Part I – Acclimation to a Catastrophic Injury
Occurrences that are generically called catastrophic injuries can be of many types. They can result from a variety of occurrences, many of which are sudden, unpredictable and allow for no physical or psychological preparation. Depending upon the type of occurrence or injury, differing physical and cognitive disabilities may result. Some of the injuries and some of the results may include:
- A motor vehicle accident
- A traumatic amputation
- A brain injury such as a stroke
- A spinal cord injury
- A work-related injury
- Multiple trauma
- Neurologic disorders
- Cognitive disorders
- Speech disorders
- Inability to attend to or engage in activities of daily living
Acute care, such as in a hospital, is the initial stage of care that is given to an individual who has sustained a catastrophic injury. Its goal may be to keep the individual alive, to reset broken bones, to treat the immediate effects of trauma or myriad of other medical or short-term therapeutic needs of the individual. The goal of treatment at an acute care facility is not rehabilitation for the long term; the goal is mainly medical. Once the individual has been medically stabilized, his or her long-term rehabilitation is undertaken in a post-acute rehabilitation facility such as NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida. At NeuLife Rehab, the rehabilitation of the entire individual-mind, body and spirit- is the goal.
Upon becoming a Client of NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida for post-acute care, an individual undergoes a comprehensive, independent functional evaluation. It is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of professionals that include but are not limited to:
- Board Certified Neurologist
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Board Certified Physiatrist
- Neuropsychologist
- Psychologist
- Board Certified Psychiatrist
- Speech Language Pathologist/Cognitive Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Nurses
- Certified Rehab Counselor
A Client Goal Plan is established for the post-acute rehabilitation of NeuLife Rehab’s Client. NeuLife Rehab’s goal, whatever the Client’s injury or disorder may be, is to return him or her to the highest and best level of function and independence that his or her physical and mental ability allow.
The professionals of NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida are cognizant that a great deal is going through the Client’s mind now. While hospitalized, the Client, if aware of his or her surroundings at all, fought to remain alive or to medically improve, and prevailed in that challenge. At the post-acute rehabilitation phase, another set of challenges are faced, the specifics of which will be discussed in forthcoming articles. Through all of the challenges NeuLife Rehab’s innovative post-acute rehabilitation, the Client gains strength, mobility, skills and, to the extent that physical and mental abilities allow, independence.
Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” — the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.
NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.
NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns and other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.
2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757
