Did you know? Your knees and hips are your largest joints. They support the majority of your body’s weight and must work together to provide the mobility most people take for granted, until injury, arthritis, or other problems interfere.
Depending on the cause of your pain, the resolution will vary. For some, it might be a set of exercises, pain relief medication, minor surgery, or some combination of these. But for many people, knee and hip problems become so troubling that the best solution is to replace a worn-out knee or hip with a mechanical joint. Talk with your doctor to find out what the best solution is for you!
In honor of Orthopedic month, we sat down with industry expert, Connie Branstrom, the Healthcare Outreach Coordinator for Brandel Health & Rehab at Covenant Village of Northbrook. Connie’s passion for her industry shows in the way she talks about the people she gets to meet and work with every day. With a background in Nursing at Glenbrook Hospital Emergency Room, and her 15 years at Illinois Bone & Joint working all phases of Orthopedics including Trauma, Connie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her field. Connie is also involved in several organizations, including Northbrook Chamber of Commerce: Ambassador, Glenview Chamber of Commerce: Ambassador, Northbrook Civic Association, and Glenview Lions Club.
Can you talk about your role, and what you love most?
My role as Healthcare Outreach Coordinator for our campus of 500 residents involves being a Liaison to 12 local Hospitals.  I am responsible for each resident that lives on our Campus, should they go to the Hospital and require an overnight stay.  Primarily, this is to ensure that each resident has an easy pathway to getting back to their unit, whether it is a residential, assisted living, skilled living residence, memory support, or rehabilitation unit.  I also accept non-residents to our rehab unit for Total Joint Replacements or other rehab needs.  Additionally, I am heavily involved in outreach programs such as lectures, health fairs, programs at local Senior Centers and offering Continuing Education for Social Workers and Healthcare Professionals.
What I love most about my field is helping those in need.  It is quite rewarding, and even the simplest gesture of a hug is worth thousands.  I reap the rewards far more then I give because form a close bond with each person I meet, as though we are family.
Can you tell us about Dr. Matthew Jimenez, MD, FACS and his work in Orthopedics?
Matthew L. Jimenez, M.D., FACS is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic fracture care and joint reconstruction, with a focus on soft-tissue preservation and rapid recovery. He is a member of the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute based in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Jimenez maintains faculty appointments as Visiting Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Jimenez developed and chairs the Chicago Trauma Symposium, which is a 4-day multidisciplinary trauma course in its 16th year. He has extensive research experience and is dedicated to education.
How does Freedom Home Care benefit your residents?
Freedom Home Care is on our Campus frequently, servicing our residents both in independent living and Assisted and Skilled Living facilities.  They are very caring, and are also extremely professional.  Their caregivers are very pleasant and respectful to our staff and are very timely when a request is made.
What is your experience with Freedom Home Care? 
Freedom Home Care is on our Campus frequently, servicing our residents both in independent living and Assisted and Skilled Living facilities.  They are very caring, and are also extremely professional.  Their caregivers are very pleasant and respectful to our staff and are very timely when a request is made.

 
 
 
 
 
 
About Covenant Village
The top benefits of living at Covenant Village are a Contractual promise of access to future care, Full continuum of service on campus, 500 residents strong and 50 years in the Northbrook Community.  12 Campuses in the United States, Not for Profit, 55 acres of sprawling campus, 7 varieties of options for living and pricing, Life Connect partnership to help link our residents to resources that can optimize their wellness. We provide Socialization through Community Events, Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual, Emotional and Vocational activities.  We also offer monthly field trips, and transportation to area stores, the library, and downtown Northbrook.  Wellness RN’s are staffed on site for daily needs or advice.
About Brandel Health & Rehab
Brandel Health & Rehab provides rehabilitation not only for our residents, but for all individuals. We are a non-denominational organization offering services for Total Joint Replacement, Cardiac Rehab, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Long Term Care Needs.
We also have a Memory Support and Alzheimer’s Unit.  We offer Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy 7 days a week with the same therapist during the week and the same on the weekends.  Wonderful continuity of care.  What we are most proud of are our Private Suites that come without an additional fee including private showers. We also offer Respite Care.