NeuLife, Florida's New Post-Acute Neuro-Rehab Facility, During Brain Injury Awareness Week, Discusses Little Known Facts That Make Big Differences In Outcomes In Traumatic Brain Injury

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Too often, too little specialized post-acute care comes too late with risk of disability.

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Mar 04, 2014, 07:00 ET

MOUNT DORA, Fla., March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and NeuLife Residential Post-Acute Programs, a specialized neurorehabilitation facility, invites the media to spotlight an issue that too often goes unnoticed with consequences—a platinum post-acute period that may mean the difference between disability and independence for people with catastrophic brain injuries. Twenty-one year old Christian Maas lost control of his car last June and suffered significant brain trauma when a wooden fence plank penetrated his skull. JoLynn Maas, his mother, talks about the worry, the hope and the road to recovery—experiences that many people face but without the right resources.

Fence rail penetrates man's skull. After multiple surgeries and individually planned rehabilitation client is walking and learning to be independent again. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and NeuLife Residential Post-Acute Programs is bringing attention to traumatic brain injuries to highlight little known facts that make big differences in outcomes in traumatic brain injury cases. Too often, too little specialized post-acute care comes too late with risk of disability or lesser quality outcome that could have been improved with the right treatment at the right time. NeuLifeRehab.com. (PRNewsFoto/NeuLife) (PRNewsFoto/NEULIFE)

"It very quickly became clear that we couldn't provide the specialized care Christian needed to recover and become independent and fully functioning," said Ms. Maas. "We found NeuLife's website and scheduled an evaluation appointment. After meeting with NeuLife staff and touring the facility, we learned it was exactly what Christian needed. The medical staff at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center (BIRC) at Orlando Regional Medical Center encouraged us to admit Christian to NeuLife following discharge from BIRC."

"There is an unmet need in the field of specialized residential post-acute programs for individuals who have sustained catastrophic injuries including TBI (traumatic brain injuries), SCI (spinal cord injuries), amputations and multiple trauma," says Kester Nedd, D.O., board certified neurologist and medical director of the Neuro Rehab Program at Jackson Memorial Hospital (a level one trauma center), and managing director for Design Neuro Science Center in Miami, Fla. "NeuLife meets this need and offers specialization in an environment conducive to healing and recovering where a wide range of therapies, counseling, medical management and therapeutic activities enhance each person's individualized care plan."

"During Brain Injury Awareness Month, we want to make sure people learn about the resources available to brain injury patients and what we call the critical, platinum post-acute period," said Donna Check, executive director of NeuLife. "In particular, we emphasize a seamless and timely transition from acute care to specialized post-acute rehabilitation to help transition people with TBI to the highest level of independence possible. No one expects to get such a devastating call, but we're here to let families know they're not alone and they have options."

The Brain Injury Association reports that 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States each year; in Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 96,450 TBIs/year occurred from 2005 to 2007. The CDC further reports direct medical costs and indirect costs of TBI, such as lost productivity, totaled an estimated $76.3 billion each year in the U.S. Proper and timely residential post-acute rehabilitation in a specialized program may determine the difference between disability and independence.

NeuLife is an innovative, fully accessible 54-bed residential post-acute facility situated on 43 acres near downtown Mount Dora where individuals with catastrophic injuries can enjoy recreational outings and become productive members of the community. NeuLife's multidisciplinary team tailors plans to meet the specific needs and goals of each client served, including: neurorehabilitative and neurobehavioral services; services for catastrophic and challenging diagnoses including spinal cord injury; supported living; and independent functional evaluations. NeuLife serves adults ages 18 and over. Individuals referred to NeuLife may stay for any established period of time, whether for short-term, long-term, or respite care. To learn more, visit NeuLifeRehab.com.

Media interested in Brain Injury Awareness Month and/or Christian Maas's story, contact Bill Dannheim, [email protected].

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