Posted on Wed, Jan 25, 2012
By Dr. Richard Senelick
There was a time in the 1980s when nursing homes just changed their signage and started to represent themselves as rehabilitation facilities. Almost overnight, the sign that said ABC Nursing Home was taken down and a new one proclaiming ABC Rehabilitation Center was erected. But, the mere changing of a sign does not change what takes place inside the building.
The impetus was purely financial and without any knowledge of whether nursing homes could do the work as well as long-standing rehabilitation hospitals.
As early as 1997, a major study in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared stroke patients who received their rehabilitation at a rehabilitation hospital versus a skilled nursing facility: Those receiving their rehabilitation at an IRF were three times more likely to be discharged home. That’s right: Three times more likely to sleep in their own bed, eat with their families and kiss their grandchildren goodnight! Knowing this, where would you want to go if you had a stroke?
Patients and families must become informed consumers. They need to know the difference between rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility and an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Too often they are not given a choice and must go where they are told.
There will be increasing pressure for people to sign up for Medicare Advantage programs that eliminate choice. Based on what they can afford, many people will be forced to sign up for these plans, but you still need to insist on a higher and better level of care.
If health care providers and consumers ignore this important issue, the disabled will not have a voice, and they will continue to be denied the services they need.
“Secondary to dying, nursing placement for an older person who was in the community is the worst possible outcome.” [PDF] – Kramer et al, “Stroke Rehabilitation in Nursing Homes”
Families must know: Case managers are frontline decision-makers who recommend where patients go for rehabilitation. The decision they make may decide whether a patient truly gets the best opportunity to reach their potential.
Most skilled nursing centers are constrained by fewer resources and do not have access to the latest technology that helps promote neural plasticity and repair than an inpatient rehab hospital. Continued improvement and success in rehabilitation is dependent on the hours of therapy: Skilled nursing facilities typically provide less than half the therapy hours provided at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
Read more from Dr. Senelick on evidence that shows rehabilitation hospitals bring a higher level of care.
Someone in the healthcare chain can easily make the false assumption that the patient will not improve and might as well go to a nursing home. Yet, patients surprise us all the time with progress we never could have predicted. Remember it is not too late for them to be what they can be if they get the proper care.
Medical Director of the Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio, Editor in Chief of HealthSouth Press, and the author of more than 15 nonfiction books, Dr. Senelick is one of the leading experts on neurorehabilitation. Dr Senelick also contributes to the Huffington Post and WebMD’s stroke community.
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Please contact Amramp’s National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Tue, Jan 03, 2012
Relatively mild December weather allowed installers from Amramp – Chicago, NW IL & SW WI to install a new modular wheelchair ramp behind the historic Masonic Temple building at 916 Columbus St. in Ottawa.
Past Matron of Mary E Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Colleen Hickman. (standing) said "money for the construction came from the Streator Mary E Chapter No. 270", which merged with the Ottawa chapter at the first of the year. Working with the drill on the ramp is franchise owner Bill Woods. Visit our Facebook page for photos!
Hickman said "the ramp meets all local, state and federal requirements. Now, the new ramp means more organizations and members of the community can use this great facility for more events than in the past".
Happy New Year!
Posted on Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Lance Corporal Joshua Misiewicz, 23, was treated at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda since stepping on an IED in Afghanistan this past July. This much-viewed photographed features Lance Cpl. Misiewicz while in Sangin, Afghanistan, April 13, 2011, with the 3rd platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8.
Amramp of Northern Illinois is proud to be a backdrop to the warm holiday homecoming that greeted Lance. Hundreds of supporters greeted him as he traveled from O’Hare International Airport to his home in La Grange, Ill., just outside Chicago.
Bill Woods, Amramp Northern IL, worked with the nonprofit Operation Homefront to ensure Lance could easily access his home during the holidays after losing both his legs. Bill Woods and his team installed the steel wheelchair ramp with a day’s notice.
The 60-foot ramp easily overcomes the steep flight of steps leading to the home’s front porch. The ramp even performed double-duty as Lance Cpl. Misiewicz spoke to the crowd in this video. His “What a welcome home!” was quickly interrupted by cheers of “Welcome Home!”
Lance will spend two weeks at home with his family. Then he'll return to Bethesda for more physical therapy. Read more about Lance Cpl. Misiewicz.
Amramp of Northern IL installs wheelchair ramps all across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, as well a several counties in Northwestern Indiana, and the major cities of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, Wisconsin, as well as Gary, Indiana.
Posted on Wed, Nov 30, 2011
While the origin of the “People’s Tree” varies each year, there’s one city that glows in its stature every year: our nation’s capital. Along with the 2.6 million residents of the Washington Metro area, Amramp Northern Virginia celebrates the season with the 2011 tree.
The 65-foot white fir from Stanislaus National Forest in Northern California traveled more than 4,000 miles and made 20 stops. At each Capitol Tree event across the country, attendees used an Amramp ramp to access the platform where they could leave a note or an ornament. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America’s leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solutions provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.
Like many in the Amramp family, Amramp Northern Virginia owner Michael Meyer welcomes the tree to his service area. With a fully stocked warehouse just off I-66, Mike installs wheelchair ramps and portability solutions throughout Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, generally within 48 hours.
“The People’s Tree” will be decorated with ornaments from its home state, California, in time for the tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. on the Western lawn of the Capitol Building.
Johnny Crawford, 7, of Sonora, Calif., will join Speaker of the House John Boehner to light 10,000 environmentally friendly LEDs. Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers will serve as master of ceremonies with music by the U.S. Navy Band Washington D.C. Ceremonial Brass.
The tree will thereafter be lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. each evening through Jan. 1.
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree. The Capitol Tree Celebration began in 1964, with a Douglas fir that was planted on the grounds at the Capitol Building. The tree suffered root system damage during a storm in 1967 and later died. After a few years of Maryland trees, the decision was made to bring in a new tree from a different state each year, which would be viewed as a gift from that state.
The United States Forestry Division carefully chooses candidates from a national forest within that state, and the Architect of the Capitol then picks the “winner” from the group.
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp’s Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp’s National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp’s National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Compared to other stops along the 20-city, cross-country tour, Amramp Lancaster is blessed to have Capitol Christmas Tree right at Hershey Park before it goes to Washington, D.C., to light up the Western lawn of the Capitol Building for the holidays.
Don’t miss the “People’s Tree” on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26 and 27, during its last tour stop at Hershey Park.
Approximate distances to Hershey, Pennsylvania, from
Harrisburg and Lebanon – 15 miles
Lancaster, Pa. – 30 miles
Philadelphia – 100 miles
New York City – 150 miles
Amramp Lancaster owner Tim Peters Jr. has a fully stocked warehouse in Lancaster County, installing wheelchair ramps and portability solutions throughout Central Pennsylvania generally within days, not weeks.
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree. Pennsylvania has twice held the honor: in 1972, a 50-foot balsam fir from Tennessee National Forest and a
51-foot white spruce Allegheny National Forest in 1973.
The 2011 tree, a 65-foot white fir, has traveled some 4,000-plus miles from Stanislaus National Forest in Northern California and has been touring since Nov. 8.
At each Capitol Tree event across the country, attendees will climb a ramp to access the platform where they can leave a note or an ornament. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America’s leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solutions provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.
The Capitol Tree Celebration began in 1964, when a live Douglas fir was purchased from a Pennsylvania nursery and was planted on the grounds of the Capitol building. The tree suffered root system damage during a storm in 1967 and later died. After a few years of Maryland trees, the decision was made to bring in a new tree from a different state each year, which would be viewed as a gift from that state.
The United States Forestry Division carefully chooses candidates from a national forest within that state, and the Architect of the Capitol then picks the “winner” from the group.
Be sure to visit the tree when it stops in Hershey Nov. 26 and 27 and take part in this wonderful national tradition!
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp’s Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp’s National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp’s National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Mon, Nov 21, 2011
Hampton Roads Amramp owners Jane and Robert Rostov are eager to celebrate the Capitol Christmas Tree when it arrives in Newport News on Friday, Nov. 25.
Following the tradition, Virginians will climb an Amramp ramp to access the platform where they can leave a note or an ornament on the 65-foot white fir. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America’s leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solutions provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.
Based in Norfolk, Va., Amramp Hampton Roads installs accessibility solutions within days, whether you live near Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Jamestown, Yorktown, Suffolk, or Drewryville, Virginia.
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree.
While the 2011 “People’s Tree” hails from California, Virginia has also held the honor of giving a tree to be lit on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol: The 2004 tree was a 65-foot red spruce from George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
The Capitol Tree Celebration began in 1964, with a Douglas fir that was actually planted on the grounds of the Capitol Building. The tree suffered root system damage during a storm in 1967 and later died. After a few years of Maryland trees, the decision was made to bring in a new tree from a different state each year, which would be viewed as a gift from that state.
The United States Forestry Division carefully chooses candidates from a national forest within that state, and the Architect of the Capitol then picks the “winner” from the group.
Be sure to visit the tree when it stops in Newport News on Friday, Nov. 25, and take part in this wonderful national tradition!
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp’s Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp’s National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp’s National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Fri, Nov 18, 2011
Join Amramp North Carolina this Thanksgiving by taking part in the Capitol Christmas Tree tour when it stops in Greensboro, N.C., on Thursday, Nov. 24.
The tree will be placed near Greensboro's outdoor skating rink, and visitors can decorate the tree with an ornament or a note, joining residents of 20 communities on the "People's Tree" national tour. Piedmont residents and visitors alike are invited to see the 65-foot white fir in Greensboro's Price Bryan Performance Place at Festival Park.
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be placed on the Western lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. While this year's tree was selected in California, North Carolina twice has gifted the Capitol Tree from Pisgah National Forest: a 50-foot Fraser fir in 1998 and the same species in 1974 at 41 feet.[SM1]
The United States Forestry Division carefully chooses candidates from a national forest within a different state each year, and the Architect of the Capitol then picks the "winner" from the group.
At each Capitol Tree event across the country, attendees will climb a ramp to access the platform where they can leave a note or an ornament. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America's leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solutions provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.
Serving Western North Carolina – from the borders of Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia –Amramp North Carolina has a fully stocked warehouse in Charlotte, installing wheelchair ramps and portability solutions generally within 48 hours.
Be sure to visit the tree when it stops in Greensboro on Nov. 24 and take part in this wonderful national tradition! Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation's Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp's Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp's National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp's National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Wed, Nov 16, 2011
Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee, North Carolina, will be the first Eastern stop on the Capitol Christmas Tree’s national tour when it arrives on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
The tree will have trekked some 400 miles since Amramp Louisville owner Bob Fowler saw it in Santa Claus Indiana. The “People’s Tree” will then travel on to Greensboro, some 200 miles from Cherokee, but still within Amramp North Carolina owner Rick Griffiths’ area.
Serving Western North Carolina – from the borders of Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia –Amramp North Carolina has a fully stocked warehouse in Charlotte, installing wheelchair ramps and portability solutions within days not weeks.
Cherokee is one of 20 stops on the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree tour. At each Capitol Tree event across the country, attendees will climb a ramp to access the platform where they can leave a note or an ornament. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America’s leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solutions provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.
Be sure to visit the tree when it stops in Cherokee on Nov. 22 and 23 and take part in this wonderful national tradition!
Distances to Cherokee:
North Carolina: 60 miles from Asheville
Tennessee: 75 miles from Knoxville
South Carolina: 115 miles from Greenville
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree, is placed on the Western lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The 65-foot white fir was cut on Nov. 5 from Stanislaus National Forest in Northern California, and the 20-stop cross-country tour started on Nov. 8.
The Capitol Tree Celebration began in 1964, with a Douglas fir that was actually planted on the grounds of the Capitol Building. The tree suffered root system damage during a storm in 1967 and later died. After a few years of Maryland trees, the decision was made to bring in a new tree from a different state each year, which would be viewed as a gift from that state.
The United States Forestry Division carefully chooses candidates from a national forest within that state, and the Architect of the Capitol then picks the “winner” from the group.
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp’s Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp’s National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp’s National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Tue, Nov 15, 2011
From Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, to Evansville and Terre Haute Indiana, all roads lead to Santa Claus Ind., on Monday, Nov. 21. The Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the “People’s Tree,” will be stopping at the Kringle Place Shopping Center during its tour from California to Washington, D.C.
Join Amramp Louisville owner Bob Fowler in Santa Claus, Ind., whether by sleigh or by car.
Distances to Santa Claus, Indiana, from:
Evansville Ind. – Less than 50 miles
Louisville Ky. – Less than 75 miles
Terre Haute Ind. – Less than 120 miles
Lexington Ky. – Less than 150 miles
With a fully stocked warehouse in Louisville, Bob Fowler installs wheelchair ramps and portability solutions –within days, not weeks – to residents of Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky.
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree, which is placed on the Western lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
As is customary, the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree is stopping in 20 cities across the country. As part of this year’s tour, the Capitol Christmas Tree will be stopping in Southwest Indiana’s holiday center.
At each Capitol Tree event, attendees will climb a ramp to access the platform where they can leave a note or an ornament. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America’s leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solution provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.The Capitol Tree Celebration began in 1964; every year a different state is selected to offer a tree as a gift. The United States Forestry Service carefully chooses candidates from a national forest within that state, and the Architect of the Capitol then picks the “winner” from the group.
Be sure to visit the tree when it stops in Santa Claus on Nov. 21 and take part in this wonderful national tradition!
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp’s Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp’s National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp’s National Call Center 888-715-7598
Posted on Mon, Nov 14, 2011
Amramp Oklahoma owner Tony Rainwater joins the Metro Oklahoma City area to welcome the "People’s Tree." On Saturday, Nov. 19, Tinker Air Force Base will host the Capitol Christmas Tree during its cross-country tour en route to Washington D.C.
Amramp, America's leading wheelchair ramp and mobility-solutions provider, is proud to be a part of the 2011 tour, enabling everyone of all abilities to participate in this national tradition.
Serving most of Oklahoma – from the borders of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas – Amramp Oklahoma has a fully stocked warehouse in Tulsa, installing wheelchair ramps and portability solutions generally within 48 hours.
Using the Amramp ramp system, visitors will find just the right spot to hang their ornament or place a note on the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree, a 65-foot white fir. The Capitol Tree events will be fully accessible and ADA-compliant.
Every year since 1970, a different U.S. state has been chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree, which is placed on the Western lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
This year, the special tree has a long way to travel, because the chosen state is on the opposite coast: California. As part of this year's 20-city tour, the Capitol Christmas Tree will be stopping at Tinker Air Force Base, just outside Oklahoma City.
The tree was cut on Nov. 5 in Stanislaus National Forest in Northern California, and the tour started Nov. 8.
At each Capitol Tree event across the country, attendees will climb a ramp to access the platform where they can leave a note or an ornament. By providing ADA-compliant ramps, Amramp, America's leading wheelchair ramp and mobility solution provider, is proud to ensure that everyone of all abilities can participate in this national tradition.
Be sure to visit the tree when it stops at Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City on Nov. 19 and take part in this wonderful national tradition!
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
For more about Amramp's Made-in-the-U.S.A. products and free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp's National Call Center at 888-715-7598.
Amramp makes events easy
Call Amramp today to schedule a free on-site estimate
Please contact Amramp's National Call Center 888-715-7598