Q. How do I refer a potential patient for services?

A. All information pertaining to a potential patient is screened by Dr. Roman Frankel; he can be reached by calling the New Start Inc. offices and requesting a phone contact with him. The (800) 913-3167 pager is also an option for making an immediate contact. Once screened, patients may be visited by a nurse or a neuropsychologist at the patient's residence for a face-to-face assessment. In other cases they may be asked to come to the unit for a direct admission and the assessments will be completed once the patient is admitted to the program.

Q. Can I drive while in treatment?

A. Driving by patients is not allowed while in treatment and residing on campus.  All transportation is provided by staff.

Q. Can I have a job while in treatment?

A. Once patients are stabilized on their medications and other critical problems have been addressed, the treatment plan may include vocational rehabilitation to assist patients in finding a meaningful, appropriate work setting.      

Q. How much money can I have in my pocket?

A. In the community based residential program petty cash accounts for each patient are kept with the residential manager.  After the patient reaches certain plateaus within their own personal programming patients may assume the responsibility for having a predetermined amount of money on their person.

Q. How do I get places?

A. All transportation is provided by staff, personal requests appointments must be requested ahead of time and worked into the schedule.  They must not interfere with scheduled programming.
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Q. Can I have my personal TV and/or radio while in treatment?

A. In the residential setting TV's and Radio's are permitted for personal use within the patient's own bedroom (at low tones only).  However, it is recommended that personal insurance be carried on these items, as NSI/THP is not responsible in the event of damage or loss. In the hospital based program only Walkman's are permitted.  There is a TV in the community room for the patient's relaxation time.

Q. Can I smoke in treatment?  Where?

A. In the community based residential setting you must smoke outside of the apartment.  Smoking inside the apartment, patient bedrooms or bathrooms may result in revocation of certain privileges. In the hospital based program there is a designated smoking room, however all cigarettes and matches/lighters will be kept at the nursing station.

Q. Can I make personal phone calls?  When and where?

A. In the residential apartments personal phones are available for local calls only.  Long distance calling cards are available for purchase at the NSI office.  Business calls may be made at the NSI office with permission from staff.  In the hospital based program there are pay phones that may be used during designated times.  Calling cards are available for purchase with the program director.

Q. What activities are available in my free time?  How much free time will I have?

A. Free time will vary depending on the programming for the day.  There are many activities that the staff will assist with.  TV, games, puzzles are available as well as lots of reading material most evenings patients attend self-help group meetings although on weekends outings are coordinated by staff (bowling, movies, dance and other recovery functions).

Q. Can I get passes to go home for the weekend/holidays or special events?

A. Once you are medically stabilized and the treatment team feels you are eligible to go on pass, you will be allowed to spend time with family members.  The length of your pass and overnight stay will be determined by the treatment team.  Your adjustment to treatment, participation in all activities, attitude and behavior and overall progress will be considered in making the decision about the pass.
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Q. Can I have visitors?  What days and times?

A. In the residential facility visitors are allowed on weekends and when prearranged during the week after the 30 day initial assessment period has passed.  Visits are authorized providing they don't interfere with daily programming and appointments.

In the hospital based program visiting hours and days are Thursday's 7:00-8:30 p.m. and Sunday's 3:00-5:00 pm.  Patients are also permitted to interact with their family members during the family forums scheduled every other Friday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Q. How do I get my laundry done?

A. There are laundry facilities at both the residential apartments and the hospital-based programs.

Q. As a family member, what is my responsibility in the program? 
What days and times?

A. We have found that family participation is a very important component of treatment and encourage family participation in a number of different ways:

The families are asked to participate in team meetings on a monthly basis to address issues pertaining to the care and progress of the patient. 

We offer family counseling with or without the patient to assist the family in dealing with issues that may be otherwise hard for them to understand or deal with. 

We offer family educational forums to educate family members on dealing with brain injury trauma and a chance for families to meet other families dealing with the same or similar issues.   These forums are held every other Friday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the hospital-based unit.

We also encourage families to participate in the Alanon/Alateen programs to gain a support network for the substance abuse issues that often accompany patients with traumatic brain injury.  All family members and all patients are encouraged to participate in Traumatic Brain Injury support groups, conferences and all other informational activities.  A directory for the Traumatic Brain Injury support groups is available through the Brain Injury Association of Michigan listed below.
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Q. Where can I find more information about Traumatic Brain Injury?

A. Your State Brain Injury Association is an excellent choice to begin your search for information.  The association staff will be happy to send you articles and statistical data as well as other useful information.  Type in "Brain Injury Association of Michigan" in the search space and you will get a listing of many websites to obtain information.  If you do not have a computer you can call or write:

            Brain Injury Association of Michigan

            8619 W. Grand River, Suite 1

            Brighton, MI   48116-2334

            Phone:  (810) 229-5880

            In State: (800) 772-4323

            Email:  biafmi@cac.net

Q. How do I find out if I meet the criteria to benefit from your program?

A. Once you have reviewed some of the information found in answer 13, you can call New Start Inc. at (248) 855-3919 and schedule a time to come in for an interview.  It is helpful to bring in all available medical/psychological records (evaluations) to this interview.  Staff will make copies of any records that will need to be kept in your file.

Q. How do I find out if I have coverage?

A. Have all of the information regarding your accident/health insurance available for review by the agency staff.  Your personal injury protection benefits and/or other health insurance benefits will be determined during the interview.        

Q. What if I have legal problems?  Can I still come into the program?

A. This will be evaluated at the interview session.  Many patients have some type of legal problem pending and the staff will assist you when possible with transportation and counseling.
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Q. What if I have a relapse and use alcohol and/or drugs in treatment? 
What will happen?         

A. A number of things may happen depending on the circumstances of the relapse.  Your treatment team will determine the best possible course of action to assure your safety and highest probability of readjusting.  You may be placed temporarily into the hospital-based program to re-stabilize medically or you may remain in the community-based program with intensified staff support.  Due to the fact that the philosophy of this agency accepts addictive disorders as a disease all efforts will be made to provide patients with ongoing care.  However, in rare circumstances patients may be terminated from programming if therapeutically appropriate.

Q. How about meals?  Are they provided for me or do I cook for myself?

A. In the residential program patients are given a weekly stipend for groceries and are driven to the store to shop for groceries.  Patients cook themselves, or with staff assistance if needed.

In the hospital-based unit balanced meals are provided through the hospital dietary unit.

Q. How do I transition towards independence?

A. Patients are expected to meet certain clinical and medical criteria before recommendations to transition is offered by the attending team. Transition is often gradual and can be inclusive of residing in an off campus apartment with decreased staff contact. Patients may begin to utilize their own transportation (when available and legally permitted) during this stage of treatment. Patients remain involved in therapeutic services through the out-patient clinic.
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