized care
that their brain injury, spinal cord injury, tracheotomy, and
ventilator-dependant patients require.
The VA is treating more than 200,000 patients from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq alone. Many of these are brain-injured – a class of injury about which the VA is admittedly struggling to become more knowledgeable. CareMeridian has a long history of exactly the type of specialized, long-term care such catastrophically injured patients require.
The VA hospitals are top-notch in acute care. They also excel at all aspects of limb injuries, rehabilitation and prosthetics. This is because, until very recently, these have been a major source of injury for vets. The VA over the years has perfected their ability to provide these types of treatments. But today, with the impressive advances in immediate post-injury and acute care, soldiers are surviving injuries they may not have just a few years ago – and that can mean some soldiers require very specialized long-term care that the VA is now working hard to be able to provide on a broader basis.
In working with the VA on our partnership, it became clear that even though we provide this care in small, highly staffed (4-1 patient to care-giver ratio), 12-bed facilities for personalized care, CareMeridian was able to deliver these services at about ½ the cost that the VA could provide them.
All in all, this means better care for our vets – and for their families. Certainly our entire focus on caring for such specialized needs in an intimate environment - that allows for including the family in the care day-to-day - is a primary benefit. But, because families may also be faced with certain co-insurance payments, our cost-effective care means their co-payments are less as well. And by placing the appropriate patients within our skilled facilities, the VA in turn has more beds at their facilities to allow for better care for other veteran patients.
We’re proud to be supporting the VA in their efforts by currently providing two types of services for our vets. We’re caring for those that require round-the-clock skilled nursing, such as IV, tracheotomy, ventilator and other catastrophic injury therapies; as well as those needing neuro-behavioral therapies, community integration, and caregiver training.
CareMeridian stands ready to support our troops in our own, very unique way.
One of the foundations of our patient care for spinal cord injury - and of our philosophy at CareMeridian - is patient community integration. It differentiates our care from most other rehabilitation facilities and programs. We emphasize sustaining rehabilitation into the community setting – beyond the hallways of the rehab facility.
Unlike catastrophic illness such as brain injury, functionality and mobility are key to spinal cord injury recovery. Helping a patient to accomplish everyday tasks in their normal environment means they can achieve greater independence and enjoy daily living.
Traditional recovery often focuses almost completely on physical rehabilitation, which is of course a critical element of healing. However, community integration also addresses the equally important, if traditionally under emphasized, aspects of independence, friendships, family relationships and participation in activities.
Technically, community integration is defined as the resumption of appropriate social roles following a disability. So work, a social network, recreation, along with physical rehabilitation is what truly supports holistic healing and allows the individual to feel part of the larger community.
Knowing the importance of community integration, a part of our spinal cord rehabilitation includes teaching patients to navigate daily activities, such as shopping, going the gym or enjoying an outdoor activity. But because family becomes a critical source of social and recreational activity for an SCI patient, we also help families to assist patients and encourage them in interacting with their environment in ways appropriate to the individual and his or her injury.
Home is the central touch point of community. It is why CareMeridian’s facilities look, feel and function like a family home, yet are highly skilled environments for aggressive rehabilitation. Healing the whole person is always at the forefront of our programs, and we believe our commitment to community integration is a factor in the high degree of positive outcomes for our patients and eases the transition from rehab to home.
Spanish Language Neurology Web Site
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) recently launched a Spanish language web site with excellent information on many neurological disorders.
The web site has a wealth of information about specific disorders as well as publications and information on clinical studies. In addition to links to non-profit organizations and resources, NINDS also has a contact form for submitting questions. The web site is here. NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Coaching the Comeback
The New York Times published an inspiring story this month focused on occupational therapist, Jody Levin. She works every day to help heal brain-injured patients and this story reminds us how dedicated, caring health care workers encourage recovery miracles. Read the story here.
UCLA Research Finds Nervous Systems Can Rewire Itself
A recent UCLA study with mice shows that the central nervous system can reorganize itself after spinal injury by finding new pathways to restore the cellular communication required for movement. The study is shedding new light for doctors who believed that the only way for injured patients to walk again was to regrow the long nerves that link the brain and base of the spinal cord. The discovery could lead to new therapies for the estimated 250,000 Americans who suffer spinal injuries each year.
Interactive Memory Mapping: Learning About the Brain
National Geographic Magazine has an interactive feature on their web site explaining memory mapping.
It shows through beautifully design graphics how the brain works in
forming memories, storing them, and forgetting our memories due to age,
injury or illness. Learn more about how our brain works here.
Researchers Link Some Social Problems With Undetected Brain Injury
The Wall Street Journal reports that brain researchers are linking some common social problems, such as alcoholism, certain learning disabilities, and chronic homelessness to brain injury - a long-forgotten blow to the head.
Researchers have found high rates of head trauma among various populations in New York schools, addiction programs and in the general population. The research is being conducted by the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. The findings are offering new hope to adults coping with the “hidden” effects of brain injury. Read the full article here.
Easter Seals Launches Brain Fitness Program for TBI Vets
Easter Seals is launching a new nationwide program to help returning veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Nationwide, health care professionals estimate at least 30% of troops who have been engaged in active combat for four months or more are at risk for some brain injury due to exposure to the percussive effectives of explosive devices.
Easter Seal’s new Brain Fitness Program is a pilot program based on an in-home computer-based software program that helps people who have sustained some types of brain injury think faster, focus better and remember more. TBI is characterized by memory loss, difficulty in concentrating, slowness in thinking, and mood and personality changes. Beyond the computer software, the program includes phone and email support and referral to community resources.
Service members and veterans can enroll now by calling 866.423.4981 or emailing: veterans@easterseals.com to participate.
The summer has flown by and here we are moving into September! Besides the hint of Fall that creeps into the air, September is a month in which various organizations focus on awareness and education related to spinal cord injury; and the support and recognition of those living with spinal injuries. And, SCI is a subject that we here at CareMeridian are especially concerned with.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association there are 10,000 new spinal injuries each year. An injury results from a trauma to the spinal cord that either damages the cells within the spinal cord or, if the trauma is severe enough, the nerve tracts that send signals up and down the spinal cord are severed. Such injuries can inhibit movement, sensation or body function.
In the spirit of September’s month-long campaign, we thought we’d share just a few of many events and resources going on around the country surrounding SCI:
Inspiring is just one word to describe the ambassadors of Life Rolls On. The ambassadors are living with spinal cord injuries and “through individual extensions of courage, whether it be surfing, motocross, wakeboarding, skateboarding or dance, Life Rolls On Ambassadors are living life to the fullest, shifting paradigms, and leaving a path of change wherever they go.” See Jessie’s story – his journey from professional athlete to surviving spinal cord injury to motivational speaker keeps him rolling on.
On Tuesday August 28th the NSCIA held a live webcast in their “Patient Power” series. Dr. David Chen, medical director of Spinal Cord Injury Acute Care and Rehabilitation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago discusses how spinal cord injuries affect the individual and the current research efforts on future treatments for spinal cord injuries. Listen to the webcast online at this link.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association holds it’s Spinal Cord Hall of Fame gala on November 6th at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The gala celebrates and honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to quality of life and advancements toward a better future for all individuals with spinal cord injury. If you’d like to nominate someone this month, there are 14 categories of achievement.
And here are few resources to round out our Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month notes:
Disability Info.gov: An informational collaborative effort of 22 federal agencies.
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=500
Spinal Cord Injury Information Pages: “The ‘best-of-the-web’ site or SCI health and caregiver information.”
http://www.sci-info-pages.com/
The SCI Information Pages News weblog: A great up-to-date resources for SCI news.
http://www.sci-info-pages.com/spinal-blog.html
The Care Community: Over 70 online forums covering every aspect of living with SCI and for care givers.
http://sci.rutgers.edu/
The Ragged Edge Magazine: A rich archive of articles
http://www.ragged-edge-mag.com/
New Mobility Magazine: A magazine for active wheel chair users.
http://www.newmobility.com/
And, on a personal note, we salute all of our very talented, dedicated professionals and staff members at CareMeridian who do so much to heal and help those touched by spinal cord injury!
CareMeridian integrates family and loved ones into our patients’ recovery from brain injury, spinal cord injury, or numerous other traumatic or neuromuscular conditions. We also recognize that those loved ones who support the recovering need a support system of their own to celebrate the good days and to help through the sometimes long and frustrating ones.
Support systems for families extend well beyond our facilities, to be sure, and some of these are new ways to connect with those affected by long-term injury recovery.
Personal online journals called weblogs are both a way to communicate and an important emotional outlet. Josh’s mom started a personal weblog to chronicle Josh’s recovery from brain injury from a drug overdose. It is her way of keeping friends and family involved and informed – and a way to share her ever-changing thoughts and feelings along the journey.
Karen’s mom is also periodically updating her online journal called Blessings For Karen. Friends stop by to leave comments and messages of support.
The Paralysis Community is a new online social network gathering together all those who are touched by spinal cord injury and paralysis. The goal is to bring together experts, families, friends and those living with paralysis to share their stories and experiences. There are discussions, weblogs and message boards as ways for all community members to meet and share.
Carepages offers free personal, private web pages to help loved ones stay connected and emotionally supported. There are special areas for Mom and Dads, as well as inspiring stories – and places to meet others experiencing similar life and injury circumstances. The brain injury support center at Carepages offers a newsletter as well.
Apparelyzed is an online peer support site for those with spinal cord injuries. In addition to discussion forums, it has a wealth of information and links on everything from adaptive equipment to health conditions, from sexuality and parenting to statistics and news. Apparelyzed was created and is maintained by UK resident Simon, who is medically classed as a quadriplegic.
Family caregivers are often time-challenged. Connected communities such as these are a lifeline of support that is as close as – and as immediately accessible as – the keyboard.
Here at CareMeridian we experience everyday the small and progressive miracles the body can produce with proper care and rehabilitation. Our job is to integrate proven therapies that encourage and support the body’s ability to heal and overcome illness or injury.
The research community is continually informing our mission as it progresses with medical understanding of the healing process. Almost every day some new piece of the human-body puzzle is discovered; and research is constantly underscoring the hope there is for anyone struck with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or other medically complex condition.
New research for example, shows promise in evolving surgical and pharmacological therapies for spinal cord injury. Studies indicate that if undertaken immediately after injury, certain therapies may help damaged nervous systems to regenerate. A recent grant from the National Institutes of Health is funding a study on the brain’s natural response to injury, which will help to expand medical knowledge about enhancing the body’s own healing response. And, Carnegie Mellon scientists are showing in the laboratory that certain parts of the brain are extremely adaptive - even when sensory input has been severely damaged (sight or touch) - and that the brain is flexible in compensating for damage to it.
With more than 12,000 spinal cord injuries every year in the United States and Canada, and an estimated 5.3 million people surviving with traumatic brain injuries, some of the world’s most brilliant minds are committed to finding therapies and designing rehabilitation regimes for improving the outcomes for our patients and your loved ones.
CareMeridian is on the forefront in keeping abreast of the latest medical findings. We treat the whole patient, physically, psychologically, and personally. Experience matters, knowledge matters, and hope is an important part of the equation - for the patient and for family members,
There is a lot of information – some would say too much information – out on the Internet about traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and other similar post-acute care challenges. Sorting through and making sense of it all is a Herculean task it itself.
You will find some great information on our site for families, medical professionals and payors. But if you are looking for other resources, here are some links we’d like to share. If you have other sites or sources you would like to share just let us know!
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A broadcast on “Innovative Employer Caregiving Programs” for employed caregivers is airing on the web and by satellite on September 17, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (Pacific Time). The Department of Health and Human Services New Freedom Initiative Subcommittee (NFI) is producing the broadcast.
The U.S. Department of Labor has just unveiled a new web site, America’s Heroes at Work, supporting the employment and success of returning Vets who have TBI and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is designed for employers and workforce development organizations or departments and includes fact sheets, presentation & training tools, success stories, on-the-job challenge resources and best practices.
