New Treatment Program for Individuals with Swallowing Disorders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE DAVIS COMMUNITY OFFERS NEW TREATMENT FOR SWALLOWING DISORDERS
WILMINGTON, NC – JUNE 23, 2017
Imagine not being able to share a meal with friends or family, or having to eat through a tube. These are just some of the social, emotional and physical challenges individuals with swallowing disorders – also known as “dysphagia” – face each day. Fortunately, there is new hope for the more than 15 million Americans – with more than one million new cases each year – who suffer from swallowing disorders.
The Davis Community announced today the introduction of the Synchrony “Dysphagia Solution”, a new therapy program to treat this prevalent disease. The Davis Community is the only provider in the area to offer this revolutionary new program, which employs new technology based on recent medical science.
“We are excited to be the first in the area to offer this advanced technology,” said Heidi Drueppel, Administrator of the Health Care Center at The Davis Community. “We are committed to leading edge therapies, like the Synchrony™ program, that can help improve function and quality of life for our residents and rehabilitation patients.
Swallowing disorders can result from a stroke, brain injury, cancer or neurological diseases such Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. This serious condition can often lead to re-hospitalization, as well as serious complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia. In fact, dysphagia causes over 60,000 deaths each year and is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
However, recent medical research has shown that dysphagia can be effectively treated. These treatments include guided biofeedback, which is used in The Davis Community’s program. The new Synchrony program uses a virtual-reality-assisted biofeedback system called OMNlsEMG that enables patients to “see” their swallows on a large color monitor. This unique technology – the first of its kind worldwide – enables Speech Language Pathologists and their patients to identify the muscle activity and coordination required for normal swallowing. Patients also participate in game-like interactive exercises that help them stay motivated and interested in the rehabilitation process. Patients think the activities are fun and challenging so they tend to exercise longer, which helps to improve treatment outcomes.
Speech Therapist, Preston French, has been using the Synchrony program for the last several weeks with her patients. “The Synchrony equipment provides immediate visual information that helps my patients better understand their condition and helps them focus on their individual goals.” commented Ms. French. “The exercise games are actually fun and our patients really enjoy trying to improve their scores.”
The Synchrony program at The Davis Community is offered in conjunction with Accelerated Care Plus (ACP), the nation’s leading provider of evidence-based clinical programs and rehabilitation technology. The treatment program is eligible for reimbursement by Medicare and most commercial insurers.
For more information about The Davis Community’s new program for swallowing disorders, please contact our therapy team at 910-566-1200.
About The Davis Community
The Davis Community began as a not-for-profit skilled nursing facility in the Porters Neck area of Wilmington in 1966 and now employs over 400 people in the area. Services offered include skilled nursing, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, senior wellness, and home care services. Davis Health and Wellness at Cambridge Village of Wilmington is located near Mayfaire off of Eastwood Road and offers inpatient and outpatient rehab as well as long term care. The Davis Community is governed by a local board of directors. The two campus locations serve 199 skilled nursing residents or rehabilitation guests and the Champions Assisted Living community currently service 126 individuals who enjoy all the benefits of assisted care within a beautiful and friendly apartment-style community.
Press Contacts:
For The Davis Community: Julie Rehder, Sales and Marketing Administrator
julier@thedaviscommunty.org – 910-319-2140
For Accelerated Care Plus {ACP): Tony Taylor, ACP
totaylor@hanger.com – 949-275-3411
About Accelerated Care Plus
Accelerated Care Plus (ACP) is the nation’s leading provider of specialty clinical programs for post-acute and chronic rehabilitation. The programs include patented medical equipment, evidence-based treatment protocols, advanced therapist training, and on-going program support. More than 6,000 of the most recognized rehabilitation providers in the U.S., as well as nearly 200 professional and collegiate sports teams, use ACP’s “Clinical Solutions.” ACP was originally founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. For more information visit www.acplus.com.
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