As Arizona residents, we already know our state is beautiful. It’s not a secret to others either, as about 250,000 new residents relocated to Arizona last year. Our weather, recreational opportunities, strong job market and affordability compared to coastal states mean Arizona continues to grow rapidly.
Luckily for Arizonans, with an increase in population comes continued growth in an already impressive health care community.
After a catastrophic brain injury, access to exemplary health care can change outcomes. We are fortunate to have Barrow Neurological Institute in our back yard. A Level 1 trauma center, Barrow has more certified neuroscience registered nurses than any other hospital in the world and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities-accredited neuro-rehabilitation programs.
Many Phoenix-area hospitals are designated primary stroke centers and are recognized by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The immediate hours and days following a catastrophic injury are so important. Hospital length-of-stay will vary based on the injuries an individual sustains.
In Arizona, along with skilled surgical teams and hospitals, post-acute care and rehabilitation facilities abound. After a brain injury, when the patient is stable, often they are discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Here, the therapy team takes over.
Physical therapists help individuals regain function after an injury. Sometimes, survivors are left with paralysis or hemiparesis (paralysis on one side). Daily therapy helps people reach their maximum potential — teaching them how to walk, balance, utilize canes, walkers or wheelchairs. They work on strengthening or helping patients to regain or increase function.
Occupational therapists help people regain or adapt to learn skills that are useful in activities of daily living — such as getting dressed. Sometimes it is a matter of verbally cuing or reminding patients how to complete a task, other times the individual may need special adaptive equipment so that they can safely get dressed with minimal assistance.
Occupational therapists have the skills to make individualized splints and work with patients to obtain specially designed objects, such as eating utensils, grabbers, button fasteners and more, that help further enhance someone’s independence.
Speech and language pathologists (speech therapists) assess language, cognition and communication. Often after a brain injury, such as a stroke, you’ll notice some “confused speech.” Speech and language pathologists also address swallowing and feeding precautions and make recommendations. After a brain injury, swallowing may become compromised. This puts patients at risk for aspirating while eating. Aspiration is when food, liquid or other materials accidentally enter the airway and lungs.
Dieticians are instrumental in the use of nutrition to promote health and recovery. After the SLP’s evaluation, it may be recommended that a patient’s food be pureed and their liquids be thickened to avoid aspiration. A dietician can assist with special dietary needs and is an essential part of the team.
Neuropsychologists diagnose and treat brain disorders. A traumatic or acquired brain injury can have a significant effect on behavior. Impulse control, agitation, depression, aggression, sexual inappropriateness, problem solving, memory and more can be impacted after stroke, injury or illness.
Recovery takes a team of skilled individuals working together to identify patient needs and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Even after discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation program, patients may benefit from outpatient therapies several days per week.
Therapies can take place at an outpatient rehab center or even in the patient’s home with home health providers and therapists visiting or at a skilled nursing, assisted living or other long-term care facility.
Survivors and families who familiarize themselves with available resource, like nonprofit Brain Injury Association of Arizona can experience better outcomes and enjoy a higher quality of life.
For more about area resources, support, local events and more, reach out to BIAAZ via its website, biaaz.org, or to members of your medical team.
Editor’s note: Alicia M. Brown, ASB, LPN is marketing director at Everlasting Community Services in Phoenix. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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