Services - Testimonials

 “This information can revolutionize healthcare.” — Director of Nursing

“We have a whole new way of understanding the people we care for.” — Administrator

“I cannot wait to go back to work on Monday!” — Physical Therapist

“This has gone beyond anything else that I have learned with the Allen tools.” — Occupational Therapist

“I now have so much more success in my activity programs.” — Activity Director

“I  have been working with the Allen cognitive tools nearly as long as I have been practicing in the field of Occupational Therapy.  I was first introduced to the Allen cognitive assessment tools (ACL, ADM and RTI ) while working in a psychiatric medical unit. I was trained to use the assessment techniques and activity analysis so specifically that I found myself constantly using Allen’s levels. I used them for the details in my notes, when the psychiatrist ran a meeting, and of course, in every activity the person did while they were in my care. 
 
This experience followed me as I shifted my clinical practice into long-term care (LTC).  My first LTC employer sent the staff to a weekend seminar for training in the use of the Allen cognitive disability model. The focus was on using the evaluation tools and clinical analysis.  This sustained my interest in the model and offered information in a new light.  I continued to use these techniques in practice and encouraged my fellow therapists in their process of learning. I also completed some basic staff training in the facility where I was employed.  Throughout the years I felt as though I was equipped with the use of the tools and understood the modes in treatment settings.
 
That being said, it wasn’t until I began my involvement with Pat Jakubiec that I began to see the many advantages that the Allen cognitive disability model could offer in treatment.  Though I had a strong base in the assessment tools, I had very little background on the theory behind it.  I could now see that without understanding the application of the theory, I could not fully understand how to use these tools.  Pat has gone beyond anything else that I have learned with the Allen cognitive tools. This has has allowed me to understand the cognition of my patients in a deeper manner.  I now understand the importance of the motivations behind their actions, not just seeing what they can and cannot do.  I feel better prepared to tailor my treatment around the patient, instead of fitting the patient around my treatment. 
 
The initial instruction given by Pat on the explanation of the levels and use of the tools was similar to other training I had received. In addition, Pat emphasized integration of my overall clinical skills with the therapeutic use of self to the patient’s needs. She gave us a base from which to advocate in our clinical practice for our cognitively complex patients and she allowed us to see how cognition plays a role in the psychosocial aspects of our residents. This enabled us to effectively understand and deal with issues such as anxiety, depression and decreased motivation or participation in daily life activities.
 
Pat Jakubiec’s continued encouragement in study helps me to become more confident and effective with the treatment of my patients.  Events such as the lecture by Delaune Pollard reminded me of just how complex this theory is and how much there is to learn.  I have grown professionally in a way that without her training and working relationship, could not have happened any other way.  I am grateful to my employer for having the foresight to see how valuable this training can be for our patients. The support of Pat has boosted the professional confidence of many of us.” — Jennifer Friesema

“Pat Jakubiec’s integrative cognitive program through Vita Cura has greatly influenced my treatment and my skill level. It has opened up a totally new way of looking at skilled nursing facility residents and how to treat them while giving the highest quality care.

Through my Vita Cura training, I have developed a greater sense of compassion for all individuals at various levels of cognitive functioning. I am more creative and am able to provide more skilled care to our Medicare part B residents. I am able to better communicate with families and doctors. I also feel this program has helped in providing better discharge planning.

I have treated Part B patients that I never would have thought appropriate before; thus providing superior care.
I now look at personal factors upon admission and incorporate patient likes and dislikes in the plan of care to reduce fear of a skilled nursing facility environment.

I use the cognitive assessments on almost all of my patients. It assists me in designing rehabilitation programs, in deciding to bring in other disciplines and in caregiver education.

The understanding of a person’s cognitive level opens up many new creative possibilities to maximize function.

The whole team has learned how we can promote maximum function and how to stop over-providing, which creates disuse and atrophy. The team creates meaning for the individual.

The team also feels safer and more confident about discharge and the patient’s ability to succeed at home based on their cognitive level.” — Shannon Morris, Physical Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation