The Westchester House helps COVID patient regain independence in 2 weeks

After being hospitalized for COVID-19, Carl Gottlieb, 65, wasn’t quite ready to return home yet, but The Westchester House in Chesterfield, Missouri, gave him the edge he needed to get back to his wife.

Carl came to the facility for rehabilitation on Aug. 9, 2021, with mild cognitive impairment and weakness. He needed moderate help with bathing and dressing and some help with standing, hygiene tasks, getting in and out of bed and walking (he could only walk 25 feet at a time with someone holding on to him to steady him).

Physical, occupational and speech therapists worked with him to set a plan and reach his goals. They used an incentive spirometer to help him improve his lung function, and the team worked with him on strengthening exercises and retraining in his daily self-care tasks, as well as performing a walk study to qualify him for supplemental oxygen at home. Speech therapy helped him restore his cognitive skills, and physical therapy trained him on safely managing stairs.

“The therapy through the three therapists gave me direction in most aspects of recovery,” said Carl.

Carl returned home on Aug. 20, able to take care of himself, thinking clearly and independent in his mobility. Now he’s even able to help babysit his grandchildren again.