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
Founded in 1974, Special Tree is a leading resource for adults and children with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other disabilities. Our whole person approach - the Science of Caring - encompasses one's body, mind, heart, and spirit. Our mission is to provide HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT, and EXPERTISE for people who have experienced life-altering changes. These are the three themes of our blog posts.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Play Ball!
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!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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.”
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| RSTs attended many breakout sessions throughout the day devoted to topics on personal growth and development. |
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| Tyler 2 RSTs (pictured) and The Cottage both took First Place in the Science of Caring Poster Contest |
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| Lisa Bray, IMAGINE coordinator, Lela Hickonbottom "Health Careers" presenter and Mary Jo Hall, IMAGINE coordinator. |
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| Children's Services Manager Derica Scribner and Behavioral Specialist Kelly Sandor discuss parenting skills in their Parenting with Love & Logic session |
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| Keynote Speaker Walt Stasinski from Potential Unlimited in Troy |
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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.
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
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.
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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
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, June 3, 2011
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!
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!
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