For 30 years, Skills Plus has been assisting stroke survivors and other physically disabled adults regain functional, social, cognitive, and physical skills through interactive classes and a strong support system.
Skills Plus is an affordable, awarding winning program that:
- Provides training and activities focused on functional skills and independence.
- Offers opportunities for group interaction and socialization
- Has caring capable instructors who are licensed and credentialed medical professionals.
- Provides a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment.
Clients work hard to improve their functional skills like learning to walk and being able to communicate with their loved ones. It is in mastering these basic skills that allows the stroke survivor to live at home and continue to be a part of their family.
Services are geared toward stroke survivors but are not limited to that group. People with Parkinson disease, chronic heart and lung disease as well as other related physical disorders can benefit from the program.Skills Plus offers classes in mobility and communication skills as well as independent living activities. There are also monthly caregiver classes. Please help spread the word about the services that Skills Plus offers. Perhaps you already know about Skills Plus, or maybe you know someone who could benefit from the program.
Stroke survivors, people with Parkinson’s Disease and other major neurological conditions. Must be 18 years old.
OBSERVATION
You should feel comfortable with what you see in the classrooms. Call 408-423-3570 for an observation.
ASSESSMENT
If the program is right for you, call to schedule an appointment for an assessment at (408) 423-3570. The appointment lasts about one hour. The one-time assessment fee is $50.00. There are no refunds.
MEDICAL FORM
A medical referral form filled out and signed by a physician is required. When the client comes in for the assessment, he/she needs to bring in the completed form. The medical referral form must be on file in the office prior to participation in the program.
REQUIREMENTS
Clients who attend the program must be able to participate in and gain from a group experience. They must be (1) 18 years of age or older; (2) continent of bowel and bladder, and able to access the bathroom; (3) able to manage oral intake in a way that does not produce disruptive behaviors (i.e. coughing, spitting, choking); and (4) does not wander. Please call and speak to the Supervisor about special considerations; (i.e., if a caregiver is always present to manage bowel, bladder, swallowing, and/or wandering, the client may attend.)
The Skills Plus Program offers classes in three different areas:
Mobility Skills
Increased independence and confidence in mobility are the objectives of this class. The students have the opportunity to develop muscle strength, joint flexibility, and activity endurance. Also emphasized are improved balance, posture practice, increased awareness of the body in space, progressive ambulation practice, and walking up and down stairs. Transitions from bed to chair to sitting with balanced weight bearing will be practiced for those in wheelchairs. Ambulatory students will receive reinforcement of techniques or adaptations as learned previously in therapy. Increased independence is attained through group and individual instruction.
Independent Living Skills
Arm, Hand, and Trunk
The student develops and improves range of motion, prevents pain from decreased flexibility, increases sensation, and tone reduction, and improves body awareness. Students also work to increase fine motor hand function and improve coordination.
Adapted Activity/Perception
The student learns cognitive processing, task sequencing, initiation, and completion. The long-term goal is to renew student interest in productive activity and independence. Students work on selected craft or hobby activities, puzzles, and tabletop games. Eye-hand coordination skills, visual tracking, scanning, sequencing, and other visual and spatial skills are challenged. Compensation for visual problems is emphasized.
Communication Skills
Language Skills
This class assists the student in thinking of words and communicating verbally on a single word, phrase, or sentence level. It also addresses the preservation of the ability to understand, retain, and recall words. Advanced students communicate verbally on complex topics. Students engage in social conversation and may practice giving verbal instruction to others.
Enunciation Skills
The student learns techniques to improve the pronunciation of sounds and words and to enhance clarity of speech.
Reading and Writing
The student improves the ability to spell, read, and write at varying levels of complexity; which can include math. Conversion to the use of a non-dominant hand for writing skills can also be practiced. Computers are also available.
Memory and Listening
This student learns strategies to improve memory skills, teaching a variety of ways to remember information that is seen or heard. Students learn to listen carefully and to use these memory strategies. The curriculum contains functional applications of these skills.