SUMMER 2015

NeuroRestorative’s Use of Touch-Screen Technology Enhances Rehabilitative Process ............... 1

Extension of VA Pilot Program Allows One Veteran to Continue Reaching Goals ......... 2

NeuroRestorative New Hamp-shire Extends Programs and Sets the Bar for Continuous Quality Improvement ............................ 3

Get to Know Michael Zavacky, Marketing Director ................................... 4

Neuro Institute ......................... 5

New Programs ComingSoon ........................................ 6

New Programs Spotlight ........... 7

NeuroRestorative Programs Celebrated Brain Injury Awareness Month ........................... 8, 9 & 10

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Across the country, NeuroRestorative’s programs are utilizing technology to aid in the rehabilitation of its participants. NeuroRestorative Kentucky’s Lexington program is among those now integrating touch-screen technology into the therapeutic activities they provide.

“As an organization, NeuroRestorative aims to continually improve its rehabilitation services by utilizing the most innovative technology available,” said Bill Duffy, President, NeuroRestorative.

One device being utilized by NeuroRestorative is the SMART Board. Imagine if the chalkboard from your childhood classroom had the same capabilities as your iPad—that’s essentially what a SMART Board is. Designed as an

educational tool for teachers, SMART Boards utilize touch-screen technology to provide users with an interactive experience that integrates various software and internet capabilities. The boards can be used for one-on-one activities or group exercises. They have proven to be a welcome enhancement to NeuroRestorative Kentucky’s therapeutic programs.

“SMART Boards are effective on so many levels,” said Jane Stahl, State Director of NeuroRestorative Kentucky who oversees the state’s five programs. “From the physical rehabilitation aspect of walking up to the board, using hand-eye coordination to draw and/or point to the board, to the regaining of memory, the SMART Boards have proven successful in our programs.”

In Lexington, SMART Boards have replaced the more conventional whiteboards. Staff use them in day program classes, which each host about ten participants. Danny Cornett, Clinical Director of the program, leads classes for participants and commends the technology for its capabilities and its usefulness as a group tool.

“With my participant groups,” said Cornett, “we can work on something together, like the review of a video or article on the internet. The boards are much easier for group activities than tablets or laptops. So in addition to individuals working on their physical and cognitive skills, they’re also working as a team and improving their social communication skills.” Article continued on page 3

NeuroRestorative’s Use of Touch-Screen Technology Enhances Rehabilitative Process

Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury

“We are constantly adapting our rehabili-tation services to a changing world where technology is significantly impacting the way we communicate and interact with the environment,” said Marta Ketter, Speech Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative Carbondale.

A SMART Board used in Lexington, Kentucky.

Compassion, care and concern are the words that come to Carolyn Dorn’s mind when thinking about her family’s experience with NeuroRestorative Florida’s Avalon Park program and with the Department of Veterans Affairs Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. NeuroRestorative is one of twenty contractors awarded a contract for this program by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I thank God every day for NeuroRestorative,” said Carolyn. “Florida has a number of facilities, but the one in Avalon Park was ideal for my son. It was the facility to meet his needs and our situation.”

Three years ago, Carolyn’s son Barrett was in a car accident that left him in a coma. At the time, Barrett was enlisted in the Marines and had been in training. When he emerged from the coma, it was clear the 30-year-old faced a challenging road ahead. Barrett had sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the accident and had, as a result, lost much of his short-term memory. He also experienced a decline in his executive skills, which impacted his ability to perform activities of daily living. Planning, organizing, and completing everyday tasks—all things that came easily to him before—now proved to be a challenge, and Barrett was medically discharged from active duty.

Barrett currently lives at NeuroRestorative Florida’s Avalon Park in Orlando where he receives the therapeutic rehabilitative supports he needs to reach his goal of becoming more independent.

He participates in on-site activities, such as rehabilitative-focused puzzles and cognitive-skills games, and also enjoys the program’s community activities, including bowling and trips to the movies.

“The location of the program at Avalon Park is ideal,” said Carolyn, who, along with her husband Mike, is able to visit Barrett at least once a month. “It’s in a small community, so Barrett isn’t isolated. There’s a lot of opportunity for stimulation.”

Today, Barrett can complete many activities of daily living independently and is able to walk on his own. He has also improved his short-term memory, but, as Carolyn and Mike explain, he still has a lot of work to do before he achieves his goals. Through his own determination, his parents’ support, and the specialized services provided by Avalon Park’s dedicated team, Barrett is on his way.

“Avalon Park is a welcoming place with a wonderful, unique community of friendly people,” said Carolyn. “The staff at Avalon Park works with us. We share ideas. A situation like ours takes family involvement, it takes the participant and it takes the program. We have all three.”

Extension of VA Pilot Program Allows One Veteran to Continue Reaching Goals

“I thank God every day for NeuroRestorative. Florida has a number of facilities, but the Avalon Park program met his needs and our situation,” says Carolyn, mother of participant.

Barrett and his mother, Carolyn Dorn.

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NeuroRestorative New Hampshire Extends Programs and Sets the Bar for Continuous Quality Improvement

December 2014 was a busy time for NeuroRestorative New Hampshire as we welcomed six programs – previously managed by Lakeview NeuroRehabili-tation Center, Inc., to our organization. Since January, 2015, the programs in Belmont, Ossipee, Effingham, Farmington, Freedom and Wolfeboro, and their staff have participated in a range of training and orientation activities designed to position these programs for success as part of NeuroRestorative New Hampshire.

From new staff orientation where team members learned about NeuroRestor-ative’s policies and procedures to additional training on participants’ individu-alized service plans, the efforts to ensure the delivery of quality care continue to be made. All managers have also participated in educational sessions on NeuroRestorative’s Outcomes and Quality Indicators, as well as national benchmarks, with the goal of improved monitoring of program and participant progress.

“With these programs formerly managed by Lakeview now a part of our family, NeuroRestorative will continue our commitment to providing individualized community-based care and rehabilitation,” said Jody Crowley, Vice President of Operations, East Region, NeuroRestorative.

NeuroRestorative New Hampshire’s new program located in Ossippee.

NeuroRestorative New Hampshire’s new program located in Freedom.

“NeuroRestorative’s Use of Touch-Screen Technology Enhances Rehabilitative Process,“ continued from page 1 For individual activities, NeuroRestorative Florida’s Avalon Park program utilizes iPads which allow participants to use internet-based, cognitive programs such as Luminosity. Luminosity has proven effective in the rehabilitation of individuals with brain injury. A January 2015 study published by the Boston University School of Public Health assessed the online tool and its effect on 16 participants with mild cognitive impairments. The individuals participated in and completed 30 sessions of training with Luminosity. The study revealed that the participants improved on the program’s trained tasks and showed improvement in their ability to pay attention for an extended period of time.

“The Luminosity program tracks cognitive gains through visual graphs and other images,” said Robin McInnis, Case Manager at Avalon Park. “Using the program, our participants can see the progress they’re making which keeps them motivated to continue pushing forward.”

At NeuroRestorative Carbondale in Illinois, which utilizes both iPads and SMART Boards, technology also plays a significant role in the therapy process for both participants and staff.

“While technology is only one of the many tools we utilize during the rehabilitation process, it’s a highly effective one with numerous possibilities,” said Marta Ketter, Speech Language Pathologist at the Carbondale program. “There are hundreds of software programs and apps available that help survivors improve their motor, cognitive, and memory skills through practice. As a speech language pathologist, it’s exciting to learn about how we can leverage those specialized programs to enhance our participants’ therapeutic activities.”

Staff have also found success in utilizing software and devices that are not specifically designed for individuals with brain injury. In the Adolescent Program, for example, participants hook up their Guitar Hero music game to the program’s SMART Board and practice rhythm, coordination, and visual and auditory skills. Best of all, they have fun while doing it.

“One of the keys to helping a participant reach their rehabilitative goals is to keep them engaged in the process and properly motivated,” said Ketter. “For some of our therapeutic activities, we’ve found that technology does just that. It enhances the experience for participants while also helping them strengthen core skills and keeping them connected to the digital world in which they live.” *Source: Effectiveness of an impairment-based individualized rehabilitation program using an iPad-based software platform, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

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Get to Know Michael Zavacky Michael Zavacky is NeuroRestorative’s Director of Marketing for the South. We recently sat down with Michael to talk about his experience and why he’s excited to be a part of NeuroRestorative.

Before joining NeuroRestorative, you were the Director of Payor/Provider Relations at a community-based provider of services to individuals with brain injury where you spent nearly 10 years in roles that focused on marketing and development. As someone who’s dedicated his career to healthcare, what made you decide that this was the field for you? This field has always appealed to me because I have a passion for helping people become the best they can be. I’m especially passionate about helping individuals and families seeking post-acute brain injury rehabilitation services like NeuroRestorative’s. That’s what drives me, and that’s why I’m excited to be here. I’ll draw on my previous experiences in marketing and clinical evaluation to tell NeuroRestorative’s story and educate others on the services we provide in a compelling way that will help strengthen our programs and achieve our goal of serving well and serving more.

Why did you choose NeuroRestorative?I knew NeuroRestorative by its reputation as a quality provider and admired that it offers individuals personalized, community-based services. My initial impression was made even more positive by the people that I met early on in the interview process. They were truly passionate about what they do here, and that was a really good sign. The other reason was that NeuroRestorative offers their team opportunities to grow professionally. As someone who’s passionate about learning and further enhancing my skills so that I can be an even stronger contributor, it was important to me that I work for an organization that’s dedicated to its employees.

As Director of Marketing for the South, what’s your approach to leadership development as it pertains to how you interact with your team of clinical marketers? I’m a big proponent of staying connected and letting your team know that you are there for them to offer guidance, motivation, advice—whatever they need to be successful in the work they do. I feel strongly that staying connected to your team is very important, especially when they are remote and not close by. I connect with them frequently either in-person, over the phone, or through email and enjoy interacting with my team because it allows us to exchange ideas and collaborate. We can learn from each other’s successes and challenges. Plus, they’re a great group of driven and talented individuals so any opportunity to interact with them is always a positive experience.

NeuroRestorative participated in the 2015 Run-Walk to Home Base on July 25th in Boston, an event which supports Veterans returning home from military service. Employees from NeuroRestorative participated in the race and provided information at an exhibition booth. NeuroRestorative’s booth at the 2015 Run-Walk to

Home Base in Boston. 4

The Neuro Institute offers monthly, one hour online CEU opportunities for brain injury rehabilitation professionals.

Once every month from 12-1 p.m. EST, our highly qualified faculty members deliver engaging, innovative presentations spanning a variety of topics related to rehabilitation services. After the initial presentation, video recordings are available on our website to view for CEU credit. Opportunities are updated often, so make sure to check back for future presentation topics.

Meet NeuroRestorative’s experts and knowledgeable faculty members who provide monthly online learning opportunities and CEUs for brain injury rehabilitation professionals. T

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Dr. Frank Lewis, Ph.D. National Director of Clinical Outcome Services, NeuroRestorative Clinical Director, NeuroRestorative Georgia

Presentation Title: “Ethics in Clinical Practice”

*Recording is available online.

To learn more visit: www.neurorestorative.com/institute

Continuing Education for Rehabilitation Professionals

Dr. Gordon Horn, Ph.D. National Deputy Director of Clinical Outcome Services, NeuroRestorative

Presentation Title: “Residual Behaviors Influencing TBI Treatment & Recovery”

*Recording is available online.

Victoria Harding, Ph.D., MBA, CCC/SLP Vice President of Development, NeuroRestorative

Presentation Title: “Functional Recovery: A Mixed Methods Study of the Specific Variables Within a Post-Hospital Interdisciplinary Brain Injury Rehabilitation-Residential Program”

*Recording is available online.

Neal McGrath, Ph.D. Director, Sports Concussion New England and Neuropsychology New England

Presentation Title: “Concussion Management of the Student-Athlete”

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nNew Programs Offer More Options and Access to Care Closer to Home At NeuroRestorative, we understand how important it is for participants to have the support of their loved ones during the rehabilitation process. That’s why we continue to expand our programs to ensure that more people have access to the rehabilitation they need close to home. The programs listed below will offer neurorehabilitation, neurobehavioral and supported living services.

California

IllinoisNevada

Arizona

Colorado

Texas

Louisiana

Arkansas

Florida

Georgia

North CarolinaTennessee

Kentucky

Virginia

Iowa

Michigan

Ohio

Pennsylvania

MaineNew Hampshire

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

New Jersey

Maryland

NeuroRestorative Massachusetts—Fall River

NeuroRestorative Massachusetts—Weymouth

NeuroRestorative Michigan—Traverse City

NeuroRestorative Ohio—Reynoldsburg

NeuroRestorative Rhode Island

NeuroRestorative Illinois—Mt. Prospect

NeuroRestorative Maryland—Bowie

NeuroRestorative Kentucky—Lexington

NeuroRestorative Kentucky—Louisville

NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania—Milcreek

NeuroRestorative Maine—Old Orchard Beach

NeuroRestorative Maine—Sebago

NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania—Fairview

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NeuroRestorative Georgia Welcomes Harison Heights

NeuroRestorative is pleased to welcome Harison Heights Supported and Inde-pendent Living to the NeuroRestorative family, expanding our programs in the state of Georgia. Now operating as NeuroRestorative Georgia, the program formerly known as Harison Heights provides supported and independent living services—as well as a day program—for individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries in the Augusta region.

Since 1999, Harison Heights’ brain injury rehabilitation programs have met the needs of individuals at different points on the path to increased independence. Recognized by the state for Outstanding Contributions to Housing in Georgia through the Magnolia Award Certificate of Merit, Harison Heights has estab-lished itself as a leader in comprehensive and quality brain injury rehabilitation services.

NeuroRestorative Georgia looks forward to continuing our tradition of providing high-quality, community-based services to individuals with brain injury in our newest program at Harison Heights.

NeuroRestorative Iowa, a leading provider of post-acute rehabilitation services for individuals with brain injury and other neurological challenges, is pleased to announce the opening of two new programs in DeWitt and Ankeny.

The services provided at the homes located in DeWitt and Ankeny focus on empowering participants to live a healthy lifestyle and build real-world community and daily living skills leading to increased independence. Offering neurorehabilitation, neurobehavioral and supported living services, the DeWitt and Ankeny programs are conveniently located near restaurants, cafes, shops, churches and libraries, offering participants many opportunities to engage in community life.

“As a leading provider of post-acute services for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological challenges throughout the country, NeuroRestorative is excited to expand our services in Iowa and to serve even more individuals in need of care,” said Bill Duffy, President, NeuroRestorative.

NeuroRestorative’s programs are individually tailored to help participants live as independently as possible and enjoy a full and productive life, offering professional assistance and unparalleled resources to those we serve—from addressing medical complexities to providing specialized therapy to delivering ongoing community-based supports.

NeuroRestorative Iowa Opens Two New Programs in the “American Heartland”

NeuroRestorative Georgia’s new program at Harison Heights.

NeuroRestorative Georgia’s new program at Harison Heights.

NeuroRestorative Iowa’s new program at Ankeny.

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NeuroRestorative participates in national Brain Injury Awareness Month every March—a time to honor those impacted by brain injury and promote the need for prevention, access to care, research and advocacy.

This year NeuroRestorative marked Brain Injury Awareness Month through its #HeadsUp campaign. During the month of March, NeuroRestorative provided brain injury prevention tips in a series of emails, on our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as our website. By spreading awareness about brain injury prevention, NeuroRestorative educated the public and honored individuals and families living with brain injury.

Below are some of our educational tips:

Discard and replace sporting equipment or protective gear that

is damaged.

If you sustain a concussion, do not return to play until you receive

doctor approval.

Remove hazards in the home that may contribute to falls!

Be the change! Take responsibility for assigning a designated driver!

Remember to wear your seat belt, even in a cab!

SECURE FIREARMS IN

CABINET

SECURE

FIREARMS IN A LOCKED

CABINET

SEEK MEDICAL APPROVAL

REPLACE BROKEN EQUIPMENT

BEWARE OF HOUSEHOLD

HAZARDS

DRIVE & RIDE SAFELY DON’T DRIVE

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

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Brain Injury Awareness Month

Victoria Harding, NeuroRestorative’s Vice President of Development, describes how brain in-jury impacts vision to Bob Melia, Chief Development Officer of The MENTOR Network, during an Experience Fair held in Boston.

NeuroRestorative Florida’s Kristy Bruna and Cindy Meeks pose with Tony Meduri, a NeuroRe-storative participant. The Clearwater program participated in Tony’s Run, a 5K running race to honor Tony who suffered a brain injury from an accident caused by a drunk driver.

MeMe Perdue, Program Director of NeuroRestorative Kentucky’s program in Paducah, and Paducah Mayor Kaler, pose holding a written proclamation of Brain Injury Awareness Month during the program’s Open House this past March.

Jeremy Stumbo, Brandon Scott and Ashley Reffitt partici-pate in a Community Game night hosted by NeuroRestora-tive Kentucky’s program in Ashland.

The Brain Injury Experience Fair held in Boston. 9

NeuroRestorative Programs Celebrated Brain Injury Awareness Month

This past March, NeuroRestorative recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month by participating in a series of events across the country. The events were designed to raise awareness about brain injury and the issues impacting survivors and families. Often referred to as the “silent epidemic,” nearly 1.7 million individuals in the United States sustain an acquired brain injury each year, and more than 3.2 million individuals are permanently disabled as a result of a traumatic brain injury (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For some individuals, this means a loss of independence and a reliance on the support systems available to them—demonstrating how brain injury affects not only survivors, but their families and communities as well.

Brain Injury Awareness Month offers survivors, families, researchers, providers, and advocates with the opportunity to bring awareness to brain injury. NeuroRestorative was proud to promote this effort by hosting and participating in events designed to educate people on brain injury prevention, effects, rehabilitation, and

efforts to enhance treatment for survivors.

In Arkansas, NeuroRestorative Timber Ridge marked Brain Injury Awareness Month by hosting a Survivor’s Conference. Held at the Benton Event Center in Benton, Arkansas, the event included a panel presentation featuring family members of survivors who spoke about their experiences in navigating the care system, supporting their loved ones, and adjusting to life after brain injury. The conference also included vendor booths with brain injury consultant representatives.

NeuroRestorative Kentucky’s Paducah and Ashland programs also hosted events in recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month. In Paducah, staff invited community members to an Open House, which included a tour of its Residential and Day Treatment programs. Participants, staff, and guests also heard from Mayor Gayle Kaler, who spoke at the event to officially proclaim March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Paducah. Attendees capped off the day with a balloon release ceremony. In Ashland, NeuroRestorative Kentucky hosted a community game night during which staff, community members, participants, and their families engaged in a fun-filled evening of games. The event provided community members with an opportunity to see the impact of brain injury firsthand while participants engaged with guests in one of the program’s most popular activities.

“Gaming, overall, is very therapeutic and popular among our participants, which is why we thought it best to mark Brain Injury Awareness Month by hosting this event,” said Jennifer Smith, Internal Case Manager of the NeuroRestorative Kentucky program.

Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, Dr. Gordon Horn, Ph.D., National Deputy Director of Clinical Outcomes and State Clinical Director of NeuroRestorative Florida, was featured on Veterans’ Voice, a Boston-based radio program. The show is dedicated to helping Veterans and active duty members of the military identify and apply for local, state and federal benefits. Dr. Horn spoke about Veterans living with brain injury. To listen, go to http://959watd.com/veteransvoice/#archive and click on the “3/26/2015 - #46 - Chelsea Soldiers Home Night” show.

In Florida at NeuroRestorative’s Clearwater program, staff and participants hosted the 1st Annual Tony’s Run during the last week of March. The 5K run was organized to honor Tony, a participant of the Clearwater program, and his family. A police officer of 32 years, Tony was injured in a car accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury. The run was held to honor him and to raise awareness for brain injury. Sponsored by NeuroRestorative Florida, the event included awards and prizes for the top three runners in each age group.

By honoring brain injury survivors and their families, NeuroRestorative continues to pave the way for injury prevention, education, advocacy and support.

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

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For more information, to schedule a tour or to make a referral:Call 800-743-6802 Email neuroinfo@neurorestorative.com Visit NeuroRestorative.com

NeuroRestorative is a leading provider of post-acute rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges. In a variety of locations and settings, we offer a continuum of care and rehabilitation options, including specialized services for children, adolescents, and Military Service Members and Veterans.

NeuroRestorative is a partner of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families.

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