"Advanced Rehab"

[AO]

I was just wondering if there are any well known rehab hospitals who would take a sci person a while after their initial injury and rehab, to give them further skills, maximise their potential etc.

Hard to explain, but I left my rehab just knowing how to transfer on a slide board and other basic things that enable me to get by but not really be sufficiently efficient and independent.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

[maryonwheels46]

I looked in your profile and don't know where you are at. I went back to TIRR in Houston 2yrs after my accident. My DR was glad to help. I also could not get off the slid board. I did't do it in Rehab. I took my chances and practiced when I had someone around to spot me.

[MikeC]

Washington University Hospital in St Louis does this also. Here is the link: http://spine.wustl.edu/

I haven't been there but did apply and haven't heard back.

T12 Incomplete - Walking with Walker, Oct 2003

[SCI-Nurse]

As maryonwheels suggested, your best bet is to check in with your doctor about this. He/she needs to make the referral to the rehab center in any case. Funding is another problem. You will want to see about precertifying this with any insurance coverage you have, including Medicare/Medicaid.

RAB

[AO]

I'm not actually in the US, just wondering if this type of rehab service is actually offered anywhere.

I'm not looking for a Project Walk type place, more somewhere that can teach me more and improve what I can do on my own.

A type of ADL Boot camp

Thanks for the advice so far.

[mikes4x4]

I've been to St Louis twice now, for further rehab. I spent 6 weeks the first time and a week the second time. That was about a year post on the six week stay. Good group of docs there.

[marmalady]

We've gotten additional rehab from my son's docs for the following reasons -

- After he was in bed for a while with a skin breakdown, for 'reconditioning'

- After he noticed more movement in wrists, for occupational therapy to strengthen

- After we hired a new aide, for PT, to teach her mat exercises and general training w/transfers, etc.

It's been our experience that the docs are most willing to write the script for more therapy/rehab - it's just how they write it, that it gets approved by the insurance companies or Medicare/Medicad!

_____________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[amanda]

I have been home from the hospital for a year now. I am still having outpaitent PT. I was lucky to get a really good PT, who is willing to help me figure out everything big and small that I bring to him. When my visits ran out through insurance I called my SCI dr, and he was happy to renew my need (or whatever has to be done). We move from problem to problem. Right now we're working on building the muscles I need to get up a 12 to 1 ramp with ease. Before that it was floor to bed/chair manipulating( for less of better words). Some weeks he comes to my house, others I go to his office. Having the workout euip and standing frames in his office for my use has been really helpful. Sorry to go on and on about this. I just feel that I got really lucky in finding a great PT right here in my home town with the willingness and knowledge to help me in anyway. I would still love to go to a PW type place. But, since that is halfway across the country and mucho $$$, I'll stick with this for now.

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

[betheny]

TIRR does it. My insurance company were kinda crappy about it, for instance I wasn't allowed to spend the weekends at home or they wouldn't cover the stay.

C5/6 incomplete, injured Aug. 2000

[Jesse's Mom]

Originally posted by Betheny:

TIRR does it. My insurance company were kinda crappy about it, for instance I wasn't allowed to spend the weekends at home or they wouldn't cover the stay.

C5/6 incomplete, injured Aug. 2000

Isnt that the truth. If you are good enough to go home for a visit, you must not need this in patient therapy anymore, that is what I heard at TIRR when I wanted Jess home for a weekend. (she was speaking as the insurance company)