DVBIC-Johnstown: Assisted Living Pilot Project

Proudly serving our nation’s warriors.

Download pdf version of the DVBIC-Johnstown Assisted Living Pilot Project brochure.

PROGRAM GOALS

With the overall goal of maximizing functional independence, through a person-centered rehabilitation model, the center will offer service members and veterans state-of-the-art, intensive rehabilitation in a safe environment while they work towards reestablishing an enjoyable, productive quality of life.

• Provide the most advanced care available to help wounded warriors/veterans with TBI become independent.
• Utilize the latest technology available to create an enriched environment aimed at improving outcomes.
• Provide respite care for families.
• Create strong family support, training, and counseling programs with tele-rehabilitation, teleconferencing, and follow-up to assist with the care of the patient and adjustment to the disability.
• Partner with universities and other major institutions to develop a center of excellence in neuro-rehabilitation.
• Develop research partnerships aimed at better understanding brain recovery to improve out-comes and reduce the impact of TBI on families and society.
• Translate research findings into practice.
• Create a national model for replication.

“This pilot project offers wounded warriors with TBI and their families a unique, focused, state-of-the-science, forward-looking neuro-rehabilitative healthcare approach maximizing on technology and research. It is a chance to give back to the heroes who gave so much for our freedom.” — Dr. George A. Zitnay, Co-Founder, DVBIC

FOR THE PATIENT

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Virtual reality assisted therapies
• Computer assisted educational and vocational therapies
• Individualization of assisted living devices and technology
• Cognitive therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual psychotherapy
• Daily exercise regimen
• Outdoor activities
• Socialization with peers and community
• Safe, secure military-family friendly environment
• Video communication with family
• Tele-rehabilitation and follow-up
• Regional care coordination
• Respite stays that include evaluation and treatment

FOR THE FAMILY

• Family support liaison
• Video communication with patient
• Goodwill Industries Family Strengthening concept
• Family therapy
• Caregiver training
• Family lounge
• Child play center
• Family stays are encouraged
• Families are encouraged to participate in rehabilitation and training
• Referrals to local and regional resources
• Respite care—up to one month

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Active duty military or veteran with diagnosed TBI or ABI
• Cognitive Rancho level V or better
• Difficulty with at least four IADLs:
  • Preparing meals
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Managing medication
  • Managing money
  • Using the phone or using transportation to meet personal care needs
• Requires help or supervision with one of the following ADLs:
  • Eating
  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Personal hygiene
  • Toileting
  • Moving around in bed
  • Transferring between bed and chair
• Desire and willingness to participate in therapies
• Not actively suicidal, agitated or disoriented, actively physically abusive or aggressive, or a flight risk
• Medical status does not require skilled nursing care

ADDITIONAL DVBIC-JOHNSTOWN PROGRAMS

• Transitional and Independent Living Community re-entry
• Outpatient Neuropsychological testing
• Outpatient psychotherapy
• Outpatient day treatment program
• Bookstore/Pre-vocational site
• Complete trans-disciplinary TBI evaluation

For information about any DVBIC-Johnstown program, or to make a referral, please call the Regional Care Coordinator at: 814-255-8141.

DVBIC is a program funded by the U.S. Congress and is operated by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine: www.hjf.org.