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Another service of the CRT is the Smart Apartment, which features an array of Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADLs) in an apartment setting for patients to determine what they may need in their own homes. From controlling entertain- ment systems, mobile devices and bed positioning to automating door and win- dow operations, the Smart Apartment lets patients and family members try out both low- and high-tech options to find solu- tions to the challenges of everyday living. SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT Spinal cord injuries can present momen- tous life adjustments to patients. For t h at rea son , Helen H aye s Hospit a l oœers ex tensive resources as patients move through care, including access to psychologica l and psychiatric care, as well as complementary medicine such as massage, acupuncture and yoga. In addi- tion, a spina l cord injury and amputee support group meets monthly and is open to patients, family members and friends. Peer mentors may a lso be assig ned to help patients navigate treatment and transition to life outside the hospita l. Peer mentors have experienced spina l cord injuries and therefore can provide the perspective of someone who more fully comprehends patients' concerns or anxieties. "Peer mentors help patients under- sta nd that it 's a diœerent, individua l process for everyone and that it's possible to have a productive, enjoyable life," Dr. Boia no says. " They help patients rea lize they are not a lone." Helen Hayes Hospital also recognizes the vital role families can play in improv- ing outcomes. The Spina l Cord Injur y Rehabi litation Prog ra m encoura ges fa m i ly member s t o work a lon g side patients and learn from therapists dur- ing rehabilitation in order to empower them to provide care and support after patient s ret u r n home. For exa mple, family members may need to know how to assist with wheelchair transfers so that the patient can transition out of the hospita l smoothly. For patients and families who want to experience what life at home will be like after the completion of inpatient care, Prosthetics and Orthotics The Prosthetic Orthotic Center at Helen Hayes Hospital works with patients' therapists and physicians to provide custom-made devices that help patients navigate their daily lives. Multiple types of braces and orthotics are fabricated in-house, ensuring that every device is the correct size and shape for patients regardless of what activities they pursue. Helen Hayes Hospital oœers an overnight transitiona l living apartment service. " The tra nsitiona l living apa r tment do e sn't lo ok l i ke a hos pit a l r o om ," Dr. Lent ex pla ins. "It is set up so the family can do a test run with the proper equipment a few weeks before the patient goes home. There's a nurse bell just in ca se, but the tra nsitiona l apa r tment g ives fa mily members a nd patients a sa fe space to practice a nd build their confidence with regard to successfully functioning in the home environment." Because Helen Hayes Hospital attracts patients from a catchment a rea well beyond t he met ropol it a n New York reg ion, dor m rooms a re ava i lable to accommodate fa mily members while their loved ones receive treatment. The program also promotes a soothing, comfortable environment for patients and their families by oœering a variety of amenities and services, such as pastoral care and weekend performing arts events. Patients and families enjoy paved walkways throughout the 155-acre campus and dining rooms and parks with magnificent views of the Hudson River. DISCHARGE AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES As inpatients prepare for discharge, the staœ at Helen Hayes Hospital commu- nicates with primary care physicians Dr. Lent and Dr. Boiano confer with a driving program participant on the range of accommodations in the adapted driving van. The van features a power lift for access, power seating, variable hand controls, a left foot gas pedal, a standard right directional for single-arm driving and other evaluation tools. The new Helen Hayes Hospital adapted van is available for outpatient driving evaluations and inpatient education for patients with power or manual wheelchair mobility. The Adapted Driving Program at Helen Hayes Hospital is a unique service in the New York metro region and a resource for individuals with physical or cognitive disorders that may impact their ability to drive. 0 9 M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S L O W E R H U D S O N / B R O N X ■ 2 017