The Grabski Multiple Sclerosis Center
in Migdal HaEmek is Israel's
first and only dedicated residential and outpatient center devoted exclusively
to patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, a dreaded degenerative disease
that strikes young adults.
The Grabski MS Center serves patients and families from Beit Shean, Afula,
Hadera, Nazareth and the Galilee
region. A second location is currently
being planned for Beitar Illit to serve patients in the Jerusalem area.
The Multiple Sclerosis Center is designed to provide a full home environment
for 32 live-in patients, including four apartments for married couples. In addition, the Center serves 35 daily
outpatients.
Currently, ten additional private rooms are being constructed in order to
increase the inpatient population to 42 -- each with the comfort and dignity their
own private room.
In addition, government approval has been granted to create a day care center
for those who are seriously handicapped physically but are not victims of MS. These clients prefer to live in their own
homes but can benefit from a day program that offers round-trip transportation,
two meals per day, and full range of activities and therapies to maximize their
quality of life.
Life at the Center is designed to keep patients busy all day long with a full
round of programs including outings, classes, psychotherapy, physiotherapy,
holiday celebrations, horticultural therapy, art/ceramics, and, of course,
three delicious meals daily.
The center cuts no corners in terms of its commitment to each patient. While Government subsidies only allow for
manual wheel chairs, patients here all enjoy the most advanced electronic wheel
chairs.
As a patient's condition deteriorates to the point where he or she can no
longer get out of bed unassisted, they are not moved to a ward. Rather, an electronic hoist is installed that
allows them to remain in their own room for as long as they live.
In addition to its dedicated staff of physicians, nurses and therapists the
Center is staffed by young women doing National Service (in lieu of military
service).
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