Frequently Asked Questions
Assuming that vocational services were provided by Origami and work was placed on hold in favor of rehabilitation, over 60% of clients return to their pre-injury profession, with a total of over 80% reaching some level of productivity. In addition, about 80% of our clients reach their desired vocational goal.
We feel that there are several important aspects that separate the rehab experience at Origami:
- Specialization – Origami exclusively serves individuals with brain injury (neurologic conditions/diagnoses). We have made a commitment to developing our expertise solely in this area. Our staff is highly trained, made evident through our commitment to having our professionals certified as Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS).
- Medical Support – Origami has a unique partnership with Michigan State University which allows for access to the latest rehabilitation trends. Origami also has a dedicated Medical Director overseeing all of the care plans.
- Vocational/employment support – Like our relationship with MSU, our access to the resources at Peckham are unmatched in the area of employment. Peckham has opportunities for supported employment, return to work skill building, job analysis, retraining, and placement.
- Philosophy – Origami is “interdisciplinary,” effectively integrating and coordinating a wide range of professional offerings in care. The use of the “Hierarchy of Cognitive Functions” and company culture promote an environment of teamwork and strong, timely communication. The prestigious CARF accreditation surveys have noted this as an exemplary area within our organization.
- Size – Origami is modestly sized. We serve about 125 people per year. This allows us to offer access to major resources without having to give up a personal approach. It’s not uncommon for everyone, from our maintenance team – to business team – to therapy team, to know you and your family by name and to get to know you while with us.
- Campus – Recovery can be a challenging time. Our 35 acres allows for open green space, woods, wetlands, paved walking trails, and a serene, natural environment that promotes healing.
Each injury is unique and every person is unique. For that reason, depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may last a few weeks up to several years. However, once treatment begins, we work to give you as accurate a plan as possible. We focus on your estimated lengths of service as part of the initial evaluation process and over 80% of the time our team is able to correctly estimate the length of care. Clients and their loved ones will also receive a written report and attend a family conference where we will discuss the treatment plan. Typically, our clients average less than 90 days in our residential transitional services.
We understand returning home is always a top priority. Historically, over 60% of clients in our residential transitional services return back to their pre-injury residence (home). In addition, 19% return to the community with support (i.e., assisted living apartment). That means about 80% of our residents return to living in the community.
We appreciate that driving represents a huge aspect of someone’s independence. Our comprehensive approach to driving combining cognitive, functional, and practical retraining has assisted many clients return to driving, even after previously being told they would never drive again. We perform pre-driving assessments using a simulated, onsite driving course and GEM vehicle (electric car). Depending on recommendations based on that assessment, clients might continue with treatment or complete a Behind-the-Wheel driving evaluation. Read more about Pre-Driving Services.
Emphatically, YES! We hope that clients have a strong support group ready to take this journey as well. Clients have the choice of who participates in which part of treatment. Often clients ask that someone sit in on therapy, attend our brain injury education group, and/or sit in on family conferences. We consider it part of our responsibility to also train the people who may be helping the client after treatment. Our experience has been that clients progress faster when they have family/friend support.
