Short-Term Therapy Works! Patient Success Stories August 2024
University Park Care Center

Short-Term Therapy Works! Patient Success Stories August 2024


Seeing our short-term therapy patients meet their recovery goals never gets old!

And we love to highlight these individuals as much as possible to celebrate our patients and inspire anyone who may be considering rehabilitation for themselves or a loved one.

If you are wondering if short-term therapy would benefit you and your family, take a look at the following success stories!

Ricky at Life Care Center of Elizabethton

Ricky admitted to Life Care Center of Elizabethton with lower extremity wounds and a decline in his ability to function independently.

At the time of admission, he was unable to walk and needed assistance with bed transfers about half of the time.

Ricky received wound care to his lower extremities and functional rehabilitation that included strengthening, transfer, and ambulation exercises five times per week.

Regina Diehl, Senior Director of Rehab, states, "Mr. Dean was determined to work hard and meet his goals, including returning home. We are honored to have been able to assist him in that journey."

Upon his discharge, Ricky was able to transfer on his own and walk twenty five feet without assistance!

"The occupational and physical therapy teams did a great job helping me to regain my mobility, and the wound care staff did a great job getting my legs healed. I am thankful for the team here. I would recommend Life Care Center of Elizabethton to anyone." –– Ricky

Life Care Center of Elizabethton

Linda at Life Care Center of Hilton Head

Linda sought rehabilitation treatment after a fall that fractured her right leg.

When she arrived, Linda was non-weight bearing to her lower right leg and unable to walk. She required a mechanical lift for bed transfers and assistance from at least two therapists for slideboard transfers. She was also unable to stand on her own. When it came to self-care tasks, she needed maximum assistance.

Linda received physical, occupational, and speech therapies five times a week with a focus on improving walking, transfers, daily self-care tasks, and cognition. Linda's goal was to return home with her husband––which she did!

At the time of her discharge, Linda required only minimal assistance when walking with a walker and supervision for bed transfers. Linda was independent with bathing, grooming, and upper body dressing. Linda's cognition had improved significantly.

Regarding her stay and therapy services at Life Care Centers of Hilton Head, Linda said, "Just do it!"

Life Care Center of Hilton Head

Mike at The Highlands

Mike arrived after being treated for pneumonia, which had exacerbated his Parkinson’s Disease and caused increased weakness in his entire body.

Upon his arrival, Mike needed help with all activities of daily living and could not walk. He worked with both physical and occupational therapy six days a week for about five weeks. His therapies focused on increasing his strength, endurance, range of motion, and on improving his balance for improved mobility and greater independence overall.

His therapists incorporated techniques using the LSVT BIG™ treatment for Parkinson's patients, which yielded positive results.

At the end of his therapy, Mike required only minimal assistance to perform activities of daily living. He is now walking up to 150 feet with contact guard for safety and can climb the stairs to enter his home. He has gained the strength and endurance necessary for him to continue making progress at home!

"When I got here I wasn't sure if I would ever walk again. My therapy team gave me the confidence and guidance to reach my potential. They challenged me to do the work to reach my goals. Today, I am walking out of here ready to take on the next challenge. Every minute of every day the staff here work hard to provide exceptional care.” –– Mike

The Highlands

University Park Care Center

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Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and find out more about our services.

University Park Care Center


(719) 545-5321

945 Desert Flower Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81001

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