The doors to NeuLife Neurological Rehabilitation Services, an inpatient rehab facility in Mount Dora, Florida, remained open to serve patients, families, pets and staff during Hurricane Irma. NeuLife was, and continues to be, fully operational to serve the needs of its patients and the community, thanks to a highly professional and committed staff and the purchase of a $200,000 emergency generator, last year, which provided continuous electricity and air conditioning throughout our care facility.

Immediately prior to Hurricane Irma, NeuLife implemented its highest level of emergency readiness in preparation for winds predicted to reach 129 mph with higher gusts, according to Lake County officials. Clinical and non-clinical staff designated as Team A, the “Preparation” team, reported to the facility on Saturday, September 9, prepared to stay in-house with their families and pets until after the hurricane. Dedicated family and staff sleeping areas were assigned, a child care center was established, complete with a game room for entertainment and a pet shelter was created for the family pets.

Hurricane Irma tore through Mount Dora overnight Sunday and into Monday, bringing maximum sustained winds that reached as high as 76 mph, causing downed trees, blocked roadways and widespread power outages. As soon as the County announced it was safe to travel on local roads, NeuLife Team B, the Recovery Team, including clinical, non-clinical and support staff (therapy) relieved Team A and assisted in hurricane clean-up and other recovery efforts.

Throughout the storm, NeuLife maintained its focus – the safety and well-being of its patients. To its credit, NeuLife was able to maintain continuity and continue to provide high quality patient care and staffing without disruption.

Nikki Eldridge, RN, Director of Nursing at NeuLife Rehab said “Everyone did an awesome job during Hurricane Irma. Everything ran smoothly and we were able to continue to provide excellent care to those we serve. I have received many compliments from client’s and their families about how well the team did during the hurricane. We had several go above and beyond to be sure everything ran smoothly. I am honored to be a part of the team. I am very proud of everyone’s compassion and team work through this exhausting time.”

About NeuLife Rehabilitation Services
NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest residential post-acute rehabilitation programs of its kind specializing in catastrophic rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and other complex injuries. Individuals who have experienced a catastrophic or complex work injury or illness such as a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, amputation, severe burn, complex orthopedic injury, stroke or other debilitating condition can now access quality specialized rehabilitation in a therapeutic, residential environment that offers individualized care and programming that will help them achieve the highest level of functional independence and the best quality of life.

NeuLife is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Programs include inpatient general and neurological rehabilitation, behavioral/cognitive therapy, community reintegration and Supported Living.

NeuLife’s mission is to provide a comprehensive outcomes-based program of neuro rehabilitation to support and promote the improvement of the quality of life of our patients. Based on our most recent data, our patients achieve an average functional improvement of 80% from admission to discharge. Our average length of stay is 60 days. In addition, 86% of our patients are discharged to home, work or school and successfully reintegrated into the community.

Read more about our Brain Injury Center, Post Acute Rehab, and Residential Rehabilitation programs.

For additional information about NeuLife, please visit www.NeuLifeRehab.com or call us at 1-800-626-3876. Please also feel free to contact our Clinical Liaisons, Wendy McCracken at 904-534-2518, Brandy Narciso at 813-892-5471 or Fred Langan at 727-308-8073 to discuss a possible referral.

Patrick & McCloe at NeuLife Rehab

Jason McCloe and his fellow band members (Adrenaline Mob) were traveling when their RV got a flat tire. McCloe had been driving when he pulled over to fix the tire. Before he could return to the driver’s seat, he was violently struck from behind by a semi-truck. The driver of the semi-truck had fallen asleep at the wheel, and lost control of the vehicle. His semi collided with the RV and an SUV that had been traveling with the band.

22-years-old Lance Corporal Reservist Patrick Dumo witnessed the accident. He quickly pulled over and proceeded to pull McCloe from the wreckage. Due to the impact and the explosion that followed, McCloe was ejected from the RV through the front windshield. However, as the vehicle continued to roll forward, his body was slammed against the road until he eventually ended up inside the vehicle again.

Based on McCloe’s report of the accident, he was attempting to escape the burning RV and collapsed. Luckily, Patrick saw him and was able to pull him from the wreckage and remove him from danger. As Patrick pulled McCloe from the wreckage a second explosion occurred, placing him dangerously close to the flames. He was able to pull McCloe to safety for approximately 75 feet. When the ambulance arrived, Patrick remained with McCloe until the paramedics could provide care. He was with McCloe, and the other band member for more than seven hours.

At only 22-years-old, Patrick is attending school to pursue his education in the technology field. Due to being a reservist, Patrick does not have full military benefits and is trying to make ends meet by working as an aid for elderly people and being part of the Marine Corps.

When Patrick came to NeuLife to visit McCloe, he was impressed by their facility and the quality of care they provide to their clients. McCloe has also been impressed with NeuLife since day one. He said everyone welcomed him, made him feel comfortable and called him by his first name. He feels his care has been outstanding.

NeuLife salutes our everyday heroes, our patients. We also honor our country’s heroes for the sacrifices they make on our behalf.