September Is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

SUNRISE, Fla., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Every 48 minutes someone in the U.S. is paralyzed from a spinal cord injury and approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. live with such an injury. Congress enacted a resolution last July, designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month to create additional awareness and support of SCI research. This September Interim HealthCare hopes to also raise awareness of this disability by sharing the story of Rhonda Reese. The video shows how this woman with quadriplegia can live independently in her own home with assistance from in-home caregivers from Interim's Leesburg, Fla. franchise.

Reese became paralyzed from the neck down at age 25 and now receives services from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who helps provide the care she needs to remain in the comfort of her home. Interim HealthCare has posted Reese's full story online in a personal video so her story will inspire more awareness and prevention of SCI. A majority of injuries occur from motor vehicle accidents, falls, work-related accidents and sports injuries.

"Incurring a spinal cord injury and becoming a quadriplegic or a paraplegic is a tragic and life changing moment for any person and family," said Kathleen Gilmartin, president and CEO of Interim HealthCare Inc. "At Interim HealthCare, we understand that life does not stop even after such an unfortunate event. Our franchisees can provide numerous care services to help patients with paraplegia and other mobility-limiting conditions adjust to their new living situation and even thrive."

In addition to direct care for the patient, Interim HealthCare can lighten the load for family members with its continuum of respite care services including housekeeping, meal preparation, prescription pickup and daily hygiene.

"Rhonda inspires me every day," said Rachel, Interim HealthCare CNA and Rhonda's primary caregiver. "As well as caring for her activities of daily living, I take her grocery shopping and on other fun outings like movies, but her positive energy and great attitude end up motivating me. I love working with her."

Across its nationwide system of 330 homecare, hospice and medical staffing franchise locations, Interim HealthCare franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, including people who have paraplegia.

About Interim HealthCare:
Interim HealthCare_® Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. The company has grown its franchise operations to approximately 500 global locations with more than 250 owner groups having recently acquired UK-based Bluebird Care Franchises Limited. Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Media Contact:
Claibourne Smith
[email protected]
954-893-9150

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SOURCE Interim HealthCare

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