Day 5

This morning, Ryan and I had an admission staffing meeting with his team of therapists. They each went over their goals for Ryan while at QLI. The Dimension III (recreation) team wants to continue to pursue activities that motivate Ryan. These will include his outdoor passions, as well as everyday activities (shopping, dining out, etc.).

Physical therapy wants to get Ryan more independent. Obviously, walking is an important goal. But, they also want to make sure he is transferring correctly and consistently. They also want to make sure he is standing as much as possible during certain daily activities to increase his balance and stability.

Speech wants to work on his memory and problem solving skills. They also want to work on his ability to talk and do other activities at the same time. Right now, if Ryan is asked a question in the middle of an activity, he will stop what he is doing to answer that question (even if the activity is as simple as propelling his wheelchair). So, the therapists want to get him into the habit of multitasking. 

Occupational therapy is going to try and get Ryan using his left arm as much as possible. They mentioned using constraint therapy. This is where they will restrict his right arm from moving so that he is forced to use his left arm for tasks. 

Life skills therapy is going to focus on getting Ryan doing everyday life tasks like cooking and managing his finances. 

The nursing staff at QLI is going work with Ryan on managing his own medications so that they don't need to be administered to him. 

The therapists have a very good level of communication. This helps because each therapy isn't just practiced during that session. The goals of each therapy are used throughout all therapies and even carried over into the house. The nursing staff in the house are informed about Ryan's goals and help him stay consistent and on task throughout the day. So, if a goal for speech is for Ryan to multitask, then during his PT session, the therapist might ask questions while he is trying to walk. 

I really like the high level of communication as well as the individualized program that they have designed for Ryan. I have noticed over the past five days that Ryan is really doing well with his new surroundings. He is really enjoying his new level of independence and his varying schedule. He is really taking charge of his life and his daily activities. I am so impressed by what he has done so far and I know that things are only going to get better. :)

After this mornings admissions staffing meeting, Ryan had PT. They set up a consistent way that Ryan will need to transfer from now on. This way, anyone that helps Ryan transfer will be assisting him the same way. This will help Ryan get more comfortable and practiced at transfers. Eventually, he will only need supervision versus assistance while transferring. 

After the transfer practice, the therapist stretched his left leg out and helped him to the treadmill. He was harnessed in and supported above the treadmill. This way, some of his weight was off his legs and there was no risk of him falling. Using this method of walking on a treadmill will allow Ryan the opportunity to get the pattern and movement of walking down without concentrating as much on falling, a cane, or other distracting things. He walked on the treadmill for about 12 minutes. It was a little rough at first, but Ryan really got into a rhythm towards the end. Again, I am so impressed by how well he is doing.