(No Expensive Devices Needed!)
First, I want to say that I hope you and your family are faring well during the COVID public health situation. I know the isolation can accentuate your loneliness, so I realize you may have been challenged immensely during this past year and I applaud you for “hanging in there!”
This week I carved out some time away from writing my book to film some of the exercises you’ve requested. Thank you for your patience!
That being said, I have a few additional thoughts I wanted to share.
IN-HOME vs IN-CLINIC THERAPY:
There’s a big difference between clinic versus home therapy. If your insurance covers the costs of neuro therapy for you, you’ll realize there’s not only professional equipment there, but also professionally trained neuro occupational, speech and physical therapists (OT’s and PT’s); who are motivators, as well as experts in their field. They also keep you on track so you can reach your goals. I also want to give a shout-out to the front desk staff and the technical staff who assist the therapists. Both groups are vital to the smooth operation of the clinic, and I really miss socializing with them during my home exercises.
In-home therapy is different. Your home doesn’t have the professional equipment, nor does it have the skilled therapists and staff, unless your insurance provides for in-home therapy. Thus, you are the one to motivate yourself and hold yourself accountable. You are the one to identify the areas of the house in which to work, the devices to purchase and use, as well as the furniture that best fits your needs. It can be lonely at times, but it can also be liberating! If the loneliness aspect overwhelms you, I have some solutions for you on that issue (see below).
For the above reasons, your in-clinic therapist will not approve your in-home therapy routine until you are ready to assume that responsibility, and you’ve reached a certain level in your recovery spectrum. However, if you’re unable to attend in-clinic therapy due to inadequate insurance; or there aren’t any neuro clinics in your area; or you’ve been unable to attend due to COVID restrictions; or you lack transportation, etc., in-home therapy is your best solution.
As I promised above, I want to direct you to two alternatives for in-home therapy to assist you with the potential of loneliness and/or the need for structure. The first is Flint Rehab. There is also a fabulous exercise on hand spasticity, click here to read it!
The second is Jane Connely, an occupational therapist of Heal the Brain, provides weekly online therapy sessions for those of us with continued upper body issues. Jane has expanded her services since I first knew her to include workshops on lower body issues, emotional issues, aphasia and others. She charges a small fee (generally $10.00 per session) since she has enhanced her online therapy by adding additional therapists to address other issues we may experience. For more information, visit by clicking here.
Jane and her team are also on the following social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook and also have a wonderful podcast.
In closing, take care, stay safe, and my best wishes for your in-home therapy programs! I have a great new in-home exercise playlist on YouTube ready for you to check out, see below!
Thanks everybody!