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Cardiac Rehabilitation Team Makes a Difference
Author: | Friday February 22, 2008
Charlie Daun, a program participant, is surrounded by the team at Whitehall Boca Raton.
Whitehall Boca Raton
Cardiac Rehab Team
Measures Results One
Success Story at a Time
Whitehall Boca Raton has established a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program that is individually tailored, multi-disciplinary and formulated through diagnosis, therapy, emotional support and education. Those are the accurate and medically official words that describe the facility's approach to helping each person to be as healthy as they can be and to take ownership of their own rehabilitation program.
"We started the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in October of 2007 when we realized there was a need. No one was doing the right thing about these patients," said Leslie Curtis, Director of Business Development for Whitehall Boca Raton. "We started to look at the things we needed to do and put together a program. Allyson (Allyson Schultz, CTRS, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Whitehall) got us hooked up with the Mended Hearts Program," Curtis added. "The more we talk about cardiac rehabilitation with patients the more we learn as professionals," Schultz said. The Mended Hearts Program is an educational tool for everyone, she added.
Every successful program needs a team to make it work and at Whitehall the professionals were more than ready to combine their talents to rehabilitate cardiac patients. Robyn Budine, PT, is the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Director.
"We provide a daily education session and part of it is to get people to open their eyes to the fact they have a cardiac problem. Many feel they don't, so it can be a challenge to get them to make an important lifestyle change," she said. "When they see they are not alone, it helps a lot," she added.
That is where the Mended Hearts Support group program is vital, not only to education, but to sharing of experiences. It is also a good opportunity for family members to learn how to be more supportive.
"It is a big adjustment for some of the patients," said Social Worker, Paola Wierzbicki. "We try to identify patients with cardiac problems when they are admitted to Whitehall and the team meets with them." Curtis added that 80% to 85% of patients admitted to the Skilled Residence and Rehabilitation Facility have some history of cardiac problems.
Charles (Charlie) Daun was one of those patients. He was in the program over two months and while he wasn't so sure about it at first, he became a believer and an advocate for cardiac rehabilitation. "I learned how to live again and how to deal with stress and diet," he said, and then, with some prompting, added that he also had questions about sexual activity. What I have learned has changed my life and I am extremely happy," he told the Voice Newspaper. "I think it (the program) should be publicized more," he added.
This is what the rehabilitation team loves to hear. Whitehall has provided them with the opportunity and the tools to build the program and it has become extremely well received by area physicians, families and patients.
Team member, Lucy Allocca, RRT, Director of Respiratory Therapy said that by working with them, patients are more likely to get into the gym and learn proper exercises to improve their health and fitness. And there are the personal stories that keep everyone encouraged.
"We had a patient who, it was expected, would always have to be on a ventilator and we were able to wean them off," she said. "In the Pulmonary Program we identify patients who can benefit from rehabilitation. We educate the family that it isn't in the best interest of the patient for them to just lay in bed."
"Communication is the key," Curtis agreed. The team members talk to each other, physicians, staff members, families and the patients. We hold regular meetings to discuss each individual and mark progress or devise new approaches. She cited an example of the Diabetes Support Group talking with the Cardiac Support Group to share information and ideas.
Patients are not only taught about what is a "heart healthy meal" but at the appropriate time in their rehabilitation, go to the store, purchase the ingredients and come back and prepare and eat the food. "They learn that they can do it," Curtis said.
"It can be mesmerizing. You see people becoming healthier and happier right in front of your eyes," said Budine. Added Charlie, with a smile, "I have made those changes."
Ed. Note: Whitehall Boca Raton is A Skilled Care Residence and Rehabilitation Facility located in Boca Raton, FL. For more information visit their web site at www.whitehallboca.com or call 561-393-3000.
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