9 replies to this topic

[cidspringhead]

I will be very honest, I am here looking for help for a family who's 16 year old daughter became paralyzed from the neck down while playing with children at a summer camp last week.
After visiting the family this week, I have had my eyes open to a whole new world. "Stem cell research" is not just a political catch phrase from the news.
We live on the out skirts of Boston, Mass in the US. The family is very interested how Europe differs in rehab from the US. And are more than willing to explore the options of sending her there for help.
Would anyone be kind enough to share with me any advice or success stories that you might have to help guide these great people.
Are there certain things they should be looking for before making a decision?

Thanks~ Carolyn, NH

[Kevin]

You'll want to check out Shepard Center in Georgia then. That's the closest of the 'top 3' SCI rehab centers in the US to you.

[cidspringhead]

Kevin, on Jul 11 2006, 08:04 AM, said:

You'll want to check out Shepard Center in Georgia then. That's the closest of the 'top 3' SCI rehab centers in the US to you.

Kevin~
Did you go there?
~ Carolyn

[Joed]

Hi Carolyn....

I did my rehab time at RIC in Chicago ('03)....at that time it was rated the number one rehab in the country for something like 15 yrs. I'm not sure if it still is, but it wouldn't be too hard to find out. RIC is used as a model for other rehab facilities.

I was impressed by their insistence on assuring that all modifications, etc. were in place in my home before being discharged. They set up all my home PT/OT, had measurements taken of my bath, (we have an unusual set up with steps) and found the appropriate shower chair. They also took the necessary steps to reconnect me with Voc. Rehab. and Easter Seals in my state so that I could drive again.

I would've been lost without that added support from them, upon returning home. For me, that has made all the difference.

[Kevin]

cidspringhead, on Jul 11 2006, 05:22 AM, said:

Kevin, on Jul 11 2006, 08:04 AM, said:

You'll want to check out Shepard Center in Georgia then. That's the closest of the 'top 3' SCI rehab centers in the US to you.

Kevin~
Did you go there?
~ Carolyn

No, I'm able bodied. I'm an OT student (or will be starting this fall) and I'll be specializing in SCI and teaching wheelchair skills.

[cidspringhead]

Kevin, on Jul 11 2006, 05:20 PM, said:

cidspringhead, on Jul 11 2006, 05:22 AM, said:

Kevin, on Jul 11 2006, 08:04 AM, said:

You'll want to check out Shepard Center in Georgia then. That's the closest of the 'top 3' SCI rehab centers in the US to you.

Kevin~
Did you go there?
~ Carolyn

No, I'm able bodied. I'm an OT student (or will be starting this fall) and I'll be specializing in SCI and teaching wheelchair skills.

Kevin~
Thanks for your input, I just spoke with the father and as of right now Shepard's looks like their destination. But they are looking for alternatives too. Would you know of any web sites that can help them come up with a list on things they need to build a quadriplegic friendly house>?
Carolyn

[cidspringhead]

Joed, on Jul 11 2006, 01:21 PM, said:

Hi Carolyn....

I did my rehab time at RIC in Chicago ('03)....at that time it was rated the number one rehab in the country for something like 15 yrs. I'm not sure if it still is, but it wouldn't be too hard to find out. RIC is used as a model for other rehab facilities.

I was impressed by their insistence on assuring that all modifications, etc. were in place in my home before being discharged. They set up all my home PT/OT, had measurements taken of my bath, (we have an unusual set up with steps) and found the appropriate shower chair. They also took the necessary steps to reconnect me with Voc. Rehab. and Easter Seals in my state so that I could drive again.

I would've been lost without that added support from them, upon returning home. For me, that has made all the difference.

Thank you so much for the information, I will be passing it along!!~ Carolyn

[Kevin]

cidspringhead, on Jul 11 2006, 02:26 PM, said:

Kevin, on Jul 11 2006, 05:20 PM, said:

cidspringhead, on Jul 11 2006, 05:22 AM, said:

Kevin, on Jul 11 2006, 08:04 AM, said:

You'll want to check out Shepard Center in Georgia then. That's the closest of the 'top 3' SCI rehab centers in the US to you.

Kevin~
Did you go there?
~ Carolyn

No, I'm able bodied. I'm an OT student (or will be starting this fall) and I'll be specializing in SCI and teaching wheelchair skills.

Kevin~
Thanks for your input, I just spoke with the father and as of right now Shepard's looks like their destination. But they are looking for alternatives too. Would you know of any web sites that can help them come up with a list on things they need to build a quadriplegic friendly house>?
Carolyn

Carolyn,

You're very welcome. I don't know of any sites to point you to, but a good rehab center will be able to provide you with that information! Or a good OT/PT that works with people with SCI.

[Joed]

Here is some info about how to locate a good a rehab facility, questions to ask, etc.:

http://www.spinal-co...ehab-center.htm

[milosh]

if they wanna go abroad, i'd gladly advice rehab and a great SCI clinic in kurgan, russia. i was there 20 years ago. even back then during the soviet era, it was great. i've heard it's even better now. for many things, like not using cath, i'm grateful to the people from kurgan.