The Holiday Season at NCC

By Jessica Bahny

NCC Activities Assistant

Well, it’s been looking a lot like the holidays here at the NeuroCare Center.  I thought I’d update everyone about what’s been shakin’ here in the activity department.  As you can imagine, we’ve been busy, busy, busy- but always having fun!  As we do every year, we’ve been trying to go to the Wayne County Lightfest every Thursday night.  I personally went recently, with Brian O. and Bradly R.  We had so much fun!  The holiday music was cranked up, and we sang and laughed the whole way.  The lights were quite a spectacle this year- they had the usual displays, but DTE energy sponsored the new addition- blinking musical notes in a rainbow of colors.  Very cool. 

 

On December 11, my co-worker Kari and I were fortunate enough to be able to take two of our clients to the Lion’s game.  Willie B., James H., Kari and I had a rockin’ good time watching the Lions face the Minnesota Vikings.  It was a packed house at Ford Field, and oh yeah, the Lions won!!!  The staff was very gracious to our gentlemen- what a great experience!  

This past Friday was our annual Winterfest here at NCC.  We had a full day of games, crafts, food and excitement.  My leader, Amy Blevins, did a great job as always coordinating the whole thing, and all of the awesome therapists, RST’s, and everyone else working that day were so supportive in working the different stations and helping the clients get from one place to another.  It always feels so good to see all of us working together to give our clients a good day.  One more shout-out has to go to our Dietary Staff for the AWESOME food!  We had soup in bread bowls, and fantastic wrap style sandwiches.  They worked very hard, and it certainly paid off with compliments from clients, staff and guests alike.  We’re all decorated up for the season, with the Christmas tree that our clients helped decorate sitting in the dining room and our menorah lit.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.  Stay tuned for more updates!  There’s always something going on!

Pay Day at Last!

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting your first paycheck, even if you have to wait until you’re 59! Client Dusanka was thrilled to get her first paycheck EVER for her vocational work in Special Tree’s Day Treatment Service’s in-house ceramics studio where she creates ceramics and keeps the studio clean and organized. “Dusanka is a hard worker and voluntarily takes on extra tasks,” said DTS Manager Kathy Gray. Dusanka has a long work history — just not for jobs she got paid to do. After immigrating from Romania, she raised three kids and helped care for her five grandchildren. Working in the studio has dramatically changed Dusanka’s outlook on her abilities adds Kathy. “Instead of saying she can’t do something, she’s now focused on what she can do to make more money!”

But Dusanka’s new job has given her more than just money -- it’s also boosted her self-confidence. In October, she bravely spoke about her work experiences to a large crowd at the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference in Grand Rapids. Dusanka, her co-worker David, and DTS staff made the trek across the state to participate in the Conference’s Micro Enterprise Mall where they sold over $500 worth of client-made ceramics at Special Tree’s product booth.

Ceramic works by Dusanka and other clients in the DTS vocational program are on display (and for sale) at the Troy Neuro Skills Center. You can also purchase ceramics by contacting the ceramics sale manager at victoriamannino@specialtree.com.

Knock, Knock... It's the Holidays!

By: Tonya Bryant, CBIS
Residential Manager
Webster Court

This year the staff at Webster Court wanted to do something fun with our clients to get them in the holiday spirit.  We decided to have a Holiday door decorating contest.  All week long we have encouraged any visitors at Webster Court to take a walk through and vote for the most creative and festive door. Tom had a box of Godiva chocolates set outside his door to share with all of those who stopped by to vote.  This afternoon we tallied up our votes and we have our winners.  In first place we have Tom, known at Webster Court as “The Mayor.”  He won a $20 gift certificate to Fanatic U. In second place we have Shanay, who a $10 gift certificate to Dots.  In third place we have Bill who took home a $5 gift certificate to Fanatic U.  Staff also decorated the office door to join in on the fun.  Everyone enjoyed this contest and we plan to make a holiday tradition at Webster Court.

Tom, "The Mayor" who's festive door was awarded 1st place

Shanay's door adorned in red and green and got her the number 2 spot 

Humble, yet festive Bill was awarded 3rd in the contest

Happy Holidays!

Gingerbread, trees and trains, oh my!

By: Jessica Bahny, Activities Assistant 

The annual Festival of Trees at the Dearborn Community Center is truly a feast for the eyes!  Each year, it seems that the holiday season starts earlier and earlier.  When client Bradly and I found ourselves in the mood for some holiday cheer, we headed out to the Festival of Trees.  The festival benefits Children’s Hospital, which makes it wonderful from the start. 

Families, corporate groups and organizations decorate and donate trees for the display.  There are too many trees to count, each different in their own way.  It’s hard to choose a favorite, but both Bradly and I were partial to the Dr. Seuss tree.  It was too cool with pink, green, and purple lights.  Stuffed characters from all of Dr. Seuss’ most famous books sat in the branches.  Before you ask, of course the Grinch was there!  There were wreaths decorated as well. 

There was also an amazing display of handmade gingerbread houses.  We kind of giggled, because our houses we build every year at NCC don’t turn out that well.  Bradly enjoyed looking at the trains, and people watching.  There was an arts and crafts table, where we were able to make an ornament together to commemorate our special outing.  I say this so much, but I really do love my job- especially the outings.  This time of year always brings so many wonderful chances to bond with my clients and make great memories.  We’ll be going next to the Wayne County  festival of lights, so stay tuned for more holiday happenings in the wild world of this activities assistant!

Thankful for a Good Harvest

This year when the clients from Moravian West sit down for their Thanksgiving dinner they’ll be thankful in a new way.  The vegetables that accompany the turkey will taste fresher, and the pumpkin pie will be a little more sweet.  That’s just one of the many beautiful things that has come from a harvest season following a summer of gardening in their backyard. 

This summer the residents rolled up their sleeves and got down to gardening when a new garden box was built behind their house. Clients Violet L. and Darin H. had previously been master gardeners and were excited to exercise their green thumbs.  It didn’t take long before the soil filled box was full of sprouts that soon turned into a plentiful garden of tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries, green peppers and pumpkins. The clients were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor when they picked the vegetables and turned them into delicious treats like fried zucchini, zucchini bread and crisp, fresh vegetables.  

At 85 years old and in a wheelchair, Violet will tell you that gardening is ‘more interesting’ now than it may have been in the past, but she still loves everything about it and was grateful to return to one of her favorite pastimes. She’ll tell you she has a great appreciation for her Thanksgiving dinner and the vegetables that are on the table because she knows the time involved to grow them. Violet and the other clients at Moravian West are excited for the arrival of next spring and a new gardening season, but for now their thankful for a good harvest.

We Did It Again!

Special Tree is thrilled to once again be named a Top Workplace in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press. To make the list, employees fill out an independent survey conducted by the Detroit Free Press on factors that contribute to a great work environment – Direction, Execution, Career, Conditions, Managers and Pay & Benefits.  Thanks to our staff’s  honest feedback and positive written comments, our high survey score put Special Tree on the Top Workplaces list for the second year in a row.  Special Tree also made an impressive showing in several categories.   According to Lynn Slevin, Chief Quality Officer who handles the Top Workplace nomination and survey process, out of the 77 companies in the mid-sized category, Special Tree ranked 7th overall, only two places below Google (5th),  2nd in the “Career” category, and 4th in the “Direction” category.   “The creativity and talents of our staff help our clients shine and make Special Tree a truly exceptional place to work,” said Lynn.  Read more about Top Workplaces results by clicking on the links below from the Freep’s Sunday, November 13th edition.

2011 Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces Winners
2011 Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces National Standards
2011 Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces: Worker’s Feedback
Best Workplaces Put Priority on Satisfaction of Their Employees

Fried Green Tomatoes Anyone?

This is the prime time of the year for green tomatoes and no one is happier than the many fans of RST Lisia Cisero’s fried green tomatoes, which she cooks up in big batches for clients and staff at Webster Court. Lisia gets her green tomatoes from Webster Court’s vegetable garden and also from the gardens of her coworkers who know they won't go to waste.  “Everyone loves them,” says Lisia, who modified her grandma’s recipe to make it her own.   “It’s always a little get together on tomatoe day!”  Thanks for sharing, Lisia.

Lisia's Fried Green Tomatoes

4-6 large green tomatoes

3 eggs


1 cup all-purpose flour


1 cup yellow cornmeal


2 teaspoons salt


1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper


1 quart vegetable oil for frying


Directions


1. Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Discard the ends.


2. Whisk eggs in a medium-size bowl with salt and pepper. Mix flour and cornmeal in a medium-sized bowl and scoop onto a plate. Dip tomatoes into flour mixture to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into the egg mixture.


3. In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil (enough so that there is 1/2 inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of your skillet. Do not crowd the tomatoes, they should not touch each other. When the tomatoes are browned, flip and fry them on the other side. Drain them on paper towels, sprinkle with hot sauce and enjoy!

Life's Too Short

Many thanks to our client Jasper who shared this inspiring post from his personal blog at http://www.godknowsjasper.blogspot.com/

September 1, 2011

My name is Jasper and although I'm a quad I attended my high school reunion.  It was a beautiful day and also it was a beautiful reunion, getting to see people I hadn't seen in years.  My daughters were there along with my grandchildren and it just made for a beautiful family day.  I really want to send out this message that if you're disabled, or you are going through some type of rehab and you're thinking that your life is over because you can't do the things you used to do - think again.  Life is too short to cut yourself out just because you have a set back.  And that's all that is, a set back, because with the technology they have today you can still live a full life but there are some things you have to do.  First of all, take an attitude check.  Make sure you have a positive, uplifting attitude about yourself, and then surround yourself with positive people, doing positive things.  The worst thing you could do is be around a bunch of negative, stand still people, never doing anything different.  I had a wonderful time at that reunion and two weeks before that I went to a church picnic and I had a wonderful time there and I have no control over my body, but I have tons of support.  These are the things you have to do if you can't do things for yourself.  You can still live a joyful life.  Put yourself in the hands of God and go on living your life.  He'll make a way for you.  So don't be discouraged.  It's not the end of the world, not yet.  Put a big smile on your face, take an attitude check and live your life. 

Client's Got Game

After a year of rehabilitation, Josh is back at college and working hard to conquer the court once again.

Special Tree client Josh E. knows hard work. As a student at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), he puts in long study hours as an Occupational Therapy student. But Josh’s work ethic is deeper than that. With a passion for basketball, Josh made the Cardinals as a walk-on, started five games, and was awarded an athletic scholarship his sophomore year. Josh’s future looked bright, but his life took an unexpected turn when he sustained a TBI in a serious car accident in the fall of 2010, leaving his life forever changed and his future uncertain.

After his discharge from the hospital, Josh came to Special Tree in Midland for outpatient therapy and to live in a semi-independent apartment. Josh’s circumstances had changed, but not his steadfast determination to achieve his goals; return to SVSU as a student athlete and ultimately become an OT. “I’m not afraid of a little sweat,” he said. Josh’s therapy team incorporated his goals into a treatment plan to get him back to school and on-the-court ready. PT built up Josh’s endurance to competitive levels with long hours on the treadmill and running cones, while OT addressed Josh’s vision and fine motor challenges. To get Josh ready for school, Mike Dodman, Speech Language Pathologist, worked with him on organizational and compensatory strategies and found high-tech adaptive devices, such as the Livescribe pen to help with note taking and compression in class.

Josh now lives in an apartment with college friends and has returned to SVSU as a full-time student, driving himself to and from class. Still using the strategies he learned with the clinical team, Josh is a successful student. With his physical endurance increasing, Josh now works with a physical/sports trainer to focus on returning to basketball shape and continues outpatient therapy at Special Tree.

Moving forward, it’s easy to wonder how Josh will use his experience to help his own clients when he becomes an OT. “I’ll be a better OT because I’ve seen the other side,” he said. “I know that kind of pain first-hand — both physically and emotionally.”

Let's Party

Heidi Nadobny, Recreational Therapist

Midland NeuroSkills Center

To the client it’s simply a party, but I like to call it an “acclimation” activity. It’s a nice way for our younger clients who are having issues getting back into the swing of socializing, and spending time with friends to get reacquainted.

I like to set up a small party in a non-stressful environment, invite the client and friends to in a situation where they can interact with each other with video games, and other fun activities they enjoy. The purpose is to address issues of non-communication between the client and his or her friends, and to answer any questions they might have about what’s going on. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about how, although the client may have some visible or obvious differences than prior to the accident, they are the same person. I emphasize the importance of still doing activities together, not being afraid to talk to the client about the same things they talked about prior to the accident and so on. A lot of the times the client’s peers are more hesitant and fearful of talking to the client than the client is of talking to them. But after an afternoon of fun everyone is usually more at ease.

A Glass Act

By Rebecca Potter, MS, LLP, CBIS, BCBA 

Special Tree Psychologist

On June 9th the Women’s Therapy Support group of Troy headed out to explore a day of yore at Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Ladies: Violet L. of Moravian, Laura M. of Beverly Hills and Dusanka E. and Lisa G. of Trevino arrived via four wheeled coach to be greeted by their tour guides, Staff member Rebecca Potter, Limited Licensed Psychologist and psychology student Leigh Jouppi.

After entering through the gates the ladies were greeted by the whistle blow of the old steam engine awaiting her boarding passengers at the Firestone Train Station. Rounding the first corner past the Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery the ladies were pleasantly surprised by that old familiar “aaaoooogggaaa” sound of the passing Model T Ford.

First on the agenda was a glass pulling class at the Glass Shop. The ovens were fired up and ready to go as the instructor suited each lady up for safety. Each lady was suited up in safety goggles, protective arm sheaths, an apron, and gloves. First up was Lady Violet. The instructor explained the process of how each lady would participate in the actual pulling of the glass, the uniqueness of the colors of the glass before and after being exposed to the high heat produced in the ovens, and the need for the pulled glass to be tempered for 24 hours to cool slowly so it would not break.

Violet suited up and ready to pull some glass

Laura was so excited to see Violet pulling her glass flower that she stood up to get a better view, while Dusanka assisted the instructor in pulling the glass with the glass tweezers.

Dusanka and the instructor pull the glass with tweezers

Lady Lisa used the glass paddle to flatten the glass in preparation of pulling. Lady Laura used the tweezers to pull her straight tail flower into shape. Laura was unique in that she was the only lady to choose a straight tail on her flower.

Lisa flattens her glass in preparation of pulling

After the glass pulling activity the ladies dined on Michigan sourced foods available at the Michigan Café. Three of the ladies chose the pulled pork sandwich while one feasted on the Michigan cherry salad and soup. All ladies received a Henry Ford/Greenfield Village commemorative cup. After lunch the ladies and guides set out to explore the village. Just past the homes of Robert Frost and Noah Webster the ladies stopped for a short break at the Cotswold Cottage. Rounding out the trip across from the Wright Brother’s Home and Cycle Shop the ladies learned about millinery (hat making) at the Cohen Millinery and catsup at the Heinz House.

After a fun filled 6 hours the ladies boarded their 4 wheeled coach and headed back into the present day. Approximately 1 week after the trip the ladies each received their flowers as they had completed the curing process.

Storms Hold Off for Client Picnic

With the threat of a thunderstorm in the forecast, 30+ members of Special Tree’s Community Living Skills (CLS) groups trekked out for their annual picnic at Metro Park hosted by the Tuesday CLS group on June 21, 2011. Clients in the group contributed their time and talents to make the event a big success including designing the rockin’ t-shirts (thanks Doug), creating the picnic banner (thanks Carol), shopping for picnic supplies, and cooking delicious dishes including a tasty chicken cobbler. Some client family members joined the picnic, including the newest member of one client’s family, Duke, an Australian Shepherd puppy that stole the hearts of all who attended. “A good time was had by all!” said Special Tree Speech Therapist and a group facilitator Lauren Garrisi. “I’m so honored to be a part of the peer group.” NCC Outpatient Case Manager and group facilitator Beth Smith added, “It’s so important for staff to let clients take the runway in these types of events – and that happened yesterday. It was a perfect show of cooperation, fun, and friendship.” Steve, a CLS member, couldn’t agree more. “I was amazed at the care and respect that the staff had for each and every client’s need.” Submitted by Beth Smith, NCC Outpatient Case Manager/Social Worker

Play Ball!

Keyon has always been a fan of sports. But the youngest member of Special Tree’s Royal Oak pediatric residence, didn’t have the opportunity to play competitively prior the severe brain injury he experienced in 2009, until now. For the first time, Keyon is starting the baseball season as a team player. This summer, Keyon is playing baseball on the Miracle League, an organization that provides children with challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member on an organized league. Each week Keyon and his assistive “buddy” bat, catch, throw and run the bases. An experience that’s not only helped Keyon grow, but has been encouraging for the Royal Oak staff who regularly attend. “It’s very exciting for us,” says Joanna Kirkpatrick, Royal Oak Residential Program Manager. “He’s come such a long way and it’s exciting to see him do normal things that just a year before were far beyond his reach.”

When Keyon first came to Special Tree, he was on a ventilator and was unable to eat on his own. After a year of intensive rehabilitation and hard work, Keyon transitioned from the NeuroCare Center to the Royal Oak residence. Since arriving at his new home, Keyon’s progress has moved to a whole new level. Keyon now eats a normal diet and is working with STRS Physical Therapists to learn how to walk again. And despite a busy therapy schedule, Keyon has managed to forge new friendships and have some fun, baseball being the highlight.


“Keyon really lights up when he’s playing baseball,” said Joanna. “Especially when the energy is high, the fans cheer and he crosses home plate.”  Score!

RSTs Rock!

When it comes to Special Tree’s RSTs, there’s never a shortage of praise from clients and staff for their hard work and dedication. To show RSTs how much they’re appreciated, Special Tree organized IMAGINE, an off-site personal growth and development conference held biennially to celebrate National Nurses Aid Week last month.


To accommodate scheduling needs, the event was held over two days in June so that every RST would have an opportunity to attend. The conference featured breakout sessions on topics that RSTs expressed in a pre-conference survey. The sessions were facilitated by STRS staff and thanks go to: Catherine Steinhoff- Massage Management, Jill Prisza – Nutrition, Jim Hall - Personal Finance, Lela Hickonbottom – Health Careers, Neal Dregansky – Personal Fitness, Kristin Clearhout – Managing Stress, and Kelly Sandor & Derica Scribner – Love & Logic Parenting Skills.


Keynote speaker Walt Stasinski from Potential Unlimited in Troy inspired the crowd with a humorous but powerful presentation on the importance of having fun at work. “Everyone left feeling energized with ideas for new ways to enhance their work and personal relationships,” said HR Administrator Lisa Bray, who coordinated the IMAGINE event with RST Trainer Mary Jo Hall. RST staff from each facility competed in a Science of Caring poster contest with The Cottage and Tyler II tying for first place. RSTs also received a conference t-shirt and STRS bag and there were door prizes that included gift certificates and gas cards and a grand prize weekend trip including hotel, and pre-paid gas card awarded at each day of the conference.


On duty 24/7, 365 days a year, RSTs help clients with personal care and activities of daily living, support our nursing staff, and manage meals, medication, and household tasks at our residential locations. “The RSTs play such a critical role here,” said Mary Jo. “We want to acknowledge them in a way that helps them to grow and lets them know how much they’re appreciated.”



RSTs attended many breakout sessions throughout the day devoted to topics on personal growth and development.



Tyler 2 RSTs (pictured) and The Cottage both took First Place in the Science of Caring Poster Contest



Lisa Bray, IMAGINE coordinator, Lela Hickonbottom "Health Careers" presenter and Mary Jo Hall, IMAGINE coordinator.







Children's Services Manager Derica Scribner and Behavioral Specialist Kelly Sandor discuss parenting skills in their Parenting with Love & Logic session

Keynote Speaker Walt Stasinski from Potential Unlimited in Troy





You're Never Prepared For This Kind of Left Turn...

CEO Joe Richert's "unabridged" letter from the Spring 2011 Special Edition

Dear Friends,

It’s an exciting time at Special Tree! We’re really looking forward to moving into our new “digs” at the NeuroCare Center. There are other exciting things happening, however, I would like to pen my modest missive to everyone surrounding an incredible journey that our father, Doctor Richert, and family took this spring.

In early March, my wife, Joletta and I were visiting Dad at his timeshare in the Bahamas. On one of our traditional two-mile morning walks, Dad began struggling with his balance and fell on the beach. He was scooped up by some very kind beach attendants at the “One and Only” resort (by the way, where the James Bond movie, Casino Royale, was filmed).

Joletta and I took Dad to the Doctors Hospital in Nassau where we learned that he had an acute subdural hematoma and needed emergency brain surgery. IT HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS. I WAS IN NO WAY PREPARED FOR THIS. He was very lucid so he and I made the decision to go ahead with surgery. It was successful; however it required a second intervention on to relieve cerebral spinal fluid. By the end of the week, Dad was stable enough and was cleared to go by air ambulance to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. After hearing the news, our son Joe, flew down to assist us. Joe went with Dad on the air ambulance flight to Miami and now has a goal of owning his own Lear 35. Apparently, it’s quite a ride.

While in Miami, Joe and his wife Rachel stayed with Dad for some time. Brother Jack and sister Jackie were next, followed by sisters Jill and Jackie who accompanied Dad back from Miami to Detroit and ultimately to room 11 at our inpatient NeuroCare Center for rehabilitation.

Doc is home now and doing great. This wasn’t the spring that I had planned, but I learned some valuable insights that I wanted to share:

1. You’re never prepared for this kind of left turn. I have a deeper understanding of what families experience when hit with a catastrophic event involving a loved one.

2. You’d love the ability to make quick decisions, but you can’t. Events unfold and eventually a plan or next step will emerge.
3. It’s important to have a Smartphone with a good data plan so you can email, text, and access the internet when outside of the U.S. As it turned out, the neurosurgeon that did our father’s surgery is the same guy who pioneered the use of folly catheter as a shunt for children in Africa (the device drains fluid from the brain so pressure doesn’t build up). Dr. Ekededes was a brilliant guy and I’m hopeful he will be a long-term friend of our family and of Special Tree.

4. I’m incredibly grateful that we had the credit card resources to cover Dad’s hospital bill because U.S. medical insurance isn’t accepted in the Bahamas.

5. It’s amazing how patient Dad is with the pace of his recovery. It’s slow, but he’s progressing.

6. We’re lucky to be part of a nation-wide brain injury community which included incredible neurosurgeons to consult as we were making decisions.

7. Who would have thought that owning and operating an inpatient facility would be such an advantage for taking care of a family member? Dad received incredible care and treatment from the NCC staff and the food’s not bad either!

8. Now for a few of the more humorous things I learned. Our visitor’s chairs at Special Tree are uncomfortable and they don’t match! I learned this while sitting on one in Dad’s room with my brother Jim. It was while I was complaining about the chairs to Jim that I noticed a blanket on Dad’s bed with a logo from the Henry Ford Health System. I later learned that we regularly trade blankets with ambulance companies so there’s probably a few Special Tree blankets in the Henry Ford Health System somewhere.

To all the staff who worked with Dad: Thank You Very Much! You all need to know how absolutely cool you are and how important you are to people in stressful and uncertain times Our father’s day-to-day caregivers were outstanding. They were able to so politely, yet effectively, get the “Medical Director Emeritus” up and walking in the most pleasant and dignified way. Our Nurses were also kind, yet effective, in making sure that Doc paid attention to the medications that he was supposed to take. Our Therapists were good natured and fun, yet made him work so hard every day that even when he started to complain it was always with a smile. I’m so proud of who we are and what we do. I have a renewed commitment to make sure we’re the best for each of our clients and their families. Oh, and by the way, I just confirmed that we’re getting all new visitors chairs in the new facility!

Thank you and Best Regards,

Joe Richert

Respiratory Gets High Tech @ New NCC

 In managing the respiratory component of a client’s care, a Respiratory Therapist may perform tasks such as operating and maintaining equipment to administer oxygen or assist with breathing (often through a "vent" or "ventilator"), managing therapy that will help a client recover lung function, administering medications to help alleviate breathing problems and prevent respiratory infections, monitoring a client’s levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases, or maintaining a client’s artificial airway, commonly called a “trach” or “tracheotomy.”

At Special Tree, our respiratory team truly exhibits the Science of Caring. Not only do they treat the clinical needs of clients, but they participate in their overall rehabilitation goals, too, helping them participate in individual and group community outings. Respiratory Therapists have accompanied clients swimming, to sporting events, movies, fireworks, local cultural attractions, the annual Spring Fling dance, and more. Whether it is getting outside to enjoy the warm summer sunshine, heading downtown to a Tigers game, or just going out to dinner, Special Tree clients are often able to participate in important family and community events.

Now with advanced equipment and technology, our respiratory team will really be able to let their talents shine in the new building!

My Story

By Stephen McConnaughey, Outpatient Client

Hi my name is Stephen McConnaughey I am an outpatient at Special Tree. My accident that caused my t.b.i. and other physical injuries happened September 8, 2008 and I was in Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak until October 31, of the same year when I was transferred to the Trevino Special Tree group home. I resided there for two months until I returned home to my home in Royal Oak. I have had a remarkable recovery compared to where I was when I first came to Special Tree. With the help of the great staff and programs I’ve went from being in a wheelchair and very self defeated to being able to walk again almost fully normal and finishing up and graduating an associate’s degree program in paralegal that I was involved in before my accident. I owe a lot to all my therapists who guided me through all my many obstacles. I am now in the process of looking for employment and getting back a drivers license so I can have a fulfilling life. After a shattered pelvis, t.b.i., and other issues I thought this might not happen. But I always kept tenacity and a positive view towards this which at times wasn’t that easy. I just wish everyone going through these trying things could come as far as I have, and wish them the very best in their journey to overcome these life changing events. I also participate in a lot of the activities I did prior to my accident I write and play and record music and play several musical instruments and I find it very enjoyable to garden and commune with nature as the photograph of me reveals. Wishing you all well!

Pedal Pushers!

By Courtney Remy, Recreational Therapist, NCC

On Monday, May 23rd, the Recreational Therapy department in Wayne County hosted an adaptive cycling event in honor of National Bike Month. The skies were clear and sunny, the temperature was warm and bike riders were smiling ear to ear for the first two hours….and then the rain came- we all got a little wet, but it passed quickly and the last of the 28 clients were able to get in a ride. Here are some of the wonderful things we heard clients and staff saying throughout the event:

‘The Physical Therapists couldn’t keep up with him, it was great to watch’ – Staff


Wow’- Coleen


‘They have smiles on their faces, that’s what it’s all about’- Doc Richert


‘The guys just came home and they are ecstatic, they have the biggest smiles on their faces’- Parkway Staff


‘I’m so surprised, it was a lot of fun’- Client


‘I like the speed. I didn’t think I could do this, but this is cool’ – Client


‘She never used to want to come out of her room, and to see her out there was just great’- Staff


The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living brought out 6 adaptive cycles for clients with all different abilities to trial. They provided adjustments to fit the bikes to our clients, trained on their use, and discussed additional opportunities to ride in the community. Joann from the Kohl’s Injury Prevention Program also contributed greatly to the event by providing free helmets fit to each client and spoke about the importance of always wearing a properly fitted helmet. Thank you so much to these people and organizations for their partnership in this great event!


44 clients and Special Tree staff also signed a pledge promising to wear helmets when they rode bikes- thank you for caring about your own safety and being a good example to others!

Motown Museum

By: Jessica Bahny
NCC Activities Assistant

As many of you have read, I’ve been blogging about our NCC clients’ “backyard adventures”. I’ve been calling it that because we’ve been discovering some amazing treasures right here in “our own backyard” of Metro Detroit and the surrounding areas. Last week, on May 18th, my co-worker Kari, our clients Gaylor F. and David S. and I went on an amazing outing to the Motown Museum. For those of you who have never experienced this amazing bit of Detroit history, you simply MUST go! If you’ve been there, well, you know what I’m talking about. Nestled discreetly in a neighborhood off of Grand River Avenue, we almost missed our turn! We were expecting to have fun, (and we did!) but we learned so much as well. You automatically get a tour given by the museum’s highly knowledgeable staff. The guide dishes out fun facts, trivia, and even gets you snapping your fingers and singing a Motown hit! Did you know that Barry Gordy Jr. wrote his first songs on a Ford assembly line to the clacking of the machines- because he was so bored?! Neither did we. Did you know that the echo on those Supremes songs is due to the fact that the amazing Ms. Ross was recording their vocals in a bathroom? True! (Everyone else did theirs in the loo as well, until someone made a brilliant echo chamber out of the attic!) We were able to see one of Michael Jackson’s famous sequined gloves, and some of Marvin Gaye’s stage outfits. The admission price is very reasonable, and the staff is courteous, friendly, and the atmosphere is just so darn fun! Stay tuned for more of our adventures as we begin our fun-filled summer outings!

Coming Around The Bend

Exterior views from a bit different angle than we've shown before, as well as the entry to one of the nature trails.

Part of the entry drive

View as you come around the bend from the entrance

The front entry drive - Heavlin in the distance

Entry to the left, Heavlin in distance

One of the wings to the north

Looking across the entry road in view of the wetlands

Warm and Welcoming

The months and hours of planning are paying off - at last, the major construction is complete and it is time to move on to the finish work. Ceilings. Floors. Wallpaper. Paint. Doors. Lighting. Tile. Countertops. Cupboards. Shelving. Trim. And on and on.

Just check out how beautifully everything is coming together! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming - and that's before all of our fantastic staff and clients are even there to really bring things to life. We are getting SO excited.

Reception

Therapy

Therapy

Staff Break Room

Admin

Dining Room

Family & Visitor Business Lounge

"The Hub" - Charting Desk and Nurses Station

Nurses Station

Ceiling Going In

View out a client room

Client Bathroom