 |
June 1996 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
June 1996 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Experiencing adventure is nothing new to Mike Hufstetler, Outdoor
Specialist at this "Specialty Hospital" in Atlanta. In fact, it's the
name of a workshop Mr. Hufstetler conducts which includes tree
climbing, tubing, jet skiing and a ropes course. Only one admission
requirement; you must have a disability such as SCI, acquired brain
injury, MS or another neuromuscular disease to participate. With this
program, and a full com-plement of state-of-the-art services such as
an Assistive Technology Center on site, Shepherd Center pretty much
pushes the envelope of concepts like "rehabilitation" and "hospital"
onto a new plane altogether. I was fortunate to visit Shepherd
recently, and was given a preview of what the paralympics and visitors
to Atlanta this August just might learn about the American way of
rehab. First of all, Shepherd doesn't smell or feel like a hospital. The color scheme, (like most of Georgia) is peaches and cream, not Hospital Green.
The walls are covered with original art,from the community, from kids, and from residents. The 100-bed hospital features a Therapeutic Recreation program including classes in calligraphy, performing arts, and dance. The pool is continuously in use by community classes, and the fitness center offers mem-berships to community members regardless of disability.
Equally as impressive as the physical structure of the place is the philosophy expressed by staff member Mike Hufstetler. He tells me that the lushly beautiful garden area, used for resi-dent and staff R & R as well as horticulture class, was purposely placed not in a safe, isolated courtyard, but next to a busy Atlanta street, sans security fence. "Why isolate ourselves from the real world?" he queried. Why, indeed! With course offerings that include white water rafting and all-terrain vehicles, there's not much chance of a dull moment here.
Founded in 1975, Shepherd is the largest of the 18 Model Spinal Cord
Injury Programs nationwide. A private non-profit, the Center was
started by one Atlanta family's personal experience. 22 year old James
Shepherd's body surfing accident led to a mission to create top-notch
spinal cord injury treatment in the Southeast. In the two decades
since, services have expanded to include a Ventilator Program, High
Quad Program, Acquired Brain Injury Program, Urological Program, and a
Day Hospital Program. The population served has grown older and more
diverse, while insurance reimbursement has grown more stringent. The
average length of stay after a traumatic spinal cord injury has
decreased dramatically, with most individuals returning home in 6 - 8
weeks after admission. While this is good news in one sense , Mike
likes to talk about recreational and sports activities being
immediately integrated into the injured person's rehab program ,
Shepherd faces the same concerns regarding increasing or stable
participant expenses and decreasing subsidies as do all hospitals and
rehab programs. Managed care is yet another potential threat to
quality programs like this one. Community resources to adapt housing,
and provide attendant care and transportation are crucial. In the
meantime, programs like Mike Hufstetlers are marketing and reaching
out to the community beyond the hospital's lovely garden. For more information, contact the Shepherd Center at 404-352-2020.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|