Heart attack survivor makes remarkable recovery at Life Care of Banner Elk

Edwin Floyd has gone from dependent to preparing to move into an assisted living facility mostly able to take care of himself.

When Edwin came to Life Care Center of Banner Elk, North Carolina, in November 2021 after suffering a heart attack, he was in rough shape. He arrived with a tracheostomy and on a feeding tube and very weak.

“I couldn’t do anything, couldn’t even get out of bed on my own,” Edwin remembered.

Physical, occupational and speech therapists worked with Edwin to improve his strength, mobility, self-care abilities, cognition and swallowing. They used seated and standing exercises, including on the facility’s OmniCycle^® exercise bicycle with hand cranks in addition to foot pedals.

“I am just thankful for the way you all worked with me,” Edwin shared. “I don’t think I would’ve survived if you all hadn’t worked with me. I really love my therapists. I’m doing great now.”

Edwin was able to get off the feeding tube and is now back on a regular diet. He is independent in bed mobility, getting in and out of bed, sitting balance, hygiene, dressing and self-feeding and at a supervision level for walking, standing balance and bathing.

“I can walk, eat, get dressed,” Edwin added. “I don’t need my wheelchair everywhere I go now.”

Katie Buchanan, physical therapist assistant, shared, “Ed was very motivated and worked extremely hard to get where he is today. We are all so proud of him and how far he has come.”

Edwin is working with the facility social worker to find an assisted living facility so he can move to a lower level of care.