FREE IN HOME EVALATION

Call Shannan at 616.464.1117 or 616.773.0726

Personal Care /Grooming

Light Housekeeping (Home Health Aides)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s)

Skilled Nursing (LPN’s & RN’s)

Bathing Dressing    24 Hour Care    Homemaking    Meal Prep

Physical & OT Therapy     Emergency Respite     Medication Management

Transportation     Surgery Recovery      Cancer & Stroke Recovery

Alzheimer’s Care       ALS & Dementia Care      Wound Care      IV Therapy

Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Care Workman’s Compensation Injuries

Motor Vehicle Accident Care Catastrophic Injuries

Trusted Passionate Proven

 

Screened, Referenced, Background Checked, Bonded, Insured, Dependable, Caring Serving all of Michigan!

Turn Stress into Strength

Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress, says many women don't realize they are addicted to stress because they are not paying attention to their own needs. "Instead of helicoptering over everyone else and their happiness, it's time to helicopter over yourself and identify that pattern of [being an] overdoer at home and at work," she says. Debbie shares ways to combat stress and turn it into useful energy.

Reclaim Your Identity

Find the hidden girl within! Who were you before you became a wife, mother or colleague? What makes your heart sing? What do you enjoy doing? "You need to go back to the basics of your identity," Debbie says. Think about what you like to do and ask others what you are good at doing and write these things down. Debbie says you should ask yourself, "What is it I want to accomplish for myself instead of other people?"

Cultivate Your Sense of Fun and Humor

Reduce problems and stress to absurdity by looking at life with a sense of humor, Debbie says. Then, learn some jokes, read funny books and watch funny TV shows. "If you keep looking at 'funny,' it will become a part of you," Debbie says. "Pretend you are a detective and you've got this eye for humor. I think if you find someone who makes you laugh or smile, conjure that up [during a stressful moment], and it just breaks the perspective immediately."

Build a Healthy Body

Lift weights to lift your spirit or take an aerobics class to sweat away the stress of the day, Debbie says. "Because I am exercising and feeling fit and energetic and ridding myself of stress, I will [also] eat healthy, because my body is my temple," she says.

Reframe Your Thoughts

When people get upset, they create negative stories. Why not make your stories positive instead? "Come up with a way to create a positive story where you are the heroine, and this way you build up immunity to all this negativity," Debbie says

Learn to Become a Healthy Narcissist

You don't need to be self-obsessed to be a healthy narcissist, Debbie says. Instead, engage in good self-care, she says. "Dress to please yourself and for success," Debbie says. "Your accessories, anything about you, even the jewelry you wear—whether it is costume or it is real or it is fun—it expresses who you are, your identity to others."

By Bob Greene
Oprah Radio
November 13, 2008



Understanding TBI Behavior Issues....

In understanding TBI problem behaviors it is important to manage your own behavior and not that of the other individuals. It is not realistic to think that negative behavior can be totally being eliminated; minimizing the inappropriate behavior is the most realistic approach. Recognize that the behavior problem is a neurological problem and not a personal issue will avoid reacting emotionally to what is occurring. It is important to understand that most often TBI occur to the frontal areas of the brain where the damage causes individuals to be unable to hold back their emotional and verbal responses. Individuals with TBI are usually not violent but may make have loud outbursts. Typically the event lasts only two to three minutes, then the individual returns back to normal. Remember your response should be: Remain calm, remove if able the cause of the outburst, do not try to reason or argue, reinforce positive behavior, and/or medicate.


The most important thing to remember in living and working with an individual with TBI is to remain calm and be flexible. Do not take it personally when behavioral problems exhibit. Stay calm and have a sensitive approach while the individual struggles through this difficult time.

AdvisaCare understands these issues and can help your family too.

Go to www.AdvisaCare.com to learn more.

Signs & Symptoms of a Brain Injury


Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.

Mild traumatic brain injury

The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) may include:
 Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
 No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented
 Memory or concentration problems
 Headache
 Dizziness or loss of balance
 Nausea or vomiting
 Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears or a bad taste in the mouth
 Sensitivity to light or sound
 Mood changes or mood swings
 Feeling depressed or anxious
 Fatigue or drowsiness
 Difficulty sleeping
 Sleeping more than usual


Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as the following symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:
 Loss of consciousness from a few minutes to hours
 Profound onfusion
 Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior
 Slurred speech
 Inability to awaken from sleep
 Weakness or numbness in the extremities
 Loss of coordination
 Loss of bladder control or bowel control
 Persistent headache or headache that worsens
 Repeated vomiting or nausea
 Convulsions or seizures
 Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
 Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears

If you think that you have any of these symptoms and have been in an accident please seek medical treatment with your doctor.

How Many People Have TBI?


Data are critical to understand traumatic brain injury (TBI) as an important public health problem. This data can help inform TBI prevention strategies, identify research and education priorities, and support the need for services among those living with a TBI

National TBI Estimates Each year, an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a TBI annually. Of them:
•52,000 die,

•275,000 are hospitalized, and

•1.365 million, nearly 80%, are treated and released from an emergency department.
TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the United States.1
About 75% of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.2
*The number of people with TBI who are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care is unknown.

TBI by Age

•Children aged 0 to 4 years, older adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, and adults aged 65 years and older are most likely to sustain a TBI.
•Almost half a million (473,947) emergency department visits for TBI are made annually by children aged 0 to 14 years.
•Adults aged 75 years and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death.

TBI by Gender
•In every age group, TBI rates are higher for males than for females
•Males aged 0 to 4 years have the highest rates of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.




http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/statistics.html (2010)

Brain Injury Basics: Behavioral & Emotional

Behavioral and Emotional Changes
Delayed or unresponsiveness to requests

Aggression
Property destruction
Depression
Yelling and angry outbursts
Self-injurious behavior
Decreased frustration tolerance
Impulsivity
Decreased sensitivity to others
Paranoia
Inappropriate sexual behavior
Hyperactivity
Immature self-focused behavior
Hoarding
Emotional swings (affective ability)


Understanding Behavior
Human behavior is commplex

Behavior is lawful and occurs for specific reasons
Behavior is controlled by the human nervous system and environment.
When brain functioning is altered by an injury, behavior can change.
Altered behavior occurs as a result of brain injury and is further affected by environmental influences

Brain Injury Basics: Introduction

Introduction:

• There may be many changes in how a person thinks, feels, and acts after a brain injury.
• Cognitive, physical, behavioral and emotional changes can greatly affect a person’s ability to live independently.
• These changes can affect virtually every aspect of a person’s daily existence.
• Most people who have survived brain injury have impairments in several areas, which complicate living independently, working, and relationships with others.
• Changes in behavior after brain injury presents special difficulties.

 

Functional IMPACT:

• Cognitive impairments can affect activities of daily living
• Memory problems are considered to be the most disabling consequence of brain injury
• Executive functioning refers to the ability to plan, initiate, direct, and monitor one’s activities and are often impacted
• With impaired executive functioning, a person may not respond to stimulation from the environment in the same way as before a brain injury
• Initiation problems may result in a person failing to engage in an important activity unless prompted repeatedly.

 Look for more information on Friday. Any questions or concerns please email sdushane@advisacare.com

Resources In the community

Below are a few resources in the area that are beneficial to our community and can help with most situations.


Brain Injury Association of Michigan
http://www.biausa.org/

American Spinal Cord Injury Association
http://www.asia-spinalinjury.org/

Michigan Disability Resources
www.michigan.gov/disabilityresources

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
http://www.aaawm.org/

Disability Advocates of Kent County
http://www.disabilityadvocates.us/

Email or call us with other valuable resources you might have
that you want others to know about to sdushane@advisacare.com

We would love the opportunity to help you in your health care needs call us to see what we can do for you with a no obligation screening evaluation today


 



We Can Help! Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation


Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.
To enhance your quality of life after stroke, you are encouraged you to learn as many details as possible about stroke and recovery. Here are resources and information you and your caregiver can use to make as much progress in recovery as possible.

Effects of Stroke
The abilities that will be lost or affected by stroke depend on the extent of the brain damage and where in the brain the stroke occurred. Learn about areas within the brain that are responsible for a particular function or ability and how this can be affected by stroke.

Post-stroke
Educate yourself. Cover topics such as choosing the best stroke rehabilitation provider, discovering your dietary needs, developing coping skills to manage daily living, dealing with emotions and more.

Current statistics indicate that there are over 4 million people in the United States who have survived a stroke or brain attack and are living with the after-effects. These numbers do not reflect the scope of the problem and do not count the millions of husbands, wives and children who live with and care for stroke survivors and who are, because of their own altered lifestyle, greatly affected by stroke.

The very word "stroke" indicates that no one is ever prepared for this sudden, often catastrophic event. Stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions to most difficult situations by approaching every problem with patience, ingenuity, perseverance and creativity.

Early Recovery
There's still so much we don't know about how the brain compensates for the damage caused by stroke or brain attack. Some brain cells may be only temporarily damaged, not killed, and may resume functioning. In some cases, the brain can reorganize its own functioning. Sometimes, a region of the brain "takes over" for a region damaged by the stroke. Stroke survivors sometimes experience remarkable and unanticipated recoveries that can't be explained. General recovery guidelines show:

• 10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely
• 25 percent recover with minor impairments
• 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments requiring special care
• 10 percent require care in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
• 15 percent die shortly after the stroke

Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation actually starts in the hospital as soon as possible after the stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as necessary after release from the hospital. The goal in rehabilitation is to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have taken away – skills like eating, dressing and walking. There are many types of rehabilitation available. The crucial and practical information will empower you to take charge of your life and become an active participant in your recovery. Learn about how to face daily tasks at home, dressing and grooming tips, ways to make eating easier and dealing with skin care problems.

Prevent another stroke
Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%. Learn how to reduce your risk for a recurrent stroke by making lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions that could your increase stroke risk.
• Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year -- about 185,000 of those strokes are recurrent strokes.
• At least 1 in 4 (25%-35%) of the 795,000 Americans who have a stroke each year will have another stroke within their lifetime.
• Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%.
• Recurrent strokes often have a higher rate of death and disability because parts of the brain already injured by the original stroke may not be as resilient.
• Within 5 years of a stroke, 24 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience a recurrent stroke.

Call us Toll Free for a Free Consultation (877) 654-4144 and ask for Shannan

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Frequent causes of damage are trauma (car accident, gunshot, falls, etc.) or disease (polio, spina bifida, Friedreich's Ataxia, etc.). The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact, but the damage to it results in loss of functioning. SCI is very different from back injuries such as ruptured disks, spinal stenosis or pinched nerves.


A person can "break their back or neck" yet not sustain a spinal cord injury if only the bones around the spinal cord (the vertebrae) are damaged, but the spinal cord is not affected. In these situations, the individual may not experience paralysis after the bones are stabilized.

What is the spinal cord and the vertebra? The spinal cord is about 18 inches long and extends from the base of the brain, down the middle of the back, to about the waist. The nerves that lie within the spinal cord are upper motor neurons (UMNs) and their function is to carry the messages back and forth from the brain to the spinal nerves along the spinal tract. The spinal nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to the other parts of the body are called lower motor neurons (LMNs). These spinal nerves exit and enter at each vertebral level and communicate with specific areas of the body. The sensory portions of the LMN carry messages about sensation from the skin and other body parts and organs to the brain. The motor portions of the LMN send messages from the brain to the various body parts to initiate actions such as muscle movement.
The spinal cord is the major bundle of nerves that carry nerve impulses to and from the brain to the rest of the body. The brain and the spinal cord constitute the Central Nervous System. Motor and sensory nerves outside the central nervous system constitute the Peripheral Nervous System, and another diffuse system of nerves that control involuntary functions such as blood pressure and temperature regulation are the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.

The spinal cord is surrounded by rings of bone called vertebra. These bones constitute the spinal column (back bones). In general, the higher in the spinal column the injury occurs, the more dysfunction a person will experience. The vertebra are named according to their location. The eight vertebra in the neck are called the Cervical Vertebra. The top vertebra is called C-1, the next is C-2, etc. Cervical SCI's usually cause loss of function in the arms and legs, resulting in quadriplegia. The twelve vertebra in the chest are called the Thoracic Vertebra. The first thoracic vertebra, T-1, is the vertebra where the top rib attaches.

Injuries in the thoracic region usually affect the chest and the legs and result in paraplegia. The vertebra in the lower back between the thoracic vertebra, where the ribs attach, and the pelvis (hip bone), are the Lumbar Vertebra. The sacral vertebra run from the Pelvis to the end of the spinal column. Injuries to the five Lumbar vertebra (L-1 thru L-5) and similarly to the five Sacral Vertebra (S-1 thru S-5) generally result in some loss of functioning in the hips and legs.

What are the effects of SCI? The effects of SCI depend on the type of injury and the level of the injury. SCI can be divided into two types of injury - complete and incomplete. A complete injury means that there is no function below the level of the injury; no sensation and no voluntary movement. Both sides of the body are equally affected. An incomplete injury means that there is some functioning below the primary level of the injury. A person with an incomplete injury may be able to move one limb more than another, may be able to feel parts of the body that cannot be moved, or may have more functioning on one side of the body than the other. With the advances in acute treatment of SCI, incomplete injuries are becoming more common.

The level of injury is very helpful in predicting what parts of the body might be affected by paralysis and loss of function. Remember that in incomplete injuries there will be some variation in these prognoses.

Cervical (neck) injuries usually result in quadriplegia. Injuries above the C-4 level may require a ventilator for the person to breathe. C-5 injuries often result in shoulder and biceps control, but no control at the wrist or hand. C-6 injuries generally yield wrist control, but no hand function. Individuals with C-7 and T-1 injuries can straighten their arms but still may have dexterity problems with the hand and fingers. Injuries at the thoracic level and below result in paraplegia, with the hands not affected. At T-1 to T-8 there is most often control of the hands, but poor trunk control as the result of lack of abdominal muscle control. Lower T-injuries (T-9 to T-12) allow good truck control and good abdominal muscle control. Sitting balance is very good. Lumbar and Sacral injuries yield decreasing control of the hip flexors and legs.

Besides a loss of sensation or motor functioning, individuals with SCI also experience other changes. For example, they may experience dysfunction of the bowel and bladder,. Sexual functioning is frequently with SCI may have their fertility affected, while women's fertility is generally not affected. Very high injuries (C-1, C-2) can result in a loss of many involuntary functions including the ability to breathe, necessitating breathing aids such as mechanical ventilators or diaphragmatic pacemakers. Other effects of SCI may include low blood pressure, inability to regulate blood pressure effectively, reduced control of body temperature, inability to sweat below the level of injury, and chronic pain

How many people have SCI? Who are they? Approximately 450,000 people live with SCI in the US. There are about 10,000 new SCI's every year; the majority of them (82%) involve males between the ages of 16-30. These injuries result from motor vehicle accidents (36%), violence (28.9%), or falls (21.2%).Quadriplegia is slightly more common than paraplegia

WE are LOOKING for YOU!

Do you know of anyone that is in a unhealthy or bad position of home health care, or someone that needs help in their home?  Do you have a loved one that is being released from a hospital and will need care and don't know who to call?

AdvisaCare understands the importance of reliable and dependable home care services; we want to help you through the frustrating situation of unreliable home care.

Call Us 1.888.607.8233 or
Email Shannan Dushane at sdushane@advisacare.com

The Center for SCI Recovery

The Center for SCI Recovery®, is one of the first hospital-based programs of its kind in the U.S., to provide a long-term, high-intensity, non-traditional activity-based therapy program that utilizes innovative exercise techniques to optimize recovery.

The program incorporates therapeutic techniques based on the newest information available from emerging research around the globe. Our experienced team works one-on-one with the client to develop a creative individual therapeutic exercise program, aimed at activating muscles and nerves below the level of injury.

 

The CSCIR is a unique, state-of-art clinical facility, offering an intensive physical therapy program that incorporates the latest scientific research and innovative therapeutic techniques, focused on making recovery from SCI a reality.

 

http://www.facebook.com/CenterforSCIRecovery

Stroke Recovery

A stroke can be devastating, robbing people of their mobility, speech, independence and freedom to live life. But recovery from stroke is possible! 

In the United States more than 700,000 people suffer a stroke* each year, and approximately two-thirds of these individuals survive and require rehabilitation. The goals of rehabilitation are to help survivors become as independent as possible and to attain the best possible quality of life. Even though rehabilitation does not "cure" stroke in that it does not reverse brain damage, rehabilitation can substantially help people achieve the best possible long-term outcome.

AdvisaCare has nurses that specialize in rehabilitation to help survivors relearn how to carry out the basic activities of daily living. They also educate survivors about routine health care, such as how to follow a medication schedule, how to care for the skin, how to manage transfers between a bed and a wheelchair, and special needs for people with diabetes. Rehabilitation nurses also work with survivors to reduce risk factors that may lead to a second stroke, and provide training for caregivers.

Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM)

For over 50 years, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM), has been helping people rebuild their lives after a serious illness or injury. We do this by delivering comprehensive rehabilitation services based on cutting-edge treatment techniques, innovative research and excellent, personalized medical care. A full spectrum of comprehensive services and programs are available for spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, musculoskeletal disorders, low back problems, amputations, geriatric conditions, work-related injuries, sports injuries and other medical conditions requiring physical rehabilitation.

AdvisaCare helps our clients partisipate in the activities and rehab through RIM because we believe that each individuals capabilities are unique and deserve the best rehabilitation as possible.  We donate proceeds of ongoing benefits, golf outtings and more that we participate in all year long. 

 We are proud to be associated with such a great organization.

To learn more click on this link  www.centerforscirecovery.org

What is Traumatic Brain Injury.....

Traumatic brain injury, often referred to as TBI, is most often an acute event similar to other injuries. That is where the similarity between traumatic brain injury and other injuries ends. One moment the person is normal and the next moment life has abruptly changed.


In most other aspects, a traumatic brain injury is very different. Since our brain defines who we are, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of our lives, including our personality. A brain injury is different from a broken limb or punctured lung. An injury in these areas limit the use of a specific part of your body, but your personality and mental abilities remain unchanged. Most often, these body structures heal and regain their previous function.

Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries. Recovery is a functional recovery, based on mechanisms that remain uncertain. No two brain injuries are alike and the consequence of two similar injuries may be very different. Symptoms may appear right away or may not be present for days or weeks after the injury.

One of the consequences of brain injury is that the person often does not realize that a brain injury has occurred. (www.traumaticbraininjury.com)

If your family is in need of Home Services to help with a loved one or friend, please give us a call and we'll send someone out to talk with you and assess your situation.

Shannan DuShane
sdushane@advisacare.com
http://www.advisacare.com/
1.877.654.4144

2010 Grand Rapids Adjusters Association Golf Outting

2010 Grand Rapids Adjusters Association Golf Outting

When: Friday, August 6, 2010
Where: Briarwood Golf Club, 2900 92nd SE Caledonia, MI 49316 (616) 698-8720
Time: 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start; Lunch at the turn; 4:30 p.m. Social Hour; 5:30 p.m. Dinner

19th Annual Western Grand Invitational -Harvey Lexus Champions For Charity Golf Outing

Proud Player and Sponsor of the

19th Annual Western Grand Invitational - Brain Injury Association of Michigan

Harvey Lexus Champions For Charity Golf Outing

Local guest celebrities from WLAV FM and WZZM TV 13, raffle, live auction (a lucky bidder will win two playing positions for the national Lexus Champions For Charity event in CA) and more!

We are pleased to be the sponsor of the 2010 annual golf outing. This year marks our 12th year of partnering with the BIA and we want to thank everyone who supports this great event!

Three BIA chapters in West MI will receive the proceeds from this event. Also, donations are accepted at any time. Please call (616) 954-1178 for more information or e-mail: vlindeman@harveyautomotive.com

Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids is proud to be one of the Frederik Meijer Summer Concert Series sponsors for 2010.

The annual Summer Concert Series runs May through August and features beautiful terraced lawn seating, food and beverage concessions, and major artists such as the Doobie Brothers, George Thorogood, Lyle Lovett and the Indigo Girls. Tickets went on sale to the general public on May 15. Concert line-up, prices and purchasing locations are available at www.MeijerGardens.org

We will also have opportunities to win two VIP Concert Packages and one Grand Prize Package. Registration will take place at the concerts.

More information:
http://www.harveylexusgrandrapids.com/CurrentEvents

AdvisaCare has been providing care for patients, and their families, since 1997. Patients and Referral sources have found the following information helpful in beginning to understand the value we provide as an agency. Like many agencies, we provide caring, hardworking, well-trained and dependable staff. Additionally, and perhaps more important, we provide the oversight and management of our patients that has been lacking in Home Care. 

You will find we specialize in Auto Accident related injuries as well as Workman’s Compensation Injury Care. Our Agency is committed to helping you achieve the goals you need on your road to recovery. You will find our Care Managers will make sure to keep overall costs contained while improving, or maintaining, your health and well-being.

Although you may have worked with a number of different agencies over the years, we ask that you grant us an opportunity to take care of you. Let us have an opportunity to visit with you and help make that decision as well. We have taken on more than one client who has been through multiple agencies in a short period of time!

While it is uncommon, a few of our patients have been through 3-5 agencies in the matter of 2-3 years. We recognize each patient copes with their Catastrophic Injury differently and it is up to us to “roll with the punches” and serve them anyway we can to ensure that AdvisaCare is their agency of choice.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service,


Kris Skogen
President