Skip to main content

PT in the Pool

Ben's new physical therapist suggested we meet at our local YMCA's pool for therapy. Knowing how much Ben loves the water and how good this type of exercise is for him, I asked permission from the Y and received the "nod."

Ben sees Gale once a week and it has been an overwhelming success. Ben shows us kicking and paddling skills that can be shaped into a nice doggy paddle, a very respectable way to get around in the water (I don't know from personal experience or anything).







Ben uses the life jacket at all times and he has learned how to roll himself over to get his face out of the water. He practices walking on the stairs, monkey walks on the side of the pool and jumps in with Gale after each set. They have worked up to almost an hour of swimming, doing 4 repetitions of walking, climbing and swimming.



The best part is Logan and Sean realized they could join Ben in the pool too. Being in the pool together is great for all of them. And perhaps I am asking too much, but maybe they will all come home tired?
 
Not a chance!



Comments

  1. Danielle RaderFebruary 14, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    They are adorable! I am so happy your family is a part of our Johnston YMCA's family, especially happy that Ben is swimming! Sean and Logan better keep up the practice, Ben might just be a stroke behind them!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

  "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home
1 comment
Read more

How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home

  In September, Ben celebrated three years living in a group home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with five other men. Ben lives 20 minutes from our house, and we see him several times a week for doctor's appointments, to drop off supplies, for group home events and sometimes because I just miss him. Ben occassionally sleeps over, and he often spends a weekend day hanging out on his favorite couch, watching videos at our house. This Easterseals PORT Health home is Ben's second placement. The first placement through another agency didn't work out, and he left after six months . We were wary of trying a new place, but it's worked out well. My husband, Ryan, and I have developed a partnership with ESPH. Over time, we've built mutual respect and trust with the residents and staff.  Here's what's worked for us: 1. Get involved with the group home. Ben lives with five other men in a six-bedroom house in Charlotte. On move-in day, Steven, one of the residents, made ...
4 comments
Read more

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: From Group Home Placement to Discharge

  Last August, we moved Ben into an alternative family living (AFL) placement, about 90 minutes from our home in Charlotte. It was a three-bedroom house and Ben was given the largest bedroom with its own bathroom.  A typical AFL in North Carolina operates like this: a person with disabilities, the client, moves in with another family, couple or an individual. The client lives in the family’s home and the family receives payment in return for housing, feeding and caring for the client.  Ben’s AFL was unusual: A couple with extensive caregiving experience wanted to run a three-bed group home but needed to apply for the license through the state. They were willing to take Ben as the first resident in a house, separate from the one they lived in. The plan, according to the couple, was to get approval for the group home within a couple of months.  We ordered Ben a double bed, headboard, 54-inch television, new sheets, towels and blankets. Friends helped us move him in....
3 comments
Read more