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Traumatic Brain Injury Special Edition
The LiNK 7.3 - Fall 2011
Tips for Thriving after Brain Injury
Announcing our
READER CONTEST! Service Dogs Help Wounded Heroes
9900 E. ILIFF AVE. DENVER , CO 80231 PHONE (303) 636-5600 FAX (303) 636-5603 TDD (303) 636-5602 RG WWW.DENVEROPTIONS.O
Dear Readers,
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permanent housing Finding temporar y shelter and benefits Obtaining VA and other public ds Emergency financial and food nee Health care ser vices vices Legal and financial planning ser Employment ser vices
d of duty or a family in which the hea ive act of day e on st lea at ved ser less or at U.S. military veterans who have y low income and who are home ver d ere sid con are o wh n, era vet st not have been household or the spouse is a eligible. Additionally, veterans mu d ere sid con lly era gen are s les risk of becoming home dishonorably discharged. determine ir families around the state to the and ns era vet h wit et me l rings and will be Our HAV case managers wil ces in Denver and Colorado Sp offi e hav ady alre We es. vic ser eligibility and provide needs of veterans across ction and Alamosa to meet the Jun and Gr in ces offi nal itio expanding to add the state. t if you are port our outreach or to find ou sup to s, an ter Ve All for s me Ho To learn more about rans.org. or visit www.HomesforAllVete eligible, call (855) VETS -HAV Sincerely,
Kathy Martin Chief Operating Officer Denver Options, Inc.
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HAV
Homes for All Veterans
ct e f r e P a Is g o D e ic v r Se Partner for Scott Whenever Scott Reichert and his dog Chloe return home, he immediately takes off her leash and tells her, “Search.” She diligently checks each room before returning to the front door, where he waits. Scott, an Army veteran, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and this ritual helps ease his anxiety. The pair is in training to become a service dog team.
Knowing the benefits a service dog could provide, Scott’s OTF care coordinator, John Lenz, connected him to Daffron Doghouse. The organization works with injured veterans to help them train their own service dogs. Although Chloe is still in training, she’s quickly making a positive impact.
Scott, an Operation TBI Freedom client, has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and he suffers from nightmares due to PTSD. He also has back problems that force him to walk with a cane and make bending over difficult. Like many injured veterans, Scott was reluctant to ask for help despite his difficulties. “I don’t want to ask for help from people, so I’d end up hurting myself,” he said.
Chloe gives Scott more independence, while also providing assistance. She’s even helped reduce his nightmares. “When she senses I’m having a nightmare, she’ll put her paws on my chest and lick my face until I wake up,” he said. “I get better sleep with her there.” Each step of the service dog training process is helping Scott open new doors to a better, more active life.
Daffron Doghouse Helps Wounded Warriors When Chuck and Kate Daffron first brought their German Shepherd Zeus home, they had no idea it would be the start of a new journey. An Operation TBI Freedom client, Chuck suffers from blackouts due to his traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder. To everyone’s surprise, Zeus began picking up on subtle body cues and could predict Chuck’s blackouts.
Read the full story on the OTF website!
Ultimately, it inspired the couple to found Daffron Doghouse, a service dog training organization for wounded warriors. Daffron Doghouse takes a unique approach. Rather than supplying pre-trained service dogs, the couple provides a series of selfpaced training modules and a variety of individualized support that enables veterans to train and certify their own dogs.
The couple has already started working with fellow veterans in the Operation TBI Freedom program. “Our goal is to get them back into society,” Chuck said. “A service dog can help them reach out and connect with their community.” With Zeus at his side, the dog is helping Chuck do the same.
Learn more or apply for services: Call (866) 245-6600 or visit www.OperationTBIFreedom.org The LiNK 7.3 -TBI Edition
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THaNK YOU TO OUR DONORS Thank you to the generous individuals and organizations who have donated $100 or more to Denver Options’ traumatic brain injury programs this year. We greatly appreciate your support! Anschutz Foundation BlueModus Denver Central Chapter American GI Forum of Colorado First Western Trust Bank Jeppesen Knights Of Columbus Nativity Of Our Lord Council 10961 Ladies Auxiliary - VFW Post 7945 Neurological Rehabilitation Resources PCL Construction Science Applications Int’l Corp. (SAIC) Stellar Solutions Foundation The Boeing Company The Hilltop Foundation The University of Denver Travelers Assistance Program Ronald Anderson Claire Bennett Stephen Block Max Boyer Kitty Brennan Charles Bruen Linda Burton
Richard Burton Karen Carpenter Bob Colbert Lisa Crowell Winona Davis Barbara Decet Sharon Delforge Marc Dippold Lewis Dunning Diana Egan Ronald Egan Carol Emich Mathew Fogelberg James Foley Elizabeth Forgy R.A. Fox Tom Gleason Wenda Gordan Kim Harmon Jan Harting David Hillery Orville Hinerman Anne Hitchcock Michael Holder
Alfredia Johnson James Long Michael Lynch Bettie Mason Clay Mohler Jack Morgan Stephanie Murphy Jane O’Connor Monica Orlen Sarah Pantoja Edna Paul E. William Pounds A. Prohaska Carmelita Rivera Grant Ross Joanne Schopp Cindy Slevin John Swarmer David Tohlen Judy Trujillo Lois Wheeland Neil Wiese
Make a Donation! Denver Options is supported through the generosity of people like you, who believe in providing the extra support to help soldiers, veterans and other adults with traumatic their injuries. Help individuals with TBI in Colorado live healthy, productive lives by donating today!
Check or Cash:
Use the postage-paid envelope provided
24 hours to give where you live
Support Denver Options on Colorado Gives Day!
Credit Card:
Tuesday, December 6
Text:
online at GivingFirst.org
Visit www.denveroptions.org/support Text ASSIST to 50555 to donate $10* *$10 donation to Operation TBI Freedom, a program of Denver Options. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T
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A special incentive fund will increase the value of your donation! GivingFirst.org/cogivesday
C O L O R A D O
CONNECTIONS
Carmen Faces Recovery with Support Carmen Montenegro had a busy life working and raising her three children in Silverthorne. A single parent, she enjoyed her full-time health care job and augmented her salary with retail work. Then a fall at work changed her life, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and persistent back pain. “I thought I would be back to my job quickly, but memory problems, dizziness and pain kept me from returning,” she said. “Colorado Connections made all the difference; they found resources and, most importantly, they listened.” Carmen’s care coordinator, Jessica Dupuy, has been helping her through the ups and downs of her recovery. Carmen, who also manages diabetes, said her TBI resulted in weight gain because she’s not able to be as active as she once was. “Jessica got me a treadmill, and I lost 17 pounds in the first month. I can walk safely now, and I exercise every day,” Carmen said. “They also bought me a computer so I have internet access to diabetes information.” Carmen’s natural optimism gave way to depression at times as she realized the permanent nature of some of her injuries. “With Jessica, I felt 100% supported every step,” she said. Though she is not sure yet what the future holds, Carmen feels Colorado Connections has made a big difference in the recovery she has achieved.
Technology and Support Help Abby At a national conference this spring, Abby Landmeier faced a crowded room to give a presentation. In the weeks prior, she worried that she wouldn’t find the words she needed or remember what to say at all. A year earlier, Abby tripped while exiting a Grand Junction building and hit her head on the stairs. Afterward she experienced memory loss and an inability to find words and was finally diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury. Abby continued her career, but she realized she needed “Colorado Connections help to address her new provided me with cognitive challenges. Abby applied for services through knowledge I didn’t get Colorado Connections anywhere else.” and was connected to a care coordinator. Through the program, Abby purchased an iPad and a teleprompter application for it, which acts as a scrolling cue card during speaking engagements. To improve her memory, Abby used games on the Lumosity website recommended by her care coordinator. “Using Lumonsity.com helped a lot,” Abby said. “It was nice to have something that could be gauged because so much of healing from brain injury has no gauges or scales.” Abby claimed success in her rehabilitation as well as in her career, but her journey wasn’t easy. “My friends and family helped me significantly,” she said. Abby also credits Colorado Connections for providing support when she needed it most. “The care I had from Colorado Connections was very professional. They met me where I was at and provided me with knowledge I didn’t get anywhere else.”
Connect with us for more information and resources! Toll Free : (866) 245-6600 Phone: (303) 636-5600
www.denveroptions.org/colorado-connections www.Facebook.com/coloradoconnections The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition
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CONNECTIONS
Tips for Thriving
after
C O L O R A D O
brain injury
Making the Most of Your Memory You may not be able to completely reverse the memory loss caused by your brain injury, but you can take steps to enhance your memory. Follow the tips below to boost your memory potential: • Create a daily routine. By maintaining a consistent routine, you will improve your ability to remember daily tasks and may even decrease fatigue.
• Focus your attention on one task at a time. If you frequently multitask, it may be harder to remember the events of your day. When completing a task that requires memory, turn off the TV and eliminate distractions. By giving the task your full attention, you will �ind it easier to remember details later. • Explore electronic aids and “smart” devices. Try using the calendar in your cell phone to remember appointments or use the alarm to remind you of tasks to complete.
• Ask family and friends for support. Ask someone you trust to help you with your memory system. For example, ask a family member to give you a calendar for the coming
Upcoming Events
year that includes important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries.
• Practice a good sleep routine. A well rested brain is an ef�icient brain. Go to bed at the same time every night, sleep 7-9 hours, and wake at the same time every morning. • Maintain a regular meal schedule and a healthy diet. To operate at 100 percent, fuel your brain. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and consider incorporating “brain foods” like blueberries into your diet.
• Find a system that works for you and stick to it. Any system for memory you adopt should re�lect your unique style and needs. If you work best with a traditional day timer, don’t feel you need to switch to an electronic alternative. Consistently use the system that works for you.
Brain Injury Family Education Group January 11, 2012, 6-8 PM TBD, Boulder RSVP: (866) 245-6600 x1 or rmedina@denveroptions.org Health and Emotional Well Being after Brain Injury February 22, 2012, 10 AM - 2PM Denver Options, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., Denver RSVP: (866) 245-6600 x1 or rmedina@denveroptions.org More Events: www.Facebook.com/coloradoconnections
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Featured Resource Lumosity: www.lumosity.com Lumosity offers cognitive games to strengthen memory and boost processing speed. An annual membership to the site is $6.70 per month and allows you to track your ongoing cognitive progress.
Help Us Celebrate 20 Years! Share your Denver Options memories!
Do you have a story about how Denver Options has helped you or your family? Perhaps you have a funny story or fond memory of someone you worked with at Denver Options? Tell us what our programs, including Colorado Connections and Operation TBI Freedom, meant to you and share your memories through an original story, poem, photo, video, or artwork! Your submission could be featured in The LiNK or on our website or Facebook page! Three ways to share your memories: • Post it on our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/denveroptions • Email it with your contact information to info@denveroptions.org • Mail a paper copy or a CD or DVD to: Denver Options, Attn: Communications, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, CO 80231. Please include your name and mailing address so we can return your work.
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If you are entering a photo or artwork, please include a description of who it is (if applicable) and what it represents. All submissions that are accepted will automatically enter you in a drawing for a chance to win one of many prizes! No more than two submissions per person please. By submitting a story, poem, photo, video or artwork, you are granting permission to Denver Options to use your work in our newsletter and post it on our website and Facebook page. Your name will appear with your work when it is used so you receive credit. For questions about submissions, please email info@denveroptions.org or call (303) 636-5700.
TBI Resources Army Community Service Center at Ft. Carson Ph: (719) 526-4590 http://community.carson.army.mil/ACS
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Ph: (719) 526-8636 www.evans.amedd.army.mil/srp
Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado Ph: (303) 355-9969 www.biacolorado.org
Disabled American Veterans Service Center Ph: (719) 380-8005 www.dav.org
Colorado Brain Injury Conference Series Ph: (303) 355-9969 www.cbics.com
Mental Health Center of Denver Ph: (303) 504-6500 www.mhcd.org
Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund Ph: (719) 592-1300 www.tbicolorado.org
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Veterans Affairs Ph: (719) 592-1300 www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre
Craig Hospital Ph: (303) 789-8000 www.craighospital.org
More Resources Online: www.denveroptions.org/resources The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 169
9900 East Iliff Avenue Denver, CO 80231
www.denveroptions.org (303) 636-5600
C O L O R A D O
CONNECTIONS
HAV
Homes for All Veterans
HONOR OUR WOUNDED HEROES Please Donate Today! Call 1-877-FUND-OTF (386-3683) Visit www.OperationTBIFreedom.org Sign up for our E-Newsletter! Email info@operationtbifreedom.org
FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/operationtbifreedom www.facebook.com/coloradoconnections Questions about the LiNK? Email editor@denveroptions.org. The Denver Options’ LiNK is published quarterly by Denver Options, a non-profit organization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.
CONTRIBUTORS Jessica Dupuy Katie Goulet Barb Lundy Kathy Martin Layout by Tessa Larson
COmmunications & Development Annie Davies, Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bill Parkhill, President Roger Carstens, Vice President Jim Long, Treasurer Niki F. Tuttle, Secretary Roger Schmitz, Assistant Treasurer Marlon Anderson Ann Erickson Gifford Barry Martin, M.D. Scott Showalter, M.D. Gail Strobel Stephanie Townsend Christine Wester Stephen R. Block, Ph.D., CEO
CUSTOMER SERVICE Ph: (303) 636-5624 TDD: (303) 636-5602