Co-Op Cares

We started the Co-Op Cares program at Tampa General Hospital this past summer and we are extremely proud of the amount of success we’ve had in such a short period of time. All of the TGH staff has given us such a warm welcome and have really helped the whole program run smoothly.

We created Co-Op Cares because the days after a catastrophic injury can be the toughest part of recovery for survivors and their loved ones. The program is our little way of doing what we can to help others during this difficult phase. It has truly been an honor to work with the injury survivors recovering in the Level I Trauma Center of TGH and their family members keeping vigil.

Every week, we visit these patients to give them advice, prepare them for the next phase of recovery or simply just talk about every day things with them and their families (sometimes this is the best form of therapy). We also give each patient we meet with an Injury Co-Op backpack to help make the hospital stay feel as comfortable as possible. Each backpack includes:

·         A stress ball

·         A warm blanket for those cold waiting rooms

·         A recovery handbook

·         A guestbook for visitors to sign and leave encouraging words

·         Pen and Paper Pad

So far, we have met with seven SCI/TBI families who have all been extremely receptive of our program. The most rewarding part about the whole experience is that we get to track their recovery over the course of their hospital stay. It has been so incredible to celebrate milestones with the patients and their families because we’ve been there and we know how important these accomplishments are. We are so honored that these injury survivors have allowed us to be a part of their special moments and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Tampa Law Firm Swope Rodante Representing Family In Wrongful Death Case Against FINR

The Florida Institute for Neurological Rehabilitation has been the focus of controversy in recent weeks, after an investigation by Bloomberg uncovered a recurring theme of allegations of mistreatment, abuse, and fraud. As videos of FINR staff assaulting patients have surfaced in the past year, the traumatic brain injury treatment facility is on the receiving end of multiple lawsuits, including a suit filed by Allstate Corporation over claims that patients covered by the company’s insurance policies were forced to wash cars as part of their so-called therapy. FINR officials are also disputing claims by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration that the facility had been housing at least 50 patients that did not have traumatic brain injuries. Insight into FINR’s questionable business practices and treatment of patients was first brought to light in 2005 when Tampa-based law firm of Swope, Rodante P.A. tried a case against FINR over the wrongful death of a patient.  A Wauchula jury found that FINR staff were negligent in causing the death of a brain-injured patient. 

In the face of these various accusations and lawsuits, FINR’s policies are being highly scrutinized.

Attorney Lisha Bowen successfully tried the 2005 Swope, Rodante, P.A. case against FINR. Her involvement with and considerable knowledge of brain injury and wrongful death cases has made her a leader in the investigation of tragic acts that have been committed as a result of corporate negligence.

Wide Open Spaces

Open floor plans can make maneuvering a wheelchair less of a chore at home.

So, you’ve made it through the initial hospital stay and are getting ready to be back in the comforts of your own home. This is probably the moment you’ve been looking forward to since the injury occurred. But, what happens when you get home and realize those old ‘comforts’ may not be so practical anymore?

Truth is, you will have to make adjustments and consider what will work best for your new lifestyle. Chances are this means having to tailor the layout of your home.  This is particularly true for those of you who must use a wheelchair for mobility. 

Now, when it comes to layout, you will have to make an initial choice that will impact the sequence of events to follow.  You can either make changes to an existing home or build a new one. Either of these is a feasible option, it’s just a matter of what works best for you, in addition to finances and time constraints.

If you‘ve decided to build a new home, it’s important to do your research. You must consider every aspect of your daily life and what you’ll have to incorporate for your new needs. With a quick online search, you will find there are tons of online sites that provide accessible floor plans. Take the time to look at these and consider which elements you like. Here are a few websites we think you’ll find helpful:

·         The House Designers

·         Donald A Gardner Architects, Inc.

·         The Right Space

When looking at these plans you’ll notice they tend to be open. We probably don’t have to tell you the reason for this because it’s no secret that wheelchairs take up space. For those of you who are still in a home that isn’t handicap accessible, we’re willing to bet you feel more cramped in certain areas. Maneuverability can be difficult when it comes to turning radius and small hallways or bathrooms.

Giving yourself ample room is key for functionality and open floor plans are the best. This is especially important when it comes to the kitchen, bathroom hallways and doorways. Here are a few dimensions you can use as a guide:

• Hallways-  4 ft. wide

• Doorway-  3 ft. wide
• Bathroom-  3 to 5 ft. radius
• Kitchen Aisles-  3.5 ft. wide

Another accessibility decision that will inevitably come up is the decision between a one or two story home. If you want us to chime in our opinion we’d be more than happy to… choose a single story home. It will not only be easier to navigate through, but it will be less expensive, as well.

However, if you decide on a two story home it will be necessary to install an elevator, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000, or a wheelchair lift, that can cost from $2,500 to $5,000. Clearly, both are costly investments, but they are necessary for easy access throughout your home.

Whichever type of floor plan you decide, you can rest assured there are options out there for you. Don’t let the changes and adjustments overwhelm you. There are millions of survivors out there who already found the answers to most, if not all, of your needs. Always remember, this is a personal choice and only you know what works best for you.