Sheltering Arms Institute Launches Stroke Peer Mentor Program 05.19.2022 Stroke survivors visit patients to help with their recovery RICHMOND, Va. (May 19, 2022) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Sheltering Arms Institute is enhancing its rehabilitation program for stroke survivors by launching its own stroke peer mentoring program. According to the CDC, more than three-quarters of a million people in the United States have a stroke every year and for 185,000 of those individuals, it’s their second stroke. Forty-four-year-old Jenifer Wilson recently experienced her second stroke leaving her paralyzed on the left side of her body. “All I have in front of me is the great unknown,” Wilson said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen or if I’m going to be independent when I get home and get back to life.” Wilson’s recreation therapist suggested that she meet with fellow survivor Eleanor Angle, who experienced a stroke in 2020 and was also a patient at Sheltering Arms Institute. Two years later, Angle continues to work toward regaining her independence. “I have not allowed my stroke to sideline me from life and it’s really a privilege to be able to give back to patients here. I try to offer up some encouragement, support, and a listening ear given that I’ve been on exactly their same path,” Angle said about the opportunity to become a stroke peer mentor. Oftentimes, peer mentor programs are created by external partners; however, Sheltering Arms Institute created this program from scratch including mentor training materials and the process of pairing patients with mentors. Other successful peer mentor programs at the Institute for people who have experienced spinal cord injuries and amputations served as a model for the stroke program’s creation. “Evidence shows that when community support services are provided, patient outcomes improve. Just having somebody they can relate to say, ‘I know where you are and recovery is possible’ provides motivation and encouragement and leads to further discussions or questions,” said Alison Clarke, CTRS, Community Engagement Manager, who spearheaded the program. Peer mentors are volunteers and complete a six-hour course on successful mentoring taught by expert clinicians in psychology and speech-language pathology. Each mentor meets one-on-one with patients one afternoon every week, which is an invaluable resource to patients like Wilson. “I’m having a hard time with staying upbeat, so anything I can do that’s going to possibly alleviate that is really helpful,” Wilson said. “My biggest takeaway from meeting with Eleanor was to learn a new way to do old things. I still feel like I can keep my life, I just have to learn how to do it differently.” ### 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, 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.
Sheltering Arms Institute Supports Stroke Awareness Month 05.16.2022 Central Virginia Physical Rehabilitation Hospital Bolsters Stroke Program With New Initiatives RICHMOND, Va. (May 16, 2022) – Sheltering Arms Institute is proud to support the 33rd annual National Stroke Awareness month, which takes place each May to increase awareness about the warning signs, symptoms, prevention, and impact of stroke on survivors as well as their families and caregivers. Sheltering Arms Institute offers a robust stroke program to help people regain their independence following this life-changing illness and is excited to announce several new initiatives as part of this programming including: Partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in support of the first statewide Paul Coverdell Acute Stroke Program Grant The Paul Coverdell Acute Stroke Program Grant is a three-year federal grant provided to select state health departments to collect, measure, and track data to improve the quality of care for stroke patients. Sheltering Arms Institute is among other top healthcare institutions and the only rehabilitation hospital to support the VDH in continuing to advance stroke care by utilizing Unite Us software to connect patients with needed health and social care resources post-discharge. Partnership with Richmond and Henrico Health District community health workers Sheltering Arms Institute is collaborating with community health workers from these two districts to identify patients at high risk for health concerns such as missing doctor’s appointments and food insecurity to provide staff to help navigate these matters and ensure access to needed resources. Blood pressure monitoring initiative with the Medical Society of Virginia, BEATDiabetes, and BEATStroke This program uses text message reminders to engage with and remind patients to monitor their blood pressure in between medical appointments. The Medical Society of Virginia donated 30 automatic blood pressure cuffs to Sheltering Arms Institute to enroll patients in the program to improve blood pressure. Connecting patients with stroke support groups and peer mentors Current patients at Sheltering Arms Institute participate in a virtual meet and greet with the Virginia Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Education Support Group, which provides long-term support to individuals impacted by stroke. Fellow survivors, some of whom are former Sheltering Arms Institute patients, serve as peer mentor volunteers and meet one-on-one with current patients to establish ongoing relationships with one another. “We are creating a continuum of care across the state where patients who have experienced a stroke would have access to the entire continuum and somebody to help them navigate that,” said Melissa Banta, PT, DPT, Stroke Therapy Program Manager. “We know that stroke recovery happens over time and a lot of support systems need to be in place for people to achieve their best outcomes, so we want to make sure our patients are prepared.” For more information about Sheltering Arms Institute’s stroke program, please visit https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-and-services/stroke-rehabilitation/. ### 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, 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 shelteringarmsinstitute.com.
Sheltering Arms Institute Recognizes Patient Experience Week 04.25.2022 Annual Event to Celebrate Healthcare Staff Impacting Patient Experience Every Day Richmond, VA (April 25, 2022) – Recognizing and encouraging global efforts to improve the healthcare experience for patients, their families, and caregivers, Sheltering Arms Institute celebrates the fifth annual Patient Experience (PX) Week April 25 – 29, 2022. PX Week is brought to the healthcare community by The Beryl Institute, the global community of practice dedicated to improving the patient experience through collaboration and shared knowledge. Inspired by members of the Institute community, PX Week provides a focused time for organizations to celebrate accomplishments, re-energize efforts and honor the people who impact the patient experience every day. From nurses and physicians, to support staff and executive professionals, to patients, families, and communities served, the Institute hopes to bring together healthcare organizations across the globe to observe PX Week. Sheltering Arms Institute plans to celebrate its healthcare team members by participating in myriad activities including: Meaningful Monday – Ice cream treats for all! Teamwork Tuesday – Solve puzzles for a chance to win gift/gas card prizes Well-being Wednesday – Health and wellness activities Thankful Thursday – Deliver special gratitude gifts to our patients sponsored by Sheltering Arms Foundation Feel Good Friday – Breakfast for all team members in the café hosted by the Servant Leadership Council “It is because of our talented and compassionate teammates that the Sheltering Arms Institute Patient Experience is wonderful! This week is really a great opportunity to thank everyone for the incredible patient experience they provide,” said Linda Tiemens, VP, Quality and Care Coordination. The Institute has compiled a list of suggested ways to celebrate PX Week and will also offer a series of free virtual educational opportunities on various aspects of patient experience improvement. To learn more, visit http://www.theberylinstitute.org/?page=PXWEEK ### About The Beryl Institute: The Beryl Institute is the global community of practice dedicated to improving the patient experience through collaboration and shared knowledge. We define patient experience as the sum of all interactions, shaped by an organization’s culture, that influence patient perceptions across the continuum of care. 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, 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 shelteringarmsinstitute.com.
Sheltering Arms Institute Named Project of the Year by GRACRE 10.28.2021 This article originally appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch The new 114-bed Sheltering Arms Institute rehabilitation hospital in Goochland County has won the Project of the Year award from the Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate. The 20th annual GRACRE Real Estate Awards ceremony, which was held Wednesday evening, honored outstanding commercial real estate projects and transactions in the Richmond region during 2020. About 180 people attended the event, which was held at The Country Club of Virginia. The 212,000-square-foot rehabilitation facility opened last year in The Notch at West Creek development off Broad Street Road in Goochland, just east of the state Route 288 interchange. The $95 million facility is a collaboration between Sheltering Arms Hospital and VCU Health by consolidating Sheltering Arms’ inpatient facilities at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Hanover County and Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield County as well as VCU Health System’s facility in downtown Richmond. The facility provides care for patients in need of rehabilitation from strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, various neurological diseases and disorders, and other conditions. The Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate, or GRACRE, recognized a total of 22 projects or transactions in the Richmond area.
Virginia Consortium for Spinal Cord Injury Care Receives Top Designation 09.21.2021 Federal Government Announces 2021 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Designees RICHMOND, Va. (September 21, 2021) — The Virginia Consortium for Spinal Cord Injury Care, a partnership between Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering (CERSE), the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS), and Sheltering Arms Institute has earned federal designation as one of only 14 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems Centers in the U.S. This prestigious designation recognizes the Consortium’s outstanding integrated system of healthcare from hospital treatment to community-based services as well as its innovative interdisciplinary research program to improve the lives of Virginians who have sustained a SCI. The award includes a $2.2 million grant over five years funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. This makes VCU one of only four centers in the nation to have a dual designation as a SCI and traumatic brain injury (TBI) model systems center. The co-principal investigators on the grant are Ashraf S. Gorgey, MPT, PhD, FACSM, FACRM, VCU CERSE Professor and Director of SCI Research at the CVHCS, and Zina Trost, PhD, Associate Professor and CERSE Integrative Rehabilitation Research Scientist. The Medical Director of the grant is Timothy Lavis, MD, Chief of Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders and Senior SCI Specialist for Sheltering Arms Institute. “We are humbled to receive this award,” said Dr. Gorgey. “It represents many years of hard work by our collaborative research team and the outstanding clinical care delivered by the Central Virginia VA Health Care System and Sheltering Arms Institute. The SCI Model Systems grant supports our continued dedication to research and real-world applicability to enhance the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.” The centerpiece of the Consortium’s research is an innovative and bold study to improve arm and hand function in individuals with tetraplegia. The research study proposes to use noninvasive electrical stimulation to improve both arm and hand muscle mass and nerve function, a novel approach that has not previously been tried. The second proposed study urgently tackles the difficult topic of identifying specific sources of health inequities following SCI. This study aims to identify practical and implementable solutions that can improve rehabilitation access and health outcomes for people from rural areas as well as racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. “As a community partner and former Sheltering Arms patient, I appreciate being actively involved in building this research program,” said Richard Bagby, Executive Director, United Spinal Association of Virginia, and Chair of the Virginia SCI Model Systems Advisory Board. “This research is innovative and can potentially make a real difference in people’s lives.” ### About VCU Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering (CERSE) and PM&R Department Established in 1949 as one of the nation’s four inaugural PM&R departments, VCU’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has 50+ clinical, teaching and research faculty across central Virginia at seven VCU Health facilities, Sheltering Arms Institute, and the Central Virginia VA Health Care System. The department provides clinical care that restores individuals with disability to the highest functional level possible, trains 18 residents and 10 fellows annually to become leaders in the field, and conducts innovative, cutting-edge research in brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation care, pain management and rehabilitation care delivery. The VCU Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering (CERSE), a designated VCU-wide Research Center that is housed in the Department of PM&R within the VCU School of Medicine, offers research mentorship, infrastructure, and leadership across all areas of disability. CERSE has 50+ researchers with 85+ active grants and more than $30 million/year in federal funding advancing knowledge acquisition and translation to enhance care and outcomes across all areas of disability. For more information, please visit VCU PM&R pmr.vcu.edu and VCU CERSE pmr.vcu.edu/research. About VCU and VCU Health Virginia Commonwealth University is a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls nearly 30,000 students in 238 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities. Twenty-three of the programs are unique in Virginia, many of them crossing the disciplines of VCU’s 11 schools and three colleges. The VCU Health brand represents the VCU health sciences academic programs, the VCU Massey Cancer Center and the VCU Health System, which comprises VCU Medical Center (the only academic medical center in the region), Community Memorial Hospital, Tappahannock Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and MCV Physicians. The clinical enterprise includes a collaboration with Sheltering Arms Institute for physical rehabilitation services. For more, please visit vcu.edu and vcuhealth.org. About Central Virginia VA Health Care System Since 1944, our primary mission at Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS) has been to care for Veterans and their caregivers. As Virginia’s largest Veterans hospital network, CVHCS delivers high-quality health care using state-of-the-art-technology to our Nation’s Heroes, every day. We are honored to offer health care services at our main hospital in south Richmond, or at one of our five community clinics in Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, Emporia and Henrico. For more information, or to register for VA health care services, please visit richmond.va.gov. 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, 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. All outpatient services for both parent organizations operate separately now and into the foreseeable future. For more information, please visit shelteringarmsinstitute.com.
First Rysen™ Installed in North America – New 3D Technology Supports Best Rehabilitation Outcomes 08.23.2021 RICHMOND, Va. (August 24, 2021) – Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, is thrilled to announce the installation of the first Motek RYSEN™ 3D bodyweight support system in the Western Hemisphere, helping people affected by neurological, orthopedic, muscular, cardiovascular, and other conditions overcome disabilities related to balance and walking. The RYSEN is an all-directional, 3D bodyweight support system that provides adjustable vertical and horizontal forces. By offering unrestricted movement eliminating sideways limitations and interference, patients are empowered to perform functional transfer training and overground gait and balance activities. “We are honored to be Sheltering Arms Institute’s technology partner. Their commitment to innovation in rehabilitation and utmost care to their patients is outstanding,” said Barry Hes, Chief Market Officer Research Solutions of DIH-Motek. Outer Banks resident Vicki Day recently suffered a stroke that robbed her of her balance and the ability to walk. Sheltering Arms Institute therapists utilized the RYSEN to simulate various terrains, real-life walking conditions, and everyday activities. “It’s very realistic to situations that you encounter out in the real world and it affords you the opportunity to make different choices of what direction you want to go,” Day said. Just one month after her stroke, Day was able to walk through grass and climb stairs with minimal assistance. RYSEN also assists with amputation, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other conditions. Richmond resident Arlene Schwartz used the RYSEN as part of her inpatient rehabilitation program for post-COVID recovery. “It gives you support so you really don’t have to hold on to anybody, you can kind of do it all on your own,” Schwartz said. Clinical research points to the efficacy of bodyweight support in harnessing the principles of neuroplasticity by increasing repetition and intensity. “We are taking bodyweight support beyond just linear gait training while also giving patients the freedom they need to learn,” said Amber Walter, PT, DPT, NCS, clinical science manager at Sheltering Arms Institute. “Clinicians from various disciplines can facilitate movement or incorporate additional obstacles and activities that we normally wouldn’t be able to do in therapy.” The purchase of the RYSEN and support for ongoing staff training is funded by generous donors to Sheltering Arms Foundation. ### Attachments: 1. Photos and B-roll: Patients use the RYSEN as part of their inpatient care at Sheltering Arms Institute 2. Media Kit 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, 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. All outpatient services for both parent organizations operate separately now and into the foreseeable future. About DIH and Motek DIH is a global solution provider of robotic rehabilitation devices for physical and occupational therapy. We blend innovative robotic & VR technologies with clinical integration and insights. The DIH brands, which include Hocoma, Motek, and SafeGait, are applied successfully in renowned clinics and research institutes worldwide. For more information, please visit www.motekmedical.com/solutions.
Sheltering Arms Institute Expands Outdoor Space with Bridge Garden 08.02.2021 At Sheltering Arms Institute, we are very fortunate for the support of generous donors through Sheltering Arms Foundation who have made it possible for us to have a beautiful and high-tech indoor space to care for our patients. Now, we are turning our attention to begin developing more of the outdoor space on our 47-acre campus to expand the rehabilitation environment. When her husband, Bill, suffered a stroke in 2017, Beth Flippo Hutchins recognized the need for a green space for patients like him to reconnect with themselves, family, and coworkers. She remembers rolling him in a wheelchair through the parking lots and thinking that there had to be a better way for patients to enjoy the fresh air. Thanks to a significant gift from the Flippo Foundation, Sheltering Arms Institute will soon have the Bridge Garden, a special natural setting for everyone to enjoy. “I cried when I heard that the new outdoor space at Sheltering Arms Institute was named the Bridge Garden,” says Beth Flippo Hutchins, whose family has been a part of or connected to Sheltering Arms for many years. Funded with the support of the Flippo Foundation, a collaborative design team began imagining an outdoor space inspired by the idea of patients connecting with themselves, their families and the world at large. “Ideas came from our patients and their diverse experiences, as well as from clinicians and community partner groups,” explained Cindee Rolston, Director of Rehabilitation Psychology. The final design of the garden features secluded spaces for quiet conversations, gathering spaces for families and a green space for lawn games and activities. There will be a trail with a variety of ground coverings so that patients can practice navigating a variety of terrains. The Bridge theme will be visually represented by arches linking one area of the garden to the next. Beth is ever grateful to Sheltering Arms and the genesis of the garden. She says, “I love the smaller conversation spaces, which was something that meant so much to Bill. I remember watching how his visitors would spark a memory in him. The garden also helps patients in relating to normal situations.” Beth concludes, “We’ve been so blessed by the care we received at Sheltering Arms. So many people gave Bill the opportunity to be Bill again. That was a gift we can never repay.” She adds, “The power of others who gave their time and talent gave Bill the Power to Overcome.” The Bridge Garden is expected to be completed in late fall 2021. A version of this article was originally written by Kathleen Reid for Sheltering Arms Foundation. Renderings courtesy of HG Design Studio.
Wearable Robot Helps People Walk Again 05.17.2021 Exoskeleton that has enabled over 125 million steps around the world now available in Central Virginia RICHMOND, Va. (May 18, 2021) – Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, is enhancing its rehabilitation programs by now offering the EksoNR™ robotic exoskeleton to help patients who have experienced neurological illness or injury learn to walk again. Sheltering Arms Institute is the first inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Virginia to have an EksoNR clinical program. The Sheltering Arms Institute outpatient location in Hanover has also acquired an EksoNR, providing hospital patients the opportunity to continue using the device on an outpatient basis as they progress in their recovery. Each year, nearly 60 million people suffer from acquired brain injury, 15 million suffer a stroke, and as many as 500,000 experience a spinal cord injury (SCI). EksoNR is the first exoskeleton approved by the FDA for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries and the only exoskeleton with FDA approval for use with acquired brain injury patients. “The EksoNR offers many unique benefits to our patients who are relearning to walk, as the device promotes early mobilization and can help improve gait speed and distance, which are critical factors for optimal recovery,” said Amber Walter, PT, DPT, NCS, director of clinical science at Sheltering Arms Institute. The wearable robotic device offers patients upper trunk support and the opportunity to practice over-ground walking early on in their recovery process, retraining the brain and muscles how to properly walk again. This cutting-edge exoskeleton technology helps patients re-learn correct step patterns, weight shifting, and posture. Additionally, this device has shown promising results in walking speed, endurance, lower extremity strength, and functional mobility for persons with spinal cord injury. Clinical evidence suggests that including EksoNR gait training in inpatient rehabilitation for stroke improves independence in functional mobility. Most patients take an average of 400 steps during first-time training in the device. The purchase of the two EksoNR devices and support for ongoing staff training is funded by generous donors to Sheltering Arms Foundation. ### Attachments: Photos of the EksoNR Contact: Dianne Jewell Public Information Officer djewell@shelteringarms.com 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 Sheltering Arms Sheltering Arms Corporation is part owner, along with VCU Health, of Sheltering Arms Institute. Sheltering Arms also offers a vast array of fitness, wellness, and recreation services, including its mission-driven day recreation program, Club Rec. To learn more, visit www.shelteringarms.com or call (804) 764-1000.
