SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Happy #IndependenceDay - Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Imagine being unable to ask your loved ones about their day or say, "I love you." This is the reality for those living with aphasia. Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain that are responsible for language. June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, a time to share some key technological advancements that provide vital assistance to individuals living with aphasia. Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can consist of all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. They can be used to either supplement existing speech or used in place of speech that is absent or not functional. These innovative tools enhance the everyday lives of people with aphasia, empowering them to communicate effectively and regain their independence. #Aphasia #TechnologyAssistance #LetsTalkAphasia

Your loved one just suffered a stroke. You rush to the hospital to be by their side and find you are at a loss for words when you realize the road to recovery that lies ahead. After a stroke, your loved one may also be at a loss for words. While difficulty communicating is a common and immediate symptom of stroke, it’s also one that can continue in the future. Communication challenges – including how fluently and clearly a stroke patient can speak and how well they can comprehend others – can persist long after the stroke. This is called aphasia. If you have a loved one who is struggling with aphasia, you can play an important role in improving their quality of life. Read more about aphasia after stroke here: https://bit.ly/3VRYUtt #aphasia #LetsTalkAphasia

We conclude this year’s National CNA Week, with a series of comments from our clinicians characterizing the exceptional qualities of their nursing assistant colleagues. “Daija always does excellent patient care and team work. She brought in hair products for a patient and braided their hair during her spare time.” - Andrea Dondzila, Nursing Supervisor “Kayla went on her break to buy candy for a patient’s birthday. She is always willing to come in when we are short-staffed.” - Andrea Dondzila, Nursing Supervisor “Rachel always provides great patient care. She is always willing to help keep patients calm and safe.” - Andrea Dondzila, Nursing Supervisor “Sajad has been requested by multiple patients on different assignments because he makes them feel comfortable.” - Andrea Dondzila, Nursing Supervisor “One of our patients frequently requests care from Yolanda because she makes the patient feel cared for like family. The patient feels a sense of calm knowing she will receive compassionate care.” - Ryan Gvillo, Nursing Supervisor To learn more about our nursing program, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e-sSYNn #CNAWeek #CNA #NursingAssistant #PatientCareTech

On June 19, 1865, the remaining enslaved Black Americans were freed in the United States. Today, we recognize the rich history and resilience of our black communities. #Juneteenth

Nursing assistants have a tremendous impact on the patient care experience within our hospitals. Likewise, patients often leave a lasting impression on the nursing assistants. Given that, we asked our nursing assistants to “describe a meaningful moment” they had with their patients. Their answers were touching and heartwarming. To learn more about Select Medical’s network of hospitals, visit: https://lnkd.in/eHi-69ks #CNAWeek #CNA #NursingAssistant #PatientCareTech

We begin National CNA Week by recognizing the dedicated, patient-focused certified nursing assistants, nursing assistants and patient care techs within our hospital network. By assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs and ensuring their well-being, you make a real difference in the lives of our patients. Ashley Fogarty, previously a CNA, is now the chief nursing officer at Regency Hospital – Portage. She has always had a passion for science and caring for others. We asked Ashley why she became a CNA and what advice she has for current CNAs. Read Ashley’s full Q and A here: https://lnkd.in/eSP4wKWF To learn more about Select Medical’s network of hospitals, visit: https://lnkd.in/eHi-69ks #CNAWeek #CNA #NursingAssistant #PatientCareTech

Shortly after contracting Legionnaires’ disease, Evelyn Taylor, 22, had all four of her limbs amputated due to her body’s extreme reaction to the infection. Doctors told her she may never walk again.⁣ Evelyn was admitted to Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation – Dallas where she worked alongside her care team to learn adaptive strategies. Those strategies taught her how to perform daily tasks such as getting dressed and feeding herself. After receiving her prosthetics, Evelyn was driven to do more than just stand—she wanted to walk on her own.⁣ Three and a half months later, she walked out of inpatient rehabilitation on her own, ready to embrace her new normal.⁣⁣ “I’m grateful I was given a second chance,” said Evelyn. “Granted, I’ve lost all four limbs, but I am actually living better now than I ever did. It may seem little, but I am proud that I just get up every day. I get up, put my prosthetics on and live,” she said.⁣ View Evelyn’s inspiring full story here: https://lnkd.in/eAxpG6KT To learn more about Select Medical’s network of hospitals, visit: https://lnkd.in/ecNdtb85 #limblossawareness #limbloss

Women fall more often than men and experience three-quarters of all hip fractures, according to the CDC. Fall-related injuries can drastically impact mobility and/or be life altering. The good news? Most falls are preventable. Start with these simple tips: be aware of medication side effects, exercise to stay strong and check your vision regularly. #womenshealthmonth

Strokes can occur at any time and affect people of all ages and backgrounds. There are three ways to protect yourself from a stroke: Assess your risks. If any of the following apply to you, consider yourself at increased risk for stroke: smoking, family history, obesity, inactive lifestyle, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or circulation problems. Know your numbers. Visit your physician regularly for updates on your blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index. They can also give you advice on how to improve your numbers. Know the symptoms. Remember the acronym BE FAST, which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time. If you experience any of these symptoms for five minutes or more, call 911. #strokemonth