By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Patients who wish to regain their independence after a stroke or serious brain injury can look to Cary Medical Center’s Neuro Rehabilitation center for support.
“People may not realize they can find help locally,” Danielle Cropley, occupational therapist, said. Over the past year the center has helped those suffering from traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and ALS. Cropley said she’s witnessed improvements first hand.
“One of our patients had no functional use of their right arm and has since gained movement and is doing more everyday,” Cropley recounted.
The rehab facility offers occupational and physical therapy and speech language pathology with access to primary care physicians, neurologist referrals and a team of physical and occupational therapists that help improve quality of life.
In order to maximize independence and overall function, caregivers help retrain a patient’s brain through treatments including neuromuscular re-education, stretching and assisting with clear speech.
“We practice mental rehearsals to stimulate re-growth in the brain,” which Cropley said helps repair damaged neural pathways.
Something as simple as basic self-care can be difficult after a brain injury. Patients have the opportunity to learn how cook again, clean their homes and manage in the workplace with the help of Cary’s rehab professionals.
“Our overall goal is to provide the highest quality treatment for the best possible outcomes in rural healthcare,” she said.
Cropley boasts that what sets Cary’s Neuro Rehabilitation center apart is a team approach with a knowledgeable staff that cares about its patients, and treats them as individuals. They work with patients to create a plan of care that is effective and works towards a patient’s goals and ultimately full recovery.
