The tiniest rehab gym in Ensign is turning out some of the biggest ideas. The Brookfield Rehab Team is led by Lito Ortiz, a PT who has been a part of Ensign for 9 years, and DOR at Brookfield for a little over a year. Lito assembled an all-star group of therapists who continue to amaze us with their creative ideas to enhance the lives of patients and staff. They are a beautiful example of not waiting for an Eprize to transform their care. Here are just some highlights of the great things happening there:
- The therapists didn’t let their inner-city location limit implementing a gardening program. They made use of a small space near the parking lot to help residents plant strawberries, tomatoes, jalapenos and bell peppers in different level gardening boxes.
- They found out there were some artistic abilities among the residents and the team developed an art class.
- The Brookfield Medical Director, Dr. Nguyen, helped to lead a kick-boxing class for facility staff to keep everyone healthy and active.
- The therapy team partnered with activities to start a computer literacy class for residents.
- The therapists got together and completed a “graduation kit” comprised of a safety education booklet, Physiotools exercises, a therapy group picture, and a graduation cap signed by the therapists with personal messages about their progress.
- The team partnered with Activities to start a pet-therapy program.
- The Therapy Team partnered with Activities once again to bring Tai Chi Qigong to the residents. A chiropractor student (Lito’s bother!) taught the class, and the residents learned how to integrate breathing, physical activity, and mental/spiritual health.
The Brookfield Therapy Program continues to inspire all of us. The ideas are simple. What is not simple is the magic that happens when this group of professionals comes together to love one another, to love their coworkers, and to love their patients so they can make a difference in lives day after day.
Gardening
The therapists didn’t let their inner-city location limit implementing a gardening program. They made use of a small space near the parking lot to help residents plant strawberries, tomatoes, jalapenos and bell peppers in different level gardening boxes.