Independence Plus Blog
Our Wishes for 2014
For almost a decade, Independence Plus, Inc. has upheld its annual tradition of creating wishes and releasing them into the air in the New Year. Our wishes include hopeful messages for people everywhere, including our patients and families, our colleagues, our family and friends, and ourselves.
Top 12 Success Stories of 2013
With the holidays in full swing – and 2014 quickly approaching – we took a few minutes to look back at some of our patient’s success stories from 2013.
A Hero Among Us
“He’s our hero.” This is the first thing JJ’s mom, Eleanor, says as we sit down to hear JJ’s story. During our conversation, I understand her sentiment completely. JJ truly is a hero among us. JJ suffered a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in January 2007, resulting in a level C2 injury. This injury eventually improved to a level C3 injury. Today, JJ lives a full life at home surrounded by his friends, family, and trusted nurses. He enjoys riding to the beach, interacting with nature, and visiting with people.
One Year of Experience NOT Required
“One Year Minimum Experience Required.” This phrase has haunted Eric Meiri, RN, since he graduated from nursing school in December 2012. Read his guest blog post to learn more about his journey to obtain a job in nursing – and his experience as a Nurse Resident in Independence Plus’ Home Nursing Residency program.
Patients and Families: Let Your Voices Be Heard!
Last week, we held our second Patient Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) meeting. PFAC meetings are one of the many ways our patients and families are connecting to Independence Plus.
Veteran’s Day: Honoring Our Heroes
Today, we are recognizing and honoring past and present service men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Their courage and dedication makes us proud and free. As a special tribute to those who served, we are sharing the story of Tyrone “Ty” Hull. Ty is a Delivery Technician at Independence Plus, Inc.’s Respiratory Home Medical Equipment division, and was in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1992.
Celebrating Halloween with Independence Plus
Halloween isn’t just about going door to door for candy. Many of our patients celebrate Halloween at home surrounded by their family and friends. We compiled a snapshot of photos to illustrate how a few of our patients chose to celebrate this year!
Advocating for Sara: A Parent’s Perspective
Sara is a survivor. Sara, 9, is described by her parents, Rei and Daniel, as a girly girl and lover of all things Hello Kitty. Sara was born with Trisomy 16, a chromosomal abnormality. In 2012, she received a tracheostomy and was placed on a ventilator. Together, Sara and her family are supported by their friends, physicians, specialists, therapists, and nurses, who are all fighting to keep Sara healthy – and at home.
A Brighter Future for COPD Patient
Ms. Rochfella Bright, 52, enjoys being with her family, crocheting blankets, solving puzzles, and even fishing with Robert, her son, at a pond near their home. Life wasn’t always this good for Ms. Bright who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly referred to as COPD, until she was introduced to Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation (IPV) treatments at home.
Recognizing Ed during Respiratory Care Week
As part of Respiratory Care Week, we’re recognizing all Respiratory Care Practitioners, including Ed Solecki, CRTT. Ed never wanted to become a Respiratory Therapist but it was his father’s dream for all eleven (11!) of his children. When Ed was a child, his father retired from the firehouse and pursued a second career as an RT. Ed’s father took great pride in his new career and encouraged every one of his children to join him in the field.
The Importance of Today: Living with ALS
Mr. Alden Orput, 82, worked most of his career as the CEO of Orput Companies Inc., a third-generation family-owned real estate firm, founded in 1928. He is a savvy businessman, art collector, adventure seeker, family man, and for the past couple years, a man who is not defined by his disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Trissa Turns 10!
Trissa, 10, thrived for seven years with Independence Plus’s nursing care at home and was decannulated in 2010. Five months later, Trissa experienced complications and required another tracheotomy; Independence Plus’ nurses have been with her ever since. Today, Trissa lives with a permanent artificial airway (tracheostomy tube) and requires bilevel ventilation at night. She is progressing well, and her team has nothing but high hopes for her future.
Grow With Us
We’re expanding our services and offerings. We want you to be a part of the team that is delivering personalized, individual, people-focused skilled home healthcare to those in need. Come join us.