COVID-19 survivor regains function with rehab at Life Care Center of Omaha

This winter, Steven Gollehon was diagnosed with COVID-19, which led him on a long and hard journey toward recovery.

Steven had a prolonged hospital stay, including being intubated and on a ventilator. When he came to Life Care Center of Omaha, Nebraska, for rehabilitation on Jan. 22, 2021, he was totally dependent on others for his mobility and self-care.

Five to six days a week, the physical, occupational and speech therapy teams worked with Steven to help him reach his goal of getting better and going home. They used electrical stimulation for his severely weak muscles to prime them for moving again, as well as neuromuscular re-education. He also took part in balance and strengthening exercises.

And Steven made great progress!

“Steve had a willingness and ability to buy in to the therapeutic process,” said Jarrod Handy, occupational therapist. “He understood the ‘just-right challenge’ and trusted his therapist to push him past his comfort level.”

Steven shared, “Three or four weeks ago, I couldn’t raise my left arm. Going to therapy has helped me reach my goals of transferring and walking. It’s awesome. Rehab has been great! The food has been good.”

On Feb. 23, 2021, Steven returned home. He is independent in his bed mobility, sitting balance, hygiene, self-feeding and swallowing and at a supervision level for walking, getting in and out of bed, standing balance and dressing.