Thriving in the Transitional Care Unit at CHoR
Jariyah Branch Jackson’s smile can make any day brighter in a hurry. The 5-year-old lives in the Transitional Care Unit, where he receives medical care, participates in therapy sessions and has a team by his side helping him learn, grow and thrive.
Jariyah also attends school and participates in all the amazing outings the TCU team plans for the residents. Though he’s not verbal, there’s no question how he feels when he claps and jumps for joy. We asked Jariyah’s care team a few questions about this radiant resident. Here’s what nurses Chloe Cuff, Kathy Gvozdas and Annie Snodgrass, along with occupational therapist Katie Bobbitt had to say.
How would you describe Jariyah?
“Jariyah is a ball of energy, and one of the smartest kids I know!” -Chloe
“He’s the best! Extremely intelligent and able to spell pretty proficiently. He is very alert, curious and when he finds an interest in something he becomes very focused on it. He loves when other people show acknowledgement/appreciation of this interest. He has a lot of energy and always enjoys interacting with those around him.” -Kathy
“Inquisitive, loves to learn and he is so smart. When I think of him my first thought is fierce!” -Annie
“Jariyah is the smartest child I've ever met! He is witty, passionate, observant and delightful. He is always willing to work hard in therapy and can make any activity fun.” -Katie
What are some of his favorite things?
“Jariyah loves cars, trucks, the color red, loud noises and his new obsession Cadbury Creme Eggs. He used his alphabet mat to spell out Cadbury Creme Egg!” -Chloe
“At the moment: school bus, Coca-Cola, 20th Century Fox, cars, keepy-uppy game, his remote control car that he can sit in, Cadbury Creme Eggs and the floor board of letter squares he can spell with. Since he cannot speak (other than some individual words), he likes his communication device to convey his thoughts and ideas to others.” -Kathy
“He loves his toy cars, running the halls and watching his Burger King commercial...over and over and over.” -Annie
“Cars, trucks, ambulances, dump trucks – anything with wheels and a horn! He also loves Bluey, OT, learning, spelling, swinging and messy play!” -Katie
What does Jariyah’s typical day look like in the Transitional Care Unit?
“Jariyah spends his day rolling cars around in his room, spelling out words, running, jumping and getting SUPER excited when a car comes by his window!” -Chloe
“During the week he wakes up and plays in his room before school. During the school year he goes to school from 9 a.m. – 12 noon and 1 – 4 p.m. He will have his feedings through a g-tube during the day. He has recreation therapy for 45 minutes. He will also see occupational, physical and speech therapy throughout the week. Right now, he is working to try to use his Passy-Muir valve which is a device that he can use, when on a trial off his ventilator, to vocalize.” -Kathy
“He starts every day with a smile! He watches TV, plays with his toys, goes outside to hike around. During the week he has his rec and school. He watches staff as they work and enjoys playing with his friends. But he will dismiss you when it’s time for him to do his own thing and just be in his room!” -Annie
“A typical day in OT involves a lot of fun. We work on putting on socks, strengthening his hand muscles, writing his name, cutting out shapes with scissors and sensory processing. We get to play games, swing, climb and play with toys to work on all of his goals. His OT sessions are the highlight of my week.” -Katie
Inside the TCU and out, Jariyah has fun wherever he goes
If there’s an outing, Jariyah is in! Some of his favorites have included the pumpkin patch, beach and Children’s Museum of Richmond.