Cooperative Living October 2021 - 22

HealthyTake | Story and photo courtesy of Brandpoint Content
An estimated
Living with Paralysis?
Free resources answer questions, provide support
P
aralysis is life-altering for the person affected, their
families or friends, and their caregivers. Whether you
are newly paralyzed or have been living with paralysis
for many years, it's normal to have questions. Fortunately,
free, high-quality resources provide answers and information
to help, no matter the concern.
CAUSES
Paralysis can occur for many different reasons. Some
people are affected by paralysis from birth and others have
a medical condition or disease
that causes it later in life.
Accidents that cause spinal
cord injuries can also result
in paralysis. The most
common cause of spinal
cord dysfunction is trauma,
including motor vehicle
accidents, falls, shallow diving,
acts of violence and sports
injuries.
SUPPORT RESOURCES
Approximately 5.4 people
in the United States, or 1 in
50, are living with paralysis.
Those people, their family
members and caregivers may
have many questions. From
applying for benefits and
funding medical equipment
to managing secondary
conditions and mental health,
these resources can help with these concerns and many more.
INFORMATION SPECIALISTS
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National
Paralysis Resource Center assists people as they navigate
through the various stages of their recovery after the
diagnosis of paralysis.
Information Specialists are trained staffers who help
anyone, from newly paralyzed individuals and their family
members to persons who have lived with long-term
paralysis and mobility impairments. They provide free
individualized support, information and referrals. Englishand
Spanish-speaking information specialists are available
and certified. Other languages are accommodated through
an interpretation and translation service.
20 | Cooperative Living | October 2021
one in 50 people
in the United
States is living
with paralysis.
Through a cooperative agreement with the Administration
for Community Living, the PRC promotes the health,
well-being and independence of people living with paralysis,
providing free comprehensive information, resources and
referral services assisting close to 110,000 individuals
and families since its launch in 2002.
All of the Paralysis Resource Center's educational materials
are available at no cost, including a 410-page book, " The
Paralysis Resource Guide, " as well as more than 300 fact sheets,
wallet cards and patient education booklets.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups provide
a safe, understanding
environment where you
can ask questions without
hesitation. They can help
people who have paralysis,
as well as their families and
caregivers. Ask your health
care team or connect with a
rehabilitation center to find
support groups in your area, as
well as virtual support groups
that eliminate barriers due to
location and transportation.
The PRC offers free virtual
support groups, led by
professional facilitators and
peer mentors living with
paralysis or family members/
caregivers of individuals
living with paralysis. These
groups answer questions and combat feelings of isolation,
fostering greater connection among peers who understand
the day-to-day challenges of living with paralysis.
PEER MENTORS
Support groups provide a multi-person setting, but if
you prefer an ongoing one-on-one relationship where you
can connect and ask questions, consider participating in
the PRC's mentoring program. The PRC offers free mentoring
to anyone seeking help. Peer mentors provide answers
and support, share what they have learned and help you
be your best. 
Send a paralysis-related question or schedule a call online
at christopherreeve.org/ask or call 800-539-7309.
co-opliving.com
http://www.christopherreeve.org/ask http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living October 2021

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