I reside at a neuro-rehabilitation residential facility through Hope Network. There are up to 16 residents, the majority having traumatic brain injuries. There are four who have spinal cord injuries, including myself. Hope Network has a handful of other AFC homes, including two others on campus.
My weekdays start around 8 AM with a residential staff getting me dressed and ready for the day. My first therapy starts at 10 AM and wraps up around mid to late afternoon.
In occupational therapy, we do a half hour doing range of motion on my upper extremities and another half hour doing strengthening exercises with my arms. In physical therapy, we do range of motion on my legs and peddling on the moto-med bike, which helps break up the tone in my legs.
I do lung strengthening exercises on the spirometer in speech therapy. With vocational we are working on starting a volunteer placement. In recreational therapy, I practice maneuvering my wheelchair in the community while developing recreational based activities. My goal is to utilize public transportation for people with disabilities and getting out in the community independently. In other words, live a more normal lifestyle, rather than being just a “resident” at an AFC home.
My first day as a Hope resident back in 2020 was very humbling. My first job after undergrad was at Hope Network and being a recipient of their services was difficult for me to accept. As a social worker, I frequently worked with individuals with a mental illness that lived in AFC homes. Now I was living in a classified AFC home. Woof.
Weekends can be long as there is no therapy scheduled. It’s important to build a little structure such as completing continuing education credits for my social work and substance use licenses. Weekends are a good time to set up visits from friends and family. I get outside when the weather is nice and hibernate during the winter time.
Watching sports helps pass the time. My Detroit teams, along with Michigan State Spartans football are struggling this year.
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