Joanne’s goal is to walk independently by the end of the year. “Joanne’s progress is a great example of how Neuro-Fit can complement formal rehabilitation services to best support the individual,” says Lindsay Weir, SLI Neuro-Wellness Manager. “By working closely with her physical and occupational therapists, we were able to accomplish Joanne’s goal of walking more. Neuro-Fit staff and interns encourage her to stay on a consistent schedule and provide her with a safe environment to challenge her balance and coordination. She now relies less on her wheelchair and walks with a walker as much as possible. This improves her confidence and her quality of life here at Douglas House.”

Joanne was likely born with hydrocephalus although she didn’t know it until she received an MRI at age 37. Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting harmful pressure on the brain’s tissues. “I was in speech therapy from the time I was 8 years old until I was 14,” she says. Once diagnosed, she started therapy at New England Rehabilitation Hospital, which included speech, organizational skills and communication styles.

Despite her neurological issues, Joanne was able to live independently. She relied on friends and fellow churchgoers for support when she needed it. “Jesus has helped me through life,” she says. And she discovered a network of agencies that could help her through the Massachusetts Human Resources Division, including the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation where she received additional counseling and support. Joanne kept busy caring for an elderly friend.

Joanne knew she would need additional living support and was placed on the SLI residential program wait list in 2019.  Sadly, she fell in 2021 and needed to move into a nursing home. Fortunately in early 2022 an apartment opened at Douglas House and soon after she moved in. “I like living at Douglas House,” she says. “I like that I have independence but support when I need it.” Joanne especially likes Neuro-Fit. “I exercise three times a week. I like the way they teach exercises, their patience and that I can socialize with the other participants.” She especially likes the bike, but not so much the foam pad balance exercises. “I may not like them, but I do them. I am determined and stubborn that way.”

“I’ve noticed a big difference in everything about me since I started on Neuro-Fit,” says Joanne. “It helps physically, but also emotionally.” Joanne learned the five dimensions of health in psychiatric rehabilitation: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual. “You have to be balanced,” says Joanne. “If you’re depressed you can ask yourself if it’s physical or spiritual or something else.”
“I learned a lot about life from my grandfather. He lived to be 105 years old. He left school in the fifth grade to go to work but returned to school as an adult. He eventually earned a master’s degree at age 85. I’m like that – I push myself. I’m harder on myself than my therapist.”

Joanne will likely make her goal of walking independently by the end of the year.