Independence Plus Blog
A Medical Breakthrough: Robotic Limbs Controlled by the Mind
CBS’ “60 Minutes” recently aired a segment about an innovative new research study focused on robotic limbs controlled by the mind. Although there are some risks and complications to the medical procedures that make robotic limbs controlled by the mind possible, the benefits are endless. Candidates include patients who have been affected by paralysis, ALS, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and more.
The Courageous Story of a Mouth Painter
Onix Flores has lived with a rare neuromuscular disease called Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease for most of her life. Now living on a ventilator, Onix has chosen to share her courageous story through the art of mouth painting.
Therapeutic Riding: Briana is All Smiles at Horse Camp
When Briana, 14, was born, most people thought she would never be able to walk, talk, or breathe without the help of a ventilator. Today, Briana is thriving. Not only is she walking, talking, and weaned off the vent, but she is also riding—horses, that is.
Award-Winning Video about Relationships after TBI
According to the CDC, approximately 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur in the United States every year. Watch this award-winning video about one couple’s experience with TBI and how their relationship was affected by the injury.
Giving a Voice to Our Patients and Families
Independence Plus recently launched its Patient Family Advisory Committee to help build stronger partnerships with our patients and their families. Many heartfelt stories, concerns, and even laughs were shared among the patients and families who participated in our inaugural Patient Family Advisory Committee meeting.
Hope for a Cure: Spinal Cord Injury Research
There is no cure for spinal cord injury (SCI), although recent advances in medical knowledge and technology have greatly improved care and therapeutics for SCIs. Now, a research firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts is taking a big step forward in SCI research.
Maria Valdez, 18-Year Old Ventilator-Dependent High School Graduate, Attends College in the Fall
It’s the last day of school at Morton East High School in Cicero, IL. Maria Valdez, 18, is furiously typing on her computer as she puts the finishing touches on the last paper she’ll ever have to write in high school. During the few hours I spend with Maria, I learn that she is determined to be known for her confidence and fearlessness—not for the 14 lb. ventilator (nicknamed R2D2 by Maria and her friends) she tows around with her to school every day.
Music Therapy: How to Reduce Anxiety in Ventilator-Dependent Patients
Tracheostomy and ventilator dependence provides its own unique set of challenges for how patients communicate with their caregivers. Fortunately, a new study from Ohio State University and the University of Minnesota has shed some light on a new way healthcare providers can help to reduce anxiety in ventilator-dependent patients.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects more than 500,000 children and adults in the United States alone. Read more to learn about the three types of CP and the primary causes of each.
![The Facts on Spinal Cord Injury [INFOGRAPHIC]](https://www.independenceplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/newsletter-infographic-1080x675.jpg)
The Facts on Spinal Cord Injury [INFOGRAPHIC]
In 2012, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimated that 270,000 people in the U.S. were living with spinal cord injuries. Check out our infographic to learn more about common causes and symptoms of spinal cord injury.
Get Your Walk On: A Look Inside Our Wellness Program
5,684 miles. That’s how far a group of 32 Independence Plus employees walked from January 1 to April 30, 2013. What’s more impressive is that same group lost a total of 134.9 lbs. Find out how did they did it!
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.