Winning Wheels' Rehabilitation Program focuses on maximizing participant's potential to return to a less restrictive living arrangement after experiencing neurological impairment. A state-of-the-art facility incorporating a therapy gym and independent living apartment setting help participants accomplish their goals.

Winning Wheels specializes in serving individuals with neurological impairments. A neurological impairment is a group of disorders that primarily relate to the central nervous system comprised of the brain and spinal cord. Among the more common diagnostic categories and conditions are cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. A neurological impairment or disability may affect an individual’s speech, motor skills, vision, memory, muscle actions and learning abilities.

Formal therapies (speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy) provide a functional and practical approach to rehabilitation at Winning Wheels.

The first two weeks following admission, a comprehensive assessment is completed by staff from all departments to identify strengths and needs. The results of this assessment are developed into a plan to assist individuals in attaining their goals. Progress is monitored at least quarterly.

Each program plan is distinct with specific goals relating to medical, physical, cognitive, and emotional areas of concern. A comprehensive evaluation is facilitated across therapeutic disciplines prior to the establishment of functional outcome goals. Our functional therapy approach combines opportunities for therapeutic follow-through, skill acquisition and practice in real-life settings with family training and comprehensive discharge planning.

Recovery from brain injury or cognitive impairments related to chronic illness can be facilitated with cognitive rehabilitation. Individuals often experience changes in memory, attention, and concentration. The ability to plan and initiate activities may have been disrupted. Carrying out the tasks of daily living may require concentrated effort. Former work functions may be difficult to perform. Changes in cognitive functioning may range from mild to severe.

The goal of cognitive rehabilitation is to achieve the most independent or highest level of functioning. Treatment is based on individualized goals that take into consideration the patient's current pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Cognitive rehabilitation treatment goals include:

• Relearning of targeted mental abilities
• Strengthening of intact functions
• Relearning of social interaction skills
• Substitution of new skills for lost functions
• Optimizing control over the emotional aspects of an individual's functioning, including management of impulsivity and anger

What is the Treatment Process?

Treatment is highly individualized for each person. After an initial diagnostic interview and discussion of patient goals, medical records and neuropsychological evaluation results are reviewed. A cognitive rehabilitation plan is developed as a collaborative effort.

Outcome

A primary goal of cognitive rehabilitation is achieving significant and measurable improvements that enable individuals to enjoy a more productive and satisfying life after injury. Treatment is targeted, practical and geared to developing greater independence, improving everyday functioning and achieving academic and vocational goals. Tasks from a person's school or work environment are incorporated into the process of rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program

Winning Wheels' Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program is a CARF-accredited program of coordinated and integrated medical and rehabilitation services that is provided 24 hours per day and endorses the active participation and choice of the persons served throughout the entire program. The persons served, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team members, identify and address their medical and rehabilitation needs. The individual needs of the persons served drive the appropriate use of the rehabilitation continuum of care, the establishment of predicted outcomes, the provision of care, the composition of the interdisciplinary team, and discharge to their communities of choice. An integrated interdisciplinary team approach is reflected throughout all activities.

The program provides a disclosure statement to each person served that addresses the intensity of care that will be provided. The intensity of care identified in the disclosure statement is based on a medical and rehabilitation preadmission assessment of the person served. This assessment includes information on the person's diagnosis, prognosis, morbidity, co-morbidity, premorbid level of function, support system, mental status, and ability to tolerate the intensity of care.

A Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program clearly identifies the scope and value of the medical and rehabilitation services provided.

Developing independence is especially important. Patients learn independent living skills, such as cooking, laundry and money management.

Having a spinal cord injury doesn't mean that those injured have to stop participating in fun activities. Winning Wheels' Recreational Therapy Program shows patients that they can have alot of fun, from power wheelchair soccer, outrigger canoeing and bicycling to specially adapted video games.