antiquity
08-22-2002, 06:55 PM
Stroke center defies limits
Survivors get time to recover without insurance restrictions
By Lisa Ann Martin
Special to The Desert Sun
August 22, 2002
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PALM SPRINGS -- Since its doors opened in 1978, the Palm Springs Stroke Activity Center has created a dynamic, optimistic and encouraging environment where stroke survivors receive help in overcoming disabilities, hastening their return to active lives.
A pioneer in state-of-the-art rehabilitation programs, the facility was the first of its kind in the United States and serves as a model internationally for others hoping to duplicate its success.
"In many communities, resources for continued rehab are nonexistent or extremely limited after insurance benefits run out," said Judith Widmer, executive director at the Stroke Activity Center. "Therapy services are discontinued, and the patient and family are left to struggle on their own."
The daytime treatment program, offering free services, is conducted by therapeutic recreation specialists and trained volunteers who apply therapies to individuals and groups in a social setting, Widmer said.
Priding itself on "beginning where others leave off," the non-profit center fills the need for continued rehabilitation services far beyond the few weeks often allowed by health insurance companies.
After completing the initial evaluation that determines clients� ability to participate in activities, a structured resocialization program is designed to help increase survivors� independence and ability to function without full-time assistance from a caretaker, Widmer said.
Stroke survivors receive psychological, physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapies, she said.
Rehabilitative activities include group exercise, peer and family support groups, arts and crafts, rap sessions, table games, dancing and sing-a-longs.
"The stroke center is so unique because it offers the third phase of stroke rehab," said Lisa Pambid, physical therapy aid. "We have no time constraints, so we can do whatever is necessary to get from point A to point B."
Many stroke survivors lose their fine motor skills, Widmer said. Some lose their ability to speak or understand what is said to them. Physical recovery may require relearning things we take for granted -- holding a fork, standing up, or even saying "yes" or "no."
"The stroke center does wonders for everyone that comes," stroke survivor Inez Smith said. "It is comforting to spend time with people that have so much in common and know what others are going through."
Pambid said everyone at the center is there because they want to be.
"They know they are getting better and they just continue to thrive. It�s a fabulous thing we do here," Pambid said.
http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories/local/1029969600.shtml
Survivors get time to recover without insurance restrictions
By Lisa Ann Martin
Special to The Desert Sun
August 22, 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PALM SPRINGS -- Since its doors opened in 1978, the Palm Springs Stroke Activity Center has created a dynamic, optimistic and encouraging environment where stroke survivors receive help in overcoming disabilities, hastening their return to active lives.
A pioneer in state-of-the-art rehabilitation programs, the facility was the first of its kind in the United States and serves as a model internationally for others hoping to duplicate its success.
"In many communities, resources for continued rehab are nonexistent or extremely limited after insurance benefits run out," said Judith Widmer, executive director at the Stroke Activity Center. "Therapy services are discontinued, and the patient and family are left to struggle on their own."
The daytime treatment program, offering free services, is conducted by therapeutic recreation specialists and trained volunteers who apply therapies to individuals and groups in a social setting, Widmer said.
Priding itself on "beginning where others leave off," the non-profit center fills the need for continued rehabilitation services far beyond the few weeks often allowed by health insurance companies.
After completing the initial evaluation that determines clients� ability to participate in activities, a structured resocialization program is designed to help increase survivors� independence and ability to function without full-time assistance from a caretaker, Widmer said.
Stroke survivors receive psychological, physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapies, she said.
Rehabilitative activities include group exercise, peer and family support groups, arts and crafts, rap sessions, table games, dancing and sing-a-longs.
"The stroke center is so unique because it offers the third phase of stroke rehab," said Lisa Pambid, physical therapy aid. "We have no time constraints, so we can do whatever is necessary to get from point A to point B."
Many stroke survivors lose their fine motor skills, Widmer said. Some lose their ability to speak or understand what is said to them. Physical recovery may require relearning things we take for granted -- holding a fork, standing up, or even saying "yes" or "no."
"The stroke center does wonders for everyone that comes," stroke survivor Inez Smith said. "It is comforting to spend time with people that have so much in common and know what others are going through."
Pambid said everyone at the center is there because they want to be.
"They know they are getting better and they just continue to thrive. It�s a fabulous thing we do here," Pambid said.
http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories/local/1029969600.shtml