The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation helps individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. The Foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues and ensure the best possible outcomes by touching individual lives. (The Foundation is a 501 c 3 organization.)
Why is it that when there is soo much information regarding spinal cord injuries, then some people in healthcare do not readily comprehend immobility. 29 days ago my father suffered a fall which left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. He was transferred to a facility away from the hospital, to a nursing home. He is still on the respirator and cannot talk. Going from an active 71 year old man, who decided to continue working at the church after retirement, is now living a nightmare of no speech, no mobility except for nodding yes or no, and no way to suction his own mouth. He is now depressed, lonely, isolated, and in the worse facility since two hospitals ago, even though he has good health insurance. He was given a call button and told to push the button if he needs anything. Well, since quadriplegics cannot use their limbs he was humiliated and suffers when visiting hours are over. Basic comforts and care are needed and we have family members willing to do what is needed. He is not even receiving therapy and I feel powerless to do anything. What can we do?