Another thought I had, I don't know if there is anything similar in  
Canada to what we have in Texas called DARS which is the Department  
of Adult Rehabilitation Services. This is a state agency which steps  
in when a person has an injury, accident, illness etc and the person  
has a goal of returning to work. The agency will provide counseling,  
training, and/or funding to help make the going to work possible.  
Some examples that are very helpful are that they will pay to adapt a  
vehicle with hand controls, adapt a vehicle with a lift for a power  
chair. Sometimes they will pay for the actual wheelchair when there  
isn't other funding.

Obviously, I don't know a lot about funding in Canada, but I do know  
a lot about equipment. Having the appropriate chair can make a huge  
difference in so many aspects of life that I think it is one of the  
most important parts of rehab. I know you said your patient doesn't  
have insurance, but I wonder what other creative funding sources are  
available. Does the family have any financial resources for  
equipment? I just wonder if this is something that you have explored.
Mary Alice
On May 26, 2007, at 5:24 PM, Joan Riches wrote:

> Hi Ron
> I've read Rob's post and agree for the most part. However he left  
> out what
> does the client WANT to do? If ever there was a place for the COPM  
> it is
> here. My mind is full of questions. What was her life before the  
> injury?
> What does she miss most? Is the four adult household the previous  
> norm or is
> it temporary? Is there someone at home with her or does she need to  
> manage
> alone for part of the day? Not sure why Rob thinks there are no  
> child care
> demands (the child's age perhaps).
> I like Rob's emphasis on analysing every task for simplicity and
> accessibility. Be aware that she is forming habits and routines  
> that need to
> last her for many years. People with SCI age just like the rest of  
> us so
> staying open to continuous adaptation is a good attitude to  
> develop. Energy
> conservation is critical so available energy is focused on the most
> meaningful things. Down the road some thought then to how to manage  
> if she
> gets the flu, is especially tired etc.
> Is employment or further education a possibility?
> Are there community resources? I'd be looking at the Canadian  
> Paraplegic
> Association for support both physical and emotional. What about the  
> social
> network? Is there someone with the skills to lower closet rods,  
> install
> railings etc.
> What has been addressed in rehab?
> What were this couple's plans for their family? Were they planning  
> more
> children? If no-one else is addressing issues of sexuality and family
> planning you need to be prepared to do this or refer. One of the most
> satisfying experiences I've ever had was a very similar situation  
> helping my
> client to manage and enjoy pregnancy, birth and newborn care. She was
> already independent in her w/c when I met her.
> I really like your request for collaboration. It will be easier to  
> focus
> when the questions are more specific.
>
> A thought to end - Independence doesn't always mean doing everything
> yourself with no help. A critical part of independence is taking
> responsibility for your own activities, planning, supervising,  
> negotiating
> and appreciating the assistance that others provide.
>
> Go for it, Ron. She's a lucky client. Joan
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On  
> Behalf
> Of Ron Carson
> Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 3:24 PM
> To: Ron Carson
> Subject: Re: [OTlist] OTnow Colloboration With Spinal Cord Injury
>
> Here are some specifics:
>
> 1. There is no insurance
>
> 2. The patient is young, late 20's, mid 30's
>
> 3. She lives with her husband, sister and her husband
>
> 4. She has a 4 y/o daughter
>
> 5. There is no primary care doctor; She typically uses the ER
>
> 6. We have just starting weaning her off her TLSO
>
> 7. She has a donated power w/c (reclining captain's back)
>
> 8. She has no pressure ulcers
>
> 9.  She  is able to sit without assistance and without her TLSO.  
> But she
> has LOB with UE movement. But this will shortly correct with practice
>
> 10.  She  is undergoing a sacral nerve stimulator trial to  
> hopefully d/c
> cathing and suppository/digital stimulation. It seems to be working OK
>
> 11. She has good UE strength
>
> 12.  Initial goal is indpendent with transfers. Currently uses a  
> sliding
> board  with  min  - max assist depending on incline. I envision  
> that she
> will be able to d/c sliding board and do her transfers w/o assistance.
>
> 13.  I also think a long term goal is for her to get a ultralight- 
> weight
> w/c.
>
> 14. She has a weight issue but she is struggling to find enough  
> activity
> to off-set her caloric intake.
>
> 15.  They have no computer so on-line resources are not possible at  
> this
> time.
>
> OK, hit me with some transfer ideas!!! And any other suggestions.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ron Carson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007
> To:   [email protected] <[email protected]>
> Subj: [OTlist] OTnow Colloboration With Spinal Cord Injury
>
> RC> Hello All:
>
> RC> I  recently  agreed  to  treat a patient who suffered a T9-T10  
> SC injury
> RC> late  last  year. She has just been d/c to her home after  
> several months
> RC> of rehab. While I have worked with SC injury patients, I do not  
> consider
> RC> it  a speciality. There are SO many issues to manage and  
> address that it
> RC> can  be  a  bit  overwhelming.  Given  that I work alone, I  
> don't have a
> RC> 'team'  to bounce off ideas, so I'm hoping that OTnow members  
> will be my
> RC> surrogate team? <smile>
>
> RC> I would like to give and receive advice on topics relating to  
> this case.
> RC> Do you think this will work? Will people participate??
>
> RC> Thanks,
>
> RC> Ron
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> Options?
>   www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com
>
> Archive?
>   www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
>
> ********************************************************************** 
> ******
> **********
> Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science  
> for OTs
> Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career.
> www.otdegree.com/otn
> ********************************************************************** 
> ******
> **********
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/818 - Release Date:  
> 5/25/2007
> 12:32 PM
>
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/819 - Release Date:  
> 5/26/2007
> 10:47 AM
>
>
>
> -- 
> Options?
>   www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com
>
> Archive?
>   www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
>
> ********************************************************************** 
> ****************
> Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science  
> for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career.
> www.otdegree.com/otn
> ********************************************************************** 
> ****************


-- 
Options?
  www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com 

Archive?
  www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]

**************************************************************************************
Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs 
Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career.
www.otdegree.com/otn
**************************************************************************************

Reply via email to