Ms team (his rehab doc and therapists) have come to a consensus for his next destination: TIRR's Challenge Program near the medical center. My first thought? Free parking!!! I must have spent more than $700 in parking since M's injury.
M will start Monday after next unless there is a waiting list. If so, he'll stay in the TIRR day program at the hospital until a spot opens up for him. In the Challenge program, he'll continue physical and occupational therapy, but the emphasis on cognitive rehabilitation and daily living skills will intensify.
As in the day program now, I'll be expected to spend the day while M is there, though I can't participate in the groups. Groups generally are closed to family members to protect patient privacy and encourage patient independence and group bonding.
M will be learning skills for independent living. How do you plan your day and week? How do you keep up with the things you need to do? How do you keep on track and keep moving forward through your to do list? Even as simple to us as how do you plan and prepare a meal? How do you stay safe? How do you get around town given that you are not yet able to drive?
Many of these skills are things that you and I do seemingly without thinking. For the brain injured person, each one of these requires tremendous thought, effort, use and practice at coping skills. What do you need to prop up your unreliable memory? What do you need to prompt you through out the day? How do you ensure you'll use your aids? His team must see potential in Mark and agree that he may eventually be free of constant supervision and caregiving.
In my last post I asked for prayer for M to be better at initiating, less impulsive and more empathetic. Last night M thanked me for all that I've been doing and said he realized how much I have to do. And today, for the first time, he called to me from another room to help him get up; very important for his safety, my peace of mind and sanity. He also day by day better controls his impulses.
Also new for M, he's getting into the pool at his sister's house. His left arm continues to grow in responsiveness and walking gets better by the day. The children are looking forward to a day when their dad can play a game like Clue with them (he's close to be able to follow the rules) and better still, shoot off the rockets he made them for Christmas 2006. Keep praying and bless you all.
