WINTER 2014

NeuroRestorative Keeps Return-to-Hospital Rates Low ................................ 1

Timber Ridge Participant Story: Jordan Laughard ...................... 3

Tampa Program Celebrates 15th Anniversary ....................... 4

Maryland Day Program Participants Heal, Express Themselves through Music ....... 5

NeuroRestorative Launches Educational Videos ................... 6

Upcoming Events ..................... 7

Better Together as NeuroRestorative Michigan ....... 8

Assisted Living Pilot Program Extended ................... 9

Meet the Experts ...................... 9

New Programs Offer More Options and Access to Care Closer to Home ...................... 10

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A NeuroRestorative report* examining the number of participants readmitted to hospitals or acute rehabilitation facilities due to medical or other complications showed that within the first 30 days following admission to a NeuroRestorative program, the return-to-hospital rate was less than 1% per 1,000 participant days. Additionally, NeuroRestorative’s overall return-to-hospital rate has remained consistently below 1% per 1,000 participant days since the third quarter of the 2013 fiscal year.

“This means that within the critical first 30 days after being discharged to NeuroRestorative from an acute care medical facility, less than one percent of our participants experienced a complication that required rehospitalization,” says Gordon Horn, Ph.D., Deputy Director of National Clinical Outcomes Analysis for NeuroRestorative. In fact, Dr. Horn says, for participants in NeuroRestorative’s Supported Rehabilitation Programs, the average length of stay before having an incident requiring rehospitalization such as a fall, seizure or behavioral crisis was more than three years.

To place NeuroRestorative’s return-to-hospital rate in a broader national context, a study by the Dartmouth Atlas Project**, evaluating readmission rates in more than 3,000 hospitals, found that one in eight Medicare patients were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after returning home following surgery in 2010. Non-surgical patients were readmitted at a rate of one in six.

Dr. Horn believes that NeuroRestorative’s low rate of hospital readmission is due to its ability to comprehensively manage a participant’s medical, rehabilitative and behavioral needs within its continuum of care. With staff that includes medical directors and nurses specially trained in brain injury management, NeuroRestorative’s medical oversight and intensity, therapeutic services, and daily supervision help participants remain stable following hospital discharge.

NeuroRestorative also offers a unique model of services and supports for individuals with brain injury. Each participant has a personalized plan of care tailored to their unique rehabilitation goals, working with therapists and Life Skills Trainers to build skills in an environment that maximizes opportunities to apply them in the community.

Dr. Horn further explained, “For those few participants who must return to the hospital for an acute need, we provide the discharge planning so that participants can re-engage in the rehabilitation process when medically appropriate. By discharge planning with the hospital, NeuroRestorative ensures continuity of care, thereby minimizing disruptions to a participant’s program and goals completion.”

NeuroRestorative Keeps Return-to-Hospital Rates Low

*Source: Hospitalization Rates in Post-hospital Care: 2014 Report, NeuroRestorative**Source: The Revolving Door: A Report on U.S. Hospital Readmissions (2013)

• Within the first 30 days following admission, NeuroRestorative’s return to hospital rate was 0.12 per 1,000 participant days (<1%)

• NeuroRestorative has maintained an overall incidence of return to hospitalization at 0.80 per 1,000 participant days (<1%)

Total Return to Hospital Since FY 2013

Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury

Dear Friends,

As the end of 2014 comes into view and the beginning of a new year is in sight, this is a time to reflect on the achievements we’ve made, the people we’ve served and the good work we’ve done.

NeuroRestorative has had a lot to celebrate this year. In this issue of Neuro News I’m happy to share information about new programs that launched this year in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Maine. This year also marked the 15th Anniversary of NeuroRestorative Florida’s Tampa program. NeuroRestorative celebrated the milestone by hosting an event for the participants and employees from Florida’s first

program. Turn to Page 4 to read more about the event and how the Tampa program has been the inspiration for other NeuroRestorative programs in the Sunshine State.

As you may know, this past August, President Obama signed legislation to extend the Veterans Health Administration’s Assisted Living Pilot program for Veterans with brain injury for an additional three years— to 2017. We are honored to be granted the opportunity to continually serve our nation’s Veterans; they deserve our care and support. All of us at NeuroRestorative wish you and your families a happy and healthy 2015. And, as always, I welcome your feedback on what you’d like to see in Neuro News. Please email your suggestions to neuronews@neurorestorative.com. Sincerely,

Bill Duffy President

Message from the President20

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NeuroRestorative congratulates Victoria Harding on being a 2014 Ripple of Hope winner for her work on behalf of Veterans with brain injury. The Ripple of Hope is The MENTOR Network’s annual staff and independent contractor recognition event.

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At the time of his accident, 17-year-old Jordan Laughard was driving a 1995 Chevy Caprice purple wagon, a car he and his father, Darin, had spent time reconditioning. With its new tail lights, booming stereo system and set of bucket seats, the car’s updated look was evidence of the Laughard family’s love for cars.

Behind the wheel, Jordan lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. Despite the severity of the accident, Jordan did not break any bones and had only a few small cuts on his head and arms. He also sustained a severe brain injury.

“To look at him, there was nothing majorly wrong, but the accident sheared connections in his brain. After the crash, he was in a coma for more than 30 days,” said Darin.

When Jordan woke up, he was a different person: he could not walk, talk, eat normally and he required assistance with almost everything he did. To communicate “yes” and “no,” Jordan had to make fists and raise two fingers.

“The injury impacted all of us. Jordan went from being a top baseball and football player, with lots of friends, to someone who needed total care. Everything turned upside down for us after his accident,” said Darin.

After hearing about NeuroRestorative Timber Ridge from a case worker at a local rehabilitation program, the Laughard’s decided to admit Jordan in May 2012. NeuroRestorative Timber Ridge, based in Benton, AR, is one of the largest pediatric brain injury and adolescent programs in the country and has helped hundreds of children and adolescents, like Jordan, receive specialized supports and therapies, while continuing their education.

While at NeuroRestorative Timber Ridge, Jordan received neurorehabilitative care from the program’s devoted staff.

“The staff at Timber Ridge worked with Jordan extensively. When he came to Timber Ridge, he couldn’t talk or walk. They were really dedicated working with him on building his physical strength, regaining his speech and practicing his memorization skills,” said Darin.

By the time Jordan left Timber Ridge five months later, he was walking with assistance from a walker, talking and had returned to a regular diet. He also graduated high school with his peers—a goal he and his family had hoped for during his time at Timber Ridge.

Today, Jordan is 20-years-old, living with his family and working full-time near his family’s home. The Laughard’s are thankful for the care, support and encouragement Jordan received at NeuroRestorative Timber Ridge.

Timber Ridge Participant Story: Jordan Laughard

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This year NeuroRestorative Florida’s first program in Tampa is marking its 15th anniversary— an important milestone for its staff, participants and their families, and for brain injury rehabilitation in the Sunshine State. The anniversary, which was celebrated during an event held at the Lutz, FL facility, symbolizes the longevity and success of NeuroRestorative’s community-based rehabilitation model, one that has been the foundation for the four other NeuroRestorative programs in Florida.

Beginning in 1999, the Tampa program offered Neurorehabiliation, Neurobehavioral and Supported Living to individuals with brain injury and their families. Since then, the Tampa location has expanded its rehabilitation offerings to include Day Treatment, Outpatient services, Transitional Living and Respite provided in a variety of settings in Tampa and surrounding areas. Approximately 60 people attended the anniversary celebration on Oct. 9, 2014, which was held under a tent at the Tampa program and included speeches, employee recognition, and tours of the program.

“Not only is this anniversary a milestone, but also a time to recognize the great work of our employees, many of whom have been here since the beginning,” said Patti Dorrell, State Director of NeuroRestorative Florida.

“Tampa has been the foundation for our success. It’s the flagship NeuroRestorative facility for Florida,” she added.

Tampa Program Celebrates 15th Anniversary

“Since the beginning, the Tampa program has developed its identity from the work of its steady, dedicated team of professionals. Our staff is—and has always been—committed to providing a high level of support to our participants, and that quality has been replicated in the rest of our Florida programs.”

- Mike Hofmeister, Vice President of Operations for NeuroRestorative

of playing. Using your hands in that way is very therapeutic.”

Palmer also leads group music and songwriting sessions, which improve social skills by helping participants work together to write and perform music.

Since Palmer began providing music therapy for participants, the Beltsville program has launched a monthly Café Night, which gives people the opportunity to perform songs and poetry for an audience. The first night was such a success that the number of performers doubled for the second month. Wilkinson says it’s an excellent opportunity for participants to socialize, gain confidence, and just have fun. “Music is an ideal therapy because it’s relaxing and fun, but it’s also a method of communication. For many of our folks, communication is key. Here they have the chance to communicate and express themselves in a different way. It’s something people really look forward to,” says Wilkinson.

“Our goal is to help participants feel like themselves, not a person with a brain injury,” says Tom Wilkinson, Program Manager in NeuroRestorative’s Beltsville, MD, Community Neurorehabilitation program.

The program combines structured day treatment, vocational supports and individualized therapies to serve people with brain injury and other neurological challenges. For the past year, the Beltsville program has made innovative use of music therapy to help participants improve motor and social skills, while processing the changes in their lives in a nurturing environment. Once a week, Music Therapist Abigail Palmer provides individual and group music therapy, helping participants express themselves by playing instruments, listening to music and songwriting.

Using her background as a classical harpist and in both guitar and piano, Palmer tailors therapy sessions to each participant’s needs and interests. She works with those interested in songwriting on an individual basis to help them write music that is meaningful and allows them to express their emotions about their experiences.

“Music allows people to emote in a positive way,” says Palmer. “They can put where they are emotionally into words. It also helps them improve their gross motor skills and hand/eye coordination through the act

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Maryland Day Program Participants Heal, Express Themselves through Music

“Our goal is to help participants feel like themselves, not a person with a brain injury.”

-Tom Wilkinson, Program Manager, NeuroRestorative’s Beltsville, MD

Community Neurorehabilitation Program

“Music allows people to emote in a positive way. They can put where they are emotionally into words. It also helps them improve their gross motor skills and hand/eye coordination through the act of playing.”

-Abigail Palmer, Music Therapist

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Caring for a loved one who has sustained a brain injury can be a challenging and daunting task. In addition to cognitive or physical challenges, a brain injury can lead to emotional and social challenges that impact the individual and their family members and friends. Understanding the changes that a loved one is going through—and the underlying symptoms of their brain injury that causes these changes—can help ensure that family members are better prepared to support and care for their loved one throughout their rehabilitative journey.

NeuroRestorative is committed to providing a range of educational resources for families and is proud to announce a new video series, “The Effects of Brain Injury.” From medical complexities to changes in personality, these videos are designed to help family members better understand and adjust to changes their loved one experiences as a result of their brain injury. Presented by NeuroRestorative’s expert clinical staff, our informative videos explain an array of brain injury symptoms and provide tips for treatment strategies in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand. “The Effects of Brain Injury” video series offers support for some of the most difficult questions facing family members such as:

• Will he ever be the same? • How do I help her through this depression? • What changes in personality should I be on the lookout for? • What is the best treatment option for improving my loved one’s memory?

At NeuroRestorative, we know that no two brain injuries are alike. Whether someone has recently experienced a brain injury or they need additional support after returning home, NeuroRestorative strives to equip family members with the knowledge and tools they need to best support their loved ones. We look forward to expanding educational opportunities for families and will develop additional videos for “The Effects of Brain Injury” covering a range of topics.

To learn more about brain injury education and the resources offered by NeuroRestorative, visit the Knowledge Center section of our website at www.NeuroRestorative.com/knowledge-center.

Topics• Brain Injury and Depression• The Effects of Brain Injury

on Speech• Causes of Seizures

Following Brain Injury• Brain Injury and Left Sided Neglect• Brain Injury and Balance• Effect of Brain Injury on Personality• The Effects of Brain Injury on Memory

NeuroRestorative Launches Educational Videos

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

On one Friday a 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 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.

Deborah Gutteridge, M.S., CBIST Clinical Evaluator, NeuroRestorative Carbondale

Dr. Gordon Horn, Ph.D. National Deputy Director of Clinical Outcomes, NeuroRestorative Clinical Director, NeuroRestorative Florida

Marta Ketter, CCC-SLP, CBIT Speech Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative Carbondale

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

Dr. Gregory Nordloh, Ph.D. Program Manager, NeuroRestorative Kentucky

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

Dr. Chad Walters, D.O., CBIS Medical Director, NeuroRestorative Kentucky

Rene Mills, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIT Program Director, NeuroRestorative San Antonio

Dr. Robin Annis, Psy.D., CBIS Neuropsychologist, NeuroRestorative Michigan

Continuing Education for Rehabilitation Professionals

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Earlier this fall, Community Links and Ann Arbor Rehabilitation Centers began operating as NeuroRestorative Michigan—a change that unites all of our services in Michigan under one name. Collectively, Community Links and Ann Arbor Rehabilitation Centers—which joined NeuroRestorative in 2013 and 2014 respectively—have provided exceptional services and supports to individuals with brain injury and their families throughout Michigan for more than two decades. We are delighted to have welcomed these exceptional providers into the NeuroRestorative family and to continue providing day treatment, home and community living programs together as NeuroRestorative Michigan. “The NeuroRestorative name illustrates the breadth and depth of our services and our commitment to helping individuals with brain injury and their families rebuild their lives,” said Bill Duffy, NeuroRestorative’s President. “Uniting our operations under one name combines the legacies and resources of exceptional providers in Michigan with the shared mission and values that enable us to support individuals across the country.” With locations in Northwestern and Greater Southeastern Michigan, NeuroRestorative Michigan provides day treatment, home, and community living programs for individuals with brain injury and other neurological challenges. Our experience-rich programs in Ann Arbor, Novi and Traverse City include comfortable and modern apartments that offer support to help participants become increasingly more independent. NeuroRestorative Michigan also offers innovative day treatment that provides individuals with opportunities to improve their daily living skills and successfully participate in their communities. “We are excited about this name change and the opportunity to continue serving individuals with brain injury and their families across the Great Lakes State,” said Dan Eaton, State Director for NeuroRestorative Michigan. “Our services will continue to be delivered by the same talented group of professionals who provide high-quality, post-acute services for individuals with brain injury and other neurological complications throughout the country.”

Better Together as NeuroRestorative Michigan

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Meet the Experts

Assisted Living Pilot Program Extended NeuroRestorative is pleased that President Obama signed a bill in August which, among several other Veterans Administration and Department of Defense provisions, includes a three-year extension of the VA Assisted Living Pilot for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Continued Support for Veterans

NeuroRestorative is delighted to continue serving our nation’s Veterans and their families through the VA Assisted Living Pilot Program. The extension of the pilot program will allow us to help more Veterans and their families as they look to rebuild their lives following brain injury. We thank the incredible case managers, clinicians and staff of the Veterans Healthcare Administration who continue to provide superior supports and services to Veterans recovering from brain injury.

To learn more visit:www.neurorestorative.com/who-we-serve/veterans-military/pilot-program

Dr. Manish A. Fozdar, NeuroRestorative North Carolina

As Medical Director of NeuroRestorative North Carolina, Dr. Fozdar oversees the program’s continuum of post-acute rehabilitation services and brings his expertise in neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology to assist participants with a range of behavioral, cognitive and emotional challenges. Throughout his 20-year career, Dr. Fozdar has served as a clinician, teacher, lecturer and writer in numerous medical and academic settings. Dr. Fozdar is dually board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Forensic Psychiatry.

Dr. Robin Annis, NeuroRestorative Michigan

Dr. Robin Annis, Psy.D., CBIS, the Neuropsychologist for our programs in Michigan, specializes in the evaluation of brain-behavior relationships. Her experience includes work with individuals of all ages who exhibit acquired and congenital brain injuries, chronic pain, substance abuse, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment concerns, and neurobehavioral challenges. Dr. Annis became a certified Brain Injury Specialist in 2012. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University and obtained her M.A. in Clinical Psychology and Psy.D. from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.

Dr. Jorge Villalba, NeuroRestorative Florida

As the Neuropsychiatrist for the Tampa program, Dr. Villalba brings more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of brain injury and specializes in supporting individuals with complex neurobehavioral needs. Prior to joining NeuroRestorative, Dr. Villalba ran a clinic at Bay Pines Veteran Affairs Medical Center where he treated complex brain injury cases that involved physical, medical, neurological and psychiatric needs of patients. His vast experience supporting Veterans with brain injury and PTSD, as well as individuals who require intensive behavioral support, makes him well-positioned to support participants in our Tampa program.

Join us in welcoming new clinical experts who have become part of the NeuroRestorative team since the last edition of Neuro News.

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NeuroRestorative San Antonio—Twisted OaksOffering Neurorehabilitation and Supported Living

NeuroRestorative Massachusetts—EastonOffering Supported Living

Setting Highlights• Quiet and quaint home-like environment in a residential neighborhood of North San Antonio• Convenient access to nearby community amenities, military bases and medical resources• Close to the day treatment program, which provides a full day’s schedule of structured outpatient

therapeutic services

Setting Highlights• Located less than an hour from Boston and the city’s many medical resources• Comfortable and therapeutic living environment

NeuroRestorative Massachusetts—Fall RiverOffering Supported Living

Setting Highlights• Located on the state’s south shore• Provides a quaint and comfortable living environment for its participants within a quiet neighborhood

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New 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 specialized, community-based, post-acute rehabilitation they need close to home. Here’s the scoop on the new programs we’ve added (or expanded) in 2014:

NeuroRestorative North Carolina—RaleighOffering Neurorehabilitation, Supported Living, Neurobehavioral, and Transitional Living

Setting Highlights• Situated on three acres of land, the six-bed therapeutic setting is completely accessible for individuals

with physical challenges• Features an indoor therapy area and an outdoor deck for recreation• Easily accessible from the nearby airport and all major freeways—located just a short drive from the city

center

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NeuroRestorative National Capitol—GaithersburgOffering Neurorehabilitation and Supported Living

Setting Highlights• Serene and therapeutic environment of community-based rehabilitation and support services• Located a short drive from the high-quality medical resources in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD

Setting Highlights• Nestled in the peaceful New Hampshire woods• Quiet atmosphere with convenient access to medical care and professional services as well

as shopping and other recreational activities

NeuroRestorative Maine—SebagoOffering Post-Acute Rehabilitation

Setting Highlights• Close proximity to Sebago Lake and the mountains of southwestern Maine• Facility features a spacious interior with multiple open common areas, six bedrooms and three

baths• Large backyard allows participants to enjoy outdoor activities

NeuroRestorative New Hampshire—Deerfield Offering Supported Living

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NeuroRestorative Massachusetts—WeymouthOffering Supported Living

Setting Highlights• Located on the south shore of Massachusetts and only twenty minutes from Boston• Convenient access to the town’s local resources, facilities and shopping malls

NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania—FairviewOffering Day Treatment

Setting Highlights• Located a few miles from our residential program in Fairview• Features a 6-station computer lab, full service kitchen, large recreational room and a 60” SmartBoard• Combination of PT, OT, speech and cognitive therapies with unique activities such as culinary classes,

arts and crafts, and a participant-run newsletter

NeuroRestorative Indiana—IndianapolisOffering Neurorehabilitation and Supported Living

Setting Highlights• Home-like, therapeutic environment located on three acres of a serene wooded area• Five spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, gym, garden and backyard grill• Close proximity to the city’s medical resources, including the VA and area hospitals• Convenient access to community life, including restaurants, shops and sports arenas

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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Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury