Page 12 - Healthcare News Mar/Apr 2022

REHABILITATION CONT’D
in the way they speak or interact with others. “We don’t want families to get angry with their
loved ones because they are acting in a certain way,” Bugeau said. “That’s why constant communication with the family and everyone on the team is critical to managing their expectations.”
A walk through the facility at Encompass reveals what looks like a large gymnasium with people work- ing out on various machines. While standard fitness machines are part of the mix, there is also an array
of specialized equipment designed to help people
“These residences are the person’s home for as long as they need it to be.”
regain movement in areas of their bodies that were affected by brain injury.
Sometimes the equipment is as simple as parallel bars to aid in walking or a set of stairs. Other times high-tech equipment is used such as interactive touch screens to help the patient regain coordina- tion, reaction time and cognitive abilities.
Cust and Bugeau demonstrated a Bioness H200 a device that fits on the forearm and is used to simulate normal wrist and finger movement for
neuromuscular rehabilitation. By using a tablet, a therapist controls the H200 to aid the patient in opening and closing their hand. It’s also used to help build back wrist and hand muscles through repeated movements.
The goal of the therapists at Encompass is for pa- tients to return home. Before patients are discharged, they leave with a recovery plan to help the patient go- ing forward. A case manager gets involved to prepare the family and prepare the home before discharge. In many cases the patient will need outpatient treat-
ment, whether at a facility or at home. Encompass puts patients and families in touch with commu- nity resources to keep moving toward recovery goals.
Finding a New Way
As late as the 2010s, patients with brain injuries in Massachusetts who required care beyond what they could get at home were mandated to live
in nursing homes. A class-action suit resulted in
creating two waivers, one for ABI and one known as a Moving Forward Plan (MFP) waiver. Both waivers make it possible for other organizations in the com- munity to provide long-term treatment for people suffering from brain injuries.
Mental Health Association (MHA) created the New Way Services Division to specifically offer treatment for people with ABI. The agency owns nine houses located in communities in and around Springfield. Each residence looks like a typical family
Lexi Stock- well says the Strive Clinic at ServiceNet helps those
with brain injuries continue to make progress in their recovery.
home and accommodates up to four adults. “These residences are the person’s home for as
long as they need it to be,” said Sara Kyser, vice
Please see Brain, page 35
YMCA OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
TRY THE Y! BRING IN THIS AD FOR A FREE WEEK!
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD YMCA
• New cardio and strength equipment • Attractive, open environment
• New locker rooms
• Steam and sauna rooms
• Group exercise classes including
Cycling, Yoga, Zumba®, Step classes and more!
• Lunch break classes (30 minutes) • Parking included
TOWER SQUARE
1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01115 P: 413.739.6951
SCANTIC VALLEY YMCA
• Wellness Center with cardio and strength equipment
• Lap pool and warm water pool
• Gymnasium
• Steam and sauna rooms
• Child Watch and Club House services • Group exercise classes including
Pound®, Yoga, cycling and more!
45 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA 01095 P: 413.596.2749
Offer valid for new members only. Financial aid available for those who qualify.
springfieldy.org
12 WWW.HEALTHCARENEWS.COM MARCH/APRIL 2022