Life Care Center of Coos Bay helps patient walk for first time in 5 years

Jack Warvie woke up one morning not feeling like his usual self.

He had felt severely weak and short of breath the day before, but when he awoke that morning, he discovered that he could not even get himself out of bed. That was when he went to the hospital.

Jack had been wheelchair-bound since 2014 and relied fully on his upper-body strength to take care of himself.

After almost an entire month in the hospital for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Jack had lost about 40 pounds and was weaker than he had ever been. He was in dire need of rehabilitation to get back to his previous level of independence.

Little did Jack know how much he would achieve when he got to Life Care Center of Coos Bay, Oregon.

When asked about his first day at our facility, Jack stated, “I was so disoriented that I couldn’t even remember my own name, but all of the staff here at Life Care made sure that my needs were met and have done their best to make me feel comfortable.”

Upon admission, it took two people to assist Jack with his activities of daily living, but now he is proud to say that “thanks to the great rehab team here, I am able to do so much on my own. I love my therapy! The whole team here has always treated me with kindness. They have been able to challenge me, not just toward my goals but past them!”

A little over six weeks of treatment, and Jack was able to not just get back to his wheelchair, but for the first time in many years, he is able to stand up and walk. He feels that the team has “given me the strength and confidence to push myself farther than I though I was capable.”

Jack returned home on Feb. 11, 2020.

Abby Manning, occupational therapist assistant, shared, “Jack’s determination is unlike anyone’s I have worked with yet. Because of his hard work and unwavering independence, Jack has made remarkable gains during his time here. The rehab team is stronger for having worked with him, and we hope he comes to visit us!”

If Jack ever has to go back to another skilled nursing facility, Life Care Center of Coos Bay is his No. 1 choice.

“It’s not just because of the building but because of the amazing staff here. You won’t find people more kind or caring. And you can’t find better therapists anywhere else!”