September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month which is sponsored by the United Spinal Association. This annual event raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by people living with spinal cord injuries. Although these injuries have a major impact on the lives of those affected, with the support of family and community, there is high potential for a fulfilling, productive, and active life.

For more than three decades, Paradigm has been dedicated to helping workers dealing with spinal cord injuries receive the top-quality post-acute care they deserve. Our more than 600 network and affiliate providers include long-term acute care and rehabilitation hospitals who serve those dealing with spinal cord injuries. These providers deliver compassionate and comprehensive rehabilitation services to seriously injured workers once they have been stabilized.

Within our 600+ post-acute network includes over 70 residential care spinal cord injury centers. These centers play a vital role in providing intensive multi-disciplinary care services to injured workers who require long-term rehabilitation and respiratory therapy support. They deliver both intensive residential inpatient services and extended Day Program outpatient programs.

In recognition of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, Paradigm is proud to share one of the life-changing stories with the help of our post-acute residential care partners.

Making a difference in the lives of workers with spinal cord injuries
In this case, Paradigm’s post-acute network managed the care of a roofer who had experienced a three-story fall resulting in a severe spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. After the injured worker was stabilized and received intensive inpatient rehabilitation, Paradigm began care coordination through a residential spinal cord injury center. During this phase, the individual underwent an extensive multidisciplinary residential rehab stay, followed by outpatient intensive Day Program services. This program included vocational rehabilitation to assess and assist in determining the best potential occupations for this worker.

Over a four-year treatment experience, this patient has achieved self-propelled wheelchair ambulatory status and assisted-driving certification. He returned home upon completion of home modification adaptations and can walk for short distances with orthopedic bracing and caregiver assistance. This individual continues to explore options for his return to the workforce as he engages in ongoing vocational counseling testing and job simulation training. Through the careful oversight of Paradigm’s post-acute care network, this case also realized cost of care impact savings significantly below both workers’ compensation fee schedules and the providers’ total billed charges.

How you can help Paradigm raise awareness for spinal cord injuries
During September, participants are invited to use the hashtags #UnitedSpinal, #WeRollUnited, and #SCIAwareness to help promote education and awareness around spinal cord injury and the amazing community that supports affected individuals. Paradigm will be raising awareness on our social media channels. Support us by liking and sharing our posts.

Learn how Paradigm’s Post-Acute Care Network ensures injured workers receive access to the best providers for their individual needs.