Life Care Center of Ooltewah helps COVID survivor return home independent

After being diagnosed with COVID-19 at a drive-through clinic on Aug. 14, Donald “Larry” George’s case took a turn for the worse a few days later and landed him in the hospital with pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Larry was placed on a CPAP machine with oxygen and was also treated in the hospital for atrial fibrillation with a rapid heartbeat, as well as edema. He arrived at Life Care Center of Ooltewah, Tennessee, for physical and occupational therapies after 24 days in the hospital.

When he arrived, Larry was deconditioned. He needed extensive assistance for grooming, bathing, dressing and medication management. He needed some help with standing balance, walking and getting in and out of bed.

Physical therapy addressed Larry’s mobility, including improving his balance and his ability to walk, while occupational therapy addressed his activities of daily living. Therapists worked with him on strengthening exercises as well as training in how to do his daily tasks, including teaching him how to use adaptive equipment to make self-care easier.

After 24 days of therapy, Larry was ready to return home. He had regained his independence and was able to get around on his own and take care of himself.

“I just want to thank all the employees I came in contact with for the encouragement they gave me and the services they gave me that made it possible for me to leave there with my health so much improved,” Larry said. “I was able to go home and begin to resume my normal life. For such a bad time in my life, they all helped and encouraged me, and that was a large part of my recovery.”