Archives

Rancho Los Amigos Scale for Families

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout features a 10-stage version of the Rancho Los Amigos scale for those recovering from severe brain injuries. The handout describes each of the 10 stages and provides specific strategies for how families can interact and engage with their loved one during each stage.
This content is only available to members.

Caregiver Burnout Signs and Strategies

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Caregiver burnout is an often overlooked but important element to discuss within the context of a rehabilitation team and should play a central role when planning a discharge home for a patient after recovery in a medical facility.
This content is only available to members.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes autonomic dysreflexia in lay terms and can be provided to clients, family, caregivers, or used as a guide to help explain the condition. This handout includes an explanation of autonomic dysreflexia as well as the most common symptoms and causes.
This content is only available to members.

Free Water Protocol

December 24, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Hydration is a persistent challenge for patients who are NPO. This handout describes the Free Water Protocol, established in 1984 at the Frazier Rehab Institute. The handout describes the risks, benefits, and guidelines around the protocol and is appropriate for staff, patients, families, caregivers, and therapists.
This content is only available to members.

Family Games to Support Brain Injury Recovery

December 24, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Family members often ask how they can support more thinking and language engagement at home after their loved one has a stroke or brain injury. This handout provides some suggestions but not all the possible games to consider
This content is only available to members.

Environmental Considerations for Fall Risk Reduction

December 24, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This targeted session material offers many considerations for therapists to reduce the risk of falls when working in skilled nursing facilities or similar environments. It includes a focus on environmental, seating, and caregiver education considerations to reduce fall risk in the older adult population.
This content is only available to members.

Cueing Techniques

December 23, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout provides many examples of how to give someone cues during self care and may appropriate for therapists to share with staff and/or caregivers.
This content is only available to members.

Communication Techniques for Dementia

December 23, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Training caregivers in the skills needed for successful daily living for individuals with dementia can be difficult. Burnout, frustration, and lack of understanding of the disease process can reduce outcomes and quality of life for those with dementia. This handout includes a high-level overview of the best practices for communication with those with dementia, in an easy to read format for caregiver education.
This content is only available to members.

Caregiver Resources

December 23, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Caregivers are often overwhelmed by their loved ones’ illness or injury and all the new terminology that is thrown at them by healthcare staff. It is important to remember that they could benefit from education and resources to help reduce their burden of care. This material provides a list of resources for caregivers to help them transition to their new role more comfortably.
This content is only available to members.