Life Care of Cape Girardeau helps Cynthia Ingalls regain independence

Cynthia Ingalls was experiencing a decline in function due to neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism and chose to come to Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for rehabilitation.

When Cynthia arrived on Oct. 5, 2020, she needed assistance with bathing, dressing and mobility, from walking to standing. She also had some difficulties with swallowing and voice.

Cynthia participated in physical, occupational and speech therapies. She received gait training, balance work and transfer training to increase her safety and excelled with improving her dynamic balance with activities of daily living, such as dressing tasks. Speech therapy guided her through swallowing exercises to help her eat and drink normally again.

“Cindy demonstrated great motivation and always worked hard in each therapy session,” said Charly Essner, speech therapist. “She tolerated neuromuscular electrical stimulation for swallowing and was receptive to education and training to reach her optimal level.”

“Cynthia always pushed herself during therapy sessions and was highly motivated to use her walker daily with ADLs, even when fatigued,” added Amanda Thomas, occupational therapist.

And Jessica Barremore, physical therapist assistant, also shared, “Cindy knew her limitations well and was very involved in her plan of care and therapy sessions. She was always eager to walk every session.”

Cynthia returned home on Oct. 26. She can now perform all her ADLs at four-wheel walker level, and her voice and swallowing are back to normal.

“Therapy was terrific!” Cynthia said.