The Need

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) every year, nationwide, 12,000 new cases occur involving spinal injury. Of the total population of people with spinal cord injury (SCI), 88.7% of patients are discharged from the hospital to a private, noninstitutional residence (in most cases, their homes).  4.8% are discharged to nursing homes (approximately 500 annually).  The remaining 6.5% (approximately 700 annually) of SCI patients remain in the hospital or are discharged to group living or alternative destinations. These last two groups, comprising together 11.3% of SCI patients, are the client base for New Start Homes.

The Solution

New Start specializes in treating clients following cervical spinal injury who are cognitively alert and may be ventilator dependent.  New Start’s CLHFs provide these clients a small, group home, shared living environment in the community where a home atmosphere is combined with full access to community services.  Our homes, the low cost, least restrictive alternative to long-term care facilities, provides a continuum of care through our innovative Independence Training Program which teaches and facilitates new techniques and strategies to manage all aspects of living.