News

Imagine, you are in a room full of bright lights, loud sounds, overwhelming smells, and someone is asking you to complete a task. One in six children have sensory issues that make it hard to learn and function. Sensory input is directly related to attention and self-regulation. Once you meet a sensory need a patient is able to gather and organize themselves to complete an activity. With assistance through donors to the Meritus Healthcare Foundation, the occupational and physical therapy department at Meritus Medical Center recently went through a transformation to help patients, from the smallest baby to our geriatric patients, have calming spaces to balance their sensory input. Total Rehab Care’s amazing staff assesses each individual patient to create their own sensory profile to ensure focus to best complete their occupational, physical and/or speech therapies. Helping our staff deliver the best possible care and patient outcome. 

Sensory based lighting in the forms of LED light strands, color changing orbs and cubes, bubble tubes, flashing balls, hurricane tube, black lights and an LED water panel will be used therapeutically to assist our patients in their health and
healing. Gross motor movement and strengthening opportunities with foam
playground playset for building and climbing, additional inclines, wavy steps, balance ball chairs, resistance bands, weighted gel lap pad, mirrors, pop blocs, ‘fidget’ toys, all used to create a custom environment.

In addition to the amazing changes within the department, donor support provided for the purchase of sensory boxes for Salem Avenue Elementary and Hickory Elementary, to pilot an elementary school sensory program. These boxes include Theraputty and other ‘fidgets’ to help children that have visited the principal’s office regulate and focus. In some instances, they will give a child one of the items to have in the classroom as well. This pilot program is one-step toward aiding and assisting our community’s children and our future.