Tuesday conversation with Lisa Harriman, Case Manager

I spoke with Lisa Harriman today, and got some clarification on an important point. When she reported yesterday that Dad would likely require 24-hour supervision and physical assistance after he leaves rehab, she was referring specifically to the period immediately after he leaves Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (NOT necessarily predicting what he will require for the indefinite future, as it is much too soon to tell). In 3-4 weeks, when he leaves Braintree, he could theoretically go "home", IF he had 24-hour supervision and physical assistance. Or, and this is clearly the recommended alternative, he could go to continued rehabilitation in another rehab facility (where he would, by definition, have the 24-hour help). Doing the rehab at home would mean, among other things, only getting therapy a couple of times a week, whereas continuing the rehab in another facility would mean daily therapy. When we get closer to that point, potential rehab representatives (e.g., Orchard Cove) will come in to meet with the Braintree team and to do an assessment of Dad, to determine if they are able to meet his rehab needs.

She reported that he continues to make progress, and that it is, obviously, still very early in the process. Most patients make the most progress during the 1st month, with some additional progress seen by 3 months and 6 months. By that point, progress usually slows and almost plateaus, although some patients continue making progress slowly for a year or two. For Dad, cognition and the physical (left side) aspect are the keys to his recovery.

He showed good progress today with respect to orientation to midline, which is crucal to balance and, therefore, walking. She also mentioned that he's starting to show good movement in his left leg, but still none above the waist. His "severe neglect" manifests itself at the visual level, in his alertness, his being easily distracted, and inattentiveness.

They are well aware of the ways in which he compensates for his left-side limitations (e.g., holding the phone to his good, left ear with his right hand), and consider that as quite positive. On the other hand, sometimes he's unaware that his left hand is there.

They will have their weekly team meeting every Thursday at around 11:00, after which she will call one of us (me, this week).

His Braintree neurologist, Dr. Joy DePiero, sees him at least once a week. I've added her name into the 1st post below.