Dustin LaFortune

Archive for July, 2010

Participants:

Doctor
Recreation Co-ordinator
Social Worker
Nursing
Speech Therapist
Physio Therapy
Renee

Goal Review:

1. Transferring to long-term ABI facility

The Social Worker is working on the application process and the doctor is consulting with the neurophysiologist soon. Discussion, planning and transportation will happen at a later date.

2. Personal Care

Dustin still requires assistance with dressing but he is improving. Balance and core strength issues are still a concern.

3. Physio

Dustin participated in a ‘Walking Assessment’ last week. He scored 30 out of 66 which according to the scale still puts him at 100% risk of falling.

Dustin is still unsteady. The physio program is working on core stability and building trunk strength using exercises, the help of support rails and lines on the floor. Dustin can walk 25 metres around the room, with the assistance of one person. He still moves to the right and has difficulty placing his right foot. Dustin is very cautious and easily fatigued and does not self-limit.

Dustin practices walking using the support bars and one person ’spotting’. He also practiced walking up and down stairs. Dustin can walk up 5 steps, using alternating feet if he is holding on to the rails but he can’t come down unless he is assisted. With help, Dustin goes down, one stair at a time, placing both feet on each step.

Endurance is a problem. Dustin is easily fatigued and needs to rest between activities. He will not (cannot?) self-limit or rest so the performance level deteriorates.

4. Diet

Dustin is limited to six (regular) cups of coffee per day. He can decaf between meals or with snacks. He is encouraged to drink water or nectar-thick juices instead.

Dustin has a chart in his room to record extras. This is helping him to remember that he’s eaten and what he’s eaten.

The dental-soft diet and nectar-thick liquids will continue for now.

5. OT/Speech

The plastic surgeon examined Dustin. Nobody can read what he wrote on the chart but Dawn said that he suggested some stretching exercises using tongue depressors.

6. Recreation

Dustin starts Art Therapy next week. He is really looking forward to it and is already drawing between therapy sessions. The staff are impressed with his talent and artistic ability. There will be an evaluation to determine what other activities would be suitable.

7. Cognition

Dustin has exercises and quizzes to help with memory, organization and orientation.

He is also looking forward to finally having his iPad and using it as part of therapy.