Patient Accolades

Our outpatient rehabilitation department prides itself on the many positive comments and outstanding scores we receive on our Press Ganey patient surveys. Some of our patients are kind enough to take the time to write a letter about their experience with us. The following is one of those letters. Kudos to Joan Wolf for providing exemplary care, and a big thank you to Mr. McCarthy for allowing us to share his thoughts here...

It was my great good fortune to be assigned Mrs. Wolf as my therapist during extensive therapy periods following surgeries for knee replacements in January and October of 2009.

That Mrs. Wolf proved to exceed my expectations in the professional performance of her duties as a therapist should perhaps be no surprise. However, it was as a concerned caregiver that she did surprise me. I came to Mrs. Wolf following my first surgery very depressed at ever achieving my recovery goals. She recognized the symptoms immediately and began a process of rebuilding my self-confidence so that in a short period she had us both working towards the goal of complete success in regaining mobility in that leg. Mrs. Wolf's careful attention to this aspect of recovery significantly reduced the therapy time needed when I had my second knee replacement in October.

In my experience, no other individual caregiver, in a long life rich with surgical experiences, has so embodied the very best in applied techniques as well as concern for the patient.

Thank you, and I am,
Very truly yours,

John W. McCarthy

Thank you, Mr. McCarthy, for your very kind words!

Like poetry to our ears!

At Fauquier Health we develop close relationships with our patients as we work together to help them achieve the goals most important to them. We answer their questions and address any concerns they may have during the journey to recovery. We depend on feedback from our clients to help us guide them to their maximum potential. Occasionally, we have a client who is particularly eloquent in expressing their feelings. Such is the case of Mr. Michaele Jones, who wrote the following poem...

This question, merits time and consideration,
So, I'd like to thank the whole organization.
I've had pleasurable contact with all I contest,
Starting with the warm up smiles at the front desk.

Thanks to the ones who broke me down bending things
Making me feel child like, ready to scream.
Shouting, back straight, bend here,
Providing security, eliminating fear.

Right now I'll concentrate on Linda the most,
Who's abuse is second to none on the east coast.
Quickly, I'll point out just a thing or two,
of the many helpful things you do.

You helped me, when all I felt was down.
The many days I wore a frown,
You gave me back my hands, that's true,
Though you worked a brother, till his knuckles turn blue.

You controlled the times I would over demand
You ruled with a smile, with a gentle hand.
At home, I'd do what you told me to do
Subconsciously plotting to get back at you.

It is hard to express my appreciation,
For your Drill Sergeant commitment, dedication.
Elbows straight, fingers too.
In my nightmares, you're saying, "I'm watching you."

At the end of the day, all I can do,
Is say, Thank you, Thank you and Thank you!
(No luck with the beer dispenser?)

Interjections:
Mr. Jones thought the only way we could improve our services would be to place a beer dispenser in the reception area!
Linda Wise is Mr. Jones's occupational therapist.

Thank you, Mr. Jones! We are proud and honored to serve you!

Specialized Care for Pediatric Patients

Adults aren't the only ones who need rehabilitation therapy to maximize their physical, mental and social abilities. Some children and adolescents also need specialized services to build strength, achieve their functional potential and develop the skills they need at thome, at school and within their communities. Children may benefit from rehabilitation services if they have or are recovering from:

• Birth defects or birth injuries


• Neurological, musculoskeletal or rheumatological conditions


• Developmental delays


• Feeding problems


• Acute traumas


• Bone fractures and other orthopedic problems


• Accidents


• Injuries


• Burns


• Cancer


• Surgery


• Chronic diseases (such as sickle cell, heart or kidney diseases)
  

A Team Approach

Kids who need rehabilitation services receive care from a mulitdisciplinary team of specialists who are trained to handle the unique needs of pediatric patients. The team includes physical, occupational and speech therapists who evaluate and assess the child's functional limitations.

Rehabilitation specialists design individual treatment plans to help mazimize patients' independence and the quality of their lives. Team members use a variety of techniques and technologies that can help:

• Support patients' growth and development


• Prevent future complications and impairments


• Relieve pain


• Improve kids' cognitive abilities


• Improve strength, coordination, range of motion and fine motor skills


• Relax muscles


• Develop kids' self-care skills


• Enhance speech and language skills


• Teach kids' how to use wheelchairs, braces and other assistive devices
  

Short and Long Term Care

Some pediatric patients may need only short-term rehabilitation therapy to address certain acute injuries or issues. Rehabilitation, however, can play a major role in health care for kids with complex, lifelong conditions.

While children and adolescents undergoing therapy may be tackling difficult issues, rehabilitation professionals provide services in an age-appropriate way that keeps pediatric patients engaged. For example, therapists may use fun activities to help kids develop key coordination, motor and hand-eye skills that may improve their walking, feeding or handwriting skills. The gains children make during rehabilitation therapy often help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, giving them a sense of accomplishment.

Developments in Pediatric Therapy

>>Kristine Trimble, Alicia Lutman and Heather Smith comprise the pediatric rehabilitation team at Fauquier Health. The pediatric office is located at 493 Blackwell Road in the Warrenton Professional Center in Warrenton, Virginia. Over the past few months, the rooms have been renovated and updated. New therapeutic tools have also been added, which the children see as "new toys".

Kristine Trimble, PT, DPT is the pediatric physical therapist who provides therapy for children with torticollis, gross motor delays, traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries, cerebral palsy and dyspraxia. She also implements aquatic therapy.

Alicia Lutman, MOTR/L, ATC is the pediatric occupational therapist who works with children with fine motor delays, visual processing deficits, autism, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries and handwriting difficulties.

Heather Smith, MS, CFY-SLP is the pediatric speech lauguage pathologist who works with children with receptive and expressive language delays, apraxia, feeding delays, autism, developmental delays, articulation/phonological processing disorders, and acquired and traumatic brain injuries.

Fauquier Health is the only local facility to offer physical, occupational and speech therapies all at one convenient, child-friendly location. If you need further information please call 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question or request additional information. Your email will be answered within 24 business hours.

A great day for Margaret Blue!

Friday, April 10, 2009

March 12, 2009 was a proud day for Margaret Blue. She became a member of Marriott's "Quarter Century Club", marking 25 years of service as a chef. Margaret thoroughly enjoyed everyone she came in contact with during her years with Marriott. Despite a debilitating neurogenic problem that causes her to have decreased balance and weakness, this amazing woman has only missed one day of work in 25 years--because of a snowstorm!After a recent injury, Margaret came to our clinic for strengthening and to improve her walking. She has worked closely with her physical therapist, Bruce Edwards & our student from Shennandoah, Brooks Brady. Margaret credits them for helping her become strong enough to walk up to receive her 25 year service award, something she was not sure she would be able to do after her injury.Margaret has a beaming smile for everyone she meets. Her positive attitude is contagious, and the reason she has come so far. Congratulations Margaret, on your achievements!

If you would like to know more about our services, or have a general question regarding rehabilitation services, please call us at 540-316-2680, or click on the button below to submit an email inquiry.