“Heading into the Future” is a virtual summit focused on current practice, trends, education and research on brain injury. The summit is focused on an interprofessional audience, including consumers with brain injuries, family members, caregivers, students, educators, clinical staff like therapists, social workers and psychologists, medical staff of nurses and physicans, administrators, and policy makers.
Pre-recorded sessions are 60 and 90 minutes, allowing summit attendees to watch the videos 24/7 at their convenience. Presenters will be available for live Q & A sessions that will be published for attendees in the event they would like to dialogue with the speakers.
The keynote address will be given by Carole Starr, who sustained a brain injury in an auto accident in 1999. Hear this nationally recognized speaker share a humorous and inspirational speech on developing resiliency during times of adversity. A speaker LIVE Q & A will be held with Carole on May 16.
The Importance of Incorporating Self-Care in Post-Brain Injury Recovery
Session Length
60 minutes
Speaker Perspectives
Clinical staff: therapists, social workers, psychologists
Description
For many suffering a brain injury, the road to recovery involves weeks to months of hospital care, time away from home, traumatic experiences, lack of independence, and pain. This extensive journey can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loss of identity.
Our presentation will explore what self-care looks like from different rehabilitation disciplines and the importance of incorporating it into the care of post-brain injury patients in order to combat the negative emotional side effects of a brain injury. Specifically, our presentation will discuss a case review of a stroke survivor in an acute inpatient rehabilitation center and how an interdisciplinary self-care approach lead to an increase in participation and positive outcomes. Approaches used by the unit’s Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Nursing Staff and Occupational Therapist will be discussed.
Focus of Presentation
Research
Education
Learning Outcomes
-
Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to
- Discuss common emotional challenges associated with brain injury.
- Discuss treatments that focus on incorporating self-care into brain injury rehabilitation.
- Discuss the importance of interdisciplinary care and communication in the treatment of brain injury patients.
Target Audience
Clinical staff: therapists, social workers, psychologists, etc.
Caregivers
Students
Educators
Presenter
Allison Almekinder, MS CTRS, American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
Biographical Statement
My Name is Allison Almekinder and I have been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for six years. I currently work in Rochester New York at the Golisano Restorative Neurology & Rehabilitation Center. I enjoy working with the brain injury population and helping our patients return to doing activities of interest. I also enjoy helping connect our patients to community resources for support and retur to lesirue activities. I am a mother of a spunky 2 year old and enjoy reading during my leisure time!
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Co-Presenters
Sheila Johnson
Biographical Statement
My name is Sheila Johnson and I have been a nurse for 28 years. I have worked at the Golisano Restorative Neurology and Rehabilitation Center for 5 years as the Nurse Manager. My heart enjoys assisting people in their healing process. I enjoy cooking a good old southern down home meal for my family and friends.
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Kristen Patterson
Biographical Statement
My name is Kristen Patterson and I have been an Occupational Therapist for 9 years. My favorite part of OT is helping people resume their roles and finding fulfillment and purpose through participation in activities following illness and injury.
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