Success Story
James & Cindy Kafka: “We’re kind of like family.”
“That’s wonderful!” That was the delighted response from Cindy Kafka when she learned that Courage Center’s Home and Community Rehabilitation services, now called Courage Center at Home, could deliver rehab services right to the Kafkas’ home. “It’s so typical of Courage Center,” she says. “They anticipate what you need, without your having to ask.”
When Cindy’s husband, Jim Kafka, sustained a traumatic brain injury from a fall from a roof in December 2006, the couple was propelled into a universe of new questions to navigate. Hospitalization, testing, diagnosis, prognosis, surgery, insurance, transitional care, rehab – all obstacles in unfamiliar terrain – suddenly seemed to dominate their lives. When Jim came home from a nursing home after a month of unsatisfactory care, Jim found himself without the equipment he needed.
“That’s when a friend suggested I call Courage Center,” says Cindy. “And from that moment on, things changed.”
“We helped Jim obtain a hospital bed and bathroom equipment,” explains Mary Larson, clinical coordinator with the Courage Center at Home program. “We then referred him to our mobility clinic to be outfitted for a proper wheelchair, and met with reps for a Dynasplint* for his arm.”
“Jim’s fall had been a rough one,” explains Cindy. “In addition to cracking his skull with multiple fractures, he had broken bones in his torso and injured his back. Movement of his left side is compromised, as is his speech and some cognitive thought processing.”
In the convenience of Jim’s home, Courage Center at Home therapists worked on improving Jim’s speech and communication skills. They also helped him better structure his day, and trained Cindy and their son, Nick, on techniques and strategies to use with Jim. Physical therapy sessions became a family exercise. And when daughter, Cassie, visited from her home in Fort Meyers, she was astounded at her father’s progress.
“Jim is very determined to increase his independence,” Cindy says. “And he’s making progress. For example, he has increased his revolutions on the stationery bike from 10 to 400, and his right side is getting really strong.”
“In fact,” adds Larson, “Jim purchased an adapted three-wheel cycle. He used to bike a lot and also walked his dog prior to his accident. Now he and Cindy can go out with the adapted bike and take the dog along for a walk.”
“That is, when he’s not busy,” laughs Cindy. “Art illustration is his new hobby, and my very social husband loves games, like dominoes and cards.”
Jim has graduated from the Courage Center at Home program and is now continuing his rehabilitation therapies at Courage Center St. Croix where “… he has discovered the warm-water pool!” interjects Cindy. “He loves it for a number of reasons: the exercise that is helping him recover his strength and mobility; the social aspect; and the personal, respectful sense of community nurtured by the Courage Center staff.”
The Kafkas realize they still must face many unknowns in the future. “But for now,” says Cindy, “with Courage Center, well, we’re kind of like family.”
* Dynasplint is a registered trademark of Dynasplint Systems, Inc. Dynasplints are elongation devices worn by individuals to stretch connective tissues and increase joint flexibility.