Sheltering Arms Institute Joins Nation’s Top 20 Rehabilitation Hospitals 07.16.2024 RICHMOND, Va. (July 16, 2024) — After joining the nation’s top 50 Best Rehabilitation Hospitals in 2023 in its first year eligible, Sheltering Arms Institute is delighted to announce that our hospital is now ranked among the top 20 physical rehabilitation leaders nationwide. Sheltering Arms Institute is ranked the 19th Best Rehabilitation hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report. This is a testament to the outstanding patient care Sheltering Arms Institute team members provide every day and is a considerable leap from last year’s ranking of 29th. “We strive to create the best possible rehabilitation programs and patient experience so each person can achieve their best outcomes,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “This recognition reflects the teamwork and dedication of our team members, volunteers, and donors; however, the greatest reward is serving others and seeing our patients make progress on their rehab journeys.” U.S. News evaluated 1,049 rehabilitation hospitals for the 2024-2025 rankings. Results were based on several factors, including clinical outcomes, quality of care, and physician opinion. Sheltering Arms Institute exceeded national averages among the top 50 in several key metrics such as the percentage of patients who return home following their rehabilitation stay and the number of patients treated for strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and neurological conditions. The hospital also excelled in the categories of advanced technology and patient services. “For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A ‘Best Hospital’ recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.” In fiscal year 2023, Sheltering Arms Institute served 2,369 patients through its inpatient facility and 10,284 patients across its eight outpatient centers. The organization has provided care for patients from 26 states since opening in 2020 and is designated as a Model System in brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit ShelteringArmsInstitute.com. About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Sheltering Arms Institute Named Among 2024 Top Workplaces 03.20.2024 RICHMOND, Va. (March 20, 2024) — Sheltering Arms Institute is pleased to announce it has earned the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. “This recognition belongs to our team members,” said Amanda Worley, VP of Human Resources at Sheltering Arms Institute. “Their focus on reinventing rehabilitation, and their embrace of the core values, has created a culture that delivers exceptional patient outcomes.” Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.” About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit, state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked among the nation’s best rehabilitation hospitals and the top rehab hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit shelteringarmsinstitute.com. About Energage Making the world a better place to work together.TM Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
Sheltering Arms Institute Recognized as Partner in MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 11.03.2023 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has officially established Sheltering Arms Institute’s Laburnum outpatient center and physical therapist Morgan Largen, PT, DPT, NCS, MSCS, as a Partner in MS Care. This recognition acknowledges the clinic’s dedication to delivering outstanding care for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Partners in MS Care are healthcare providers, including but not limited to, physical therapists, mental health providers, neurologists, and physicians. These providers demonstrate a knowledge of expertise in treating MS and have an established relationship with the National MS Society. To become a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS), individuals must meet specific requirements, including working a designated number of hours with the MS population and having the requisite education and knowledge related to MS. After acquiring this certification, the healthcare provider is listed as an expert partner in care on the Partners in Care website, enabling users to search for specialists in their local area by zip code. Morgan believes having this certification at the Laburnum outpatient center will significantly benefit patients. “MS is such a complex disease, and patients are so unique. They can really tell when someone has the knowledge and skillset directly related to MS, so having [our care] tied to the National MS Society gives people the confidence that we provide expert care,” she said. Being a certified specialist has allowed her to better educate and provide for her patients. She stated, “As a Partner in Care, I can easily get resources and tie people to different providers through the National MS Society.” Morgan’s fascination with neurology began during her time in physical therapy school, where she later decided she wanted to be a neurologic-rehab provider. Her particular interest and passion to serve the MS population led her to expand the MS program. Morgan explains that once she sees a patient, she becomes part of their life. “We are able to check in with people more than they check in with their doctors really, so you truly become a care partner.” To learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute’s MS program, click here, or to search for a Partner in MS Care near you, click here.
Sheltering Arms Institute to Expand Inpatient Physical Rehab Hospital 10.02.2023 RICHMOND, Va. (October 2, 2023) — Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, has received approval from the Virginia Department of Health to expand its inpatient rehabilitation hospital following a certificate of public need (COPN) application process. The facility, located just west of Short Pump in West Creek, provides care for individuals recovering from a variety of illnesses or injuries, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, as well as those in need of general rehabilitation for various neurological diseases and disorders. The 30 additional beds, which will also be used to provide rehabilitative care, will bring the hospital’s total number of beds to 144. “Since we opened in June of 2020, we have seen immense need for the high-quality physical rehabilitation services that our team members provide, serving more than 2,000 people each year from across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “Our goal is to further increase access to help people achieve their best recovery and live healthy, independent lives.” The 30 new patient rooms will be built on the fourth floor of the hospital, which currently exists as shell space that was constructed as part of the 212,000-square-foot current structure in anticipation of future need. The total capital cost of the project is an estimated $25 million with anticipated funding to include a combination of bank financing and equity contributions from joint venture members Sheltering Arms and VCU Health. Construction will begin once a contractor is selected and is anticipated to take approximately 18 months to complete. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit, state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked among the nation’s best rehabilitation hospitals and the top rehab hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com.
U.S. News & World Report Names Sheltering Arms Institute Among Best Hospitals Nationwide for 2023-2024 in Physical Rehabilitation 08.01.2023 RICHMOND, Va. (August 1, 2023) — Sheltering Arms Institute has been named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2023-2024 Best Hospitals. The rankings assist patients and their doctors in choosing the right hospital for them. In its first year eligible and of the 1,041 physical rehabilitation hospitals that were evaluated, Sheltering Arms Institute ranks 29th in the country in the physical rehabilitation specialty and is the top rehabilitation hospital in the state of Virginia. “The team members at Sheltering Arms Institute focus on helping each patient achieve their best possible outcomes. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding patient care they provide every day,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 21 procedures and conditions; only 12% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience. For more information on the U.S. News Best Hospitals, explore Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #BestHospitals. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com. About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Wearable Robot Helps Graduate Walk Across Stage 05.15.2023 RICHMOND, Va. (May 15, 2023) — A wearable robotic exoskeleton that has enabled more than 125 million steps around the world is helping one young man walk across the stage at his graduation. In May 2016, just weeks before his high school graduation, Khalil Watson was shot in the neck causing a devastating spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Instead of walking across the stage to receive his diploma from Highland Springs High School as he had planned, Watson streamed his graduation ceremony from a hospital bed. Since his injury seven years ago, Watson—now 25—has worked tirelessly to regain his mobility and independence, relearning how to breathe, eat, speak, and care for himself. “One of my goals is to be as independent as possible,” Watson said. “When we started therapy after Khalil’s injury, he needed significant assistance for any mobility. Now, he is progressively increasing the amount of movement he can do on his own. Every time I see him, he masters a new skill,” added Christina Smith, PT, DPT, NCS, physical therapist at Sheltering Arms Institute. Another one of Watson’s goals was to continue his education. In 2019, he began working on his associate degree in pre-social work from Reynolds Community College. “Helping people is something that I’m passionate about,” Watson said about why it was important for him to earn his degree. “Going through what I’ve had to go through and am still going through makes it easier for me to connect with people who are either going through a similar situation or worse.” Two of Watson’s therapists at Sheltering Arms Institute will help him utilize cutting-edge robotic technology to walk across the stage and receive his diploma, a walk seven years in the making. “Being able to walk across the stage will mean everything to me, especially since I wasn’t able to do so in high school. I can finally say all of my hard work has paid off,” Watson said. This fall, Watson plans to transfer to VCU to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute is a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com.
Service Spotlight: Wheelchair Clinic 09.08.2022 When the architectural plans for Sheltering Arms Institute were being drawn up, we ensured with input from patients, families, and team members that physical space was dedicated to a robust in-house wheelchair clinic to provide specialty services related to patients’ seating and mobility needs. “I worked on VCU Health’s spinal cord injury unit for more than a decade, fell in love with wheelchairs, and realized how important they can be to the success of somebody long term,” said Megan Murphey, PT, DPT, ATP, NCS, Assistive Technology Specialist, who leads the clinic. Megan’s knowledge and passion for assistive equipment and technology is evident in her interactions with patients and their loved ones, just ask Laura Grosvenor whose son Hayden spent five weeks at the Institute due to a Guillain-Barré syndrome relapse. “Megan took the time to explain all the pieces and how they worked, how to take apart the wheelchair, and how to maintain the cushion,” said Laura. “They took care of all the details involved in ordering a custom wheelchair and we were thankful to have a loaner to go home with.” Patients are referred to our wheelchair clinic by their primary therapy team to determine what kind of device they need, whether it is a power chair, a manual chair, or something in between. The clinic team, including complex rehabilitation technology vendors, then constructs a demo chair to discover what works best for each person. The clinic is stocked with a wide array of brands and types of equipment, including frames, wheels, cushions, backrests, brakes, and more, in addition to new technologies like sensors. “We believe in try before you buy, so we meet with patients on a weekly basis to check in, tweak things, and make sure that everything is right, or to switch things out so that patients can try different components,” Megan explained. “We’re enhancing recovery efforts by making sure that people are as mobile as possible, no matter what that looks like, and providing them with what’s optimal and not just an off-the-shelf product.” Based on how a patient is progressing in therapy, equipment adjustments are made to reflect functional changes. In Hayden’s case, he moved from a full power chair to a power-assist manual chair during his stay. Appointments at the clinic also include patients’ family members and caregivers to provide education and training on how to get the chair in and out of a car, for example. Once the loaner chair is optimally configured, the vendor pre-screens each patient’s insurance before ordering a custom chair. “If the insurance company denies something that we think they should approve, we will go through an appeal process and really fight to make sure that people get the equipment they need,” Megan added. The volume of referrals to the wheelchair clinic proves the need for this service. In 2021, 365 patients were referred to the wheelchair clinic by their care teams.
Sheltering Arms Institute Hospital Receives New Quality-Based Accreditation From DNV 06.28.2022 RICHMOND, Va. (June 28, 2022) — Sheltering Arms Institute Hospital is excited to announce the successful completion of its new accreditation process awarded by DNV. By earning accreditation, the hospital has demonstrated it meets or exceeds patient safety standards (Conditions of Participation) set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DNV’s accreditation program is the only one to integrate the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation. “The DNV program is consistent with our commitment to quality and patient safety,” says Linda Tiemens, VP, Quality and Care Coordination. “The ability to integrate ISO 9001 with our clinical processes will elevate our standards of excellence even further.” Sheltering Arms Institute Hospital has three years from the date of its accreditation to achieve compliance with ISO 9001, the world’s most trusted quality management system used by performance-driven organizations around the world to advance their quality and sustainability objectives. “We have taken an entirely different approach to accreditation, and hospitals are really responding,” says DNV Healthcare USA Inc. President Patrick Horine. “Since accreditation is a must-have credential for just about every hospital in this country, why not make it more valuable, and get more out of it? That’s where ISO 9001 comes into play and turns the typical get-your-ticket-punched accreditation exercise into a quality transformation.” DNV’s accreditation program, called NIAHO® (National Integrated Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), involves annual hospital surveys – instead of every three years – and encourages hospitals to openly share information across departments and to discover improvements in clinical workflows and safety protocols. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms and VCU Health System have formed a joint venture, Sheltering Arms Institute, a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers, that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com. About DNV DNV is a global independent certification, assurance, and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise, DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, drives innovative solutions. Whether certifying a company’s management system or products, accrediting hospitals, providing training, or assessing supply chains or digital assets, DNV enables customers and stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence, continually improve, and realize long-term strategic goals sustainably. DNV draws on its wide technical and industry expertise to help companies worldwide build consumer and stakeholder trust. Driven by its purpose—to safeguard life, property, and the environment—DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies. For more information about DNV, visit www.dnvcert.com/healthcare.
