Life Care Center of Estero helps patient get back to Massachusetts home

Carolyn Laine is back home in Massachusetts after therapy at Life Care Center of Estero, Florida, got her back on her feet.

Carolyn is originally from New England and had retired to Florida. When Carolyn suffered from respiratory failure and pneumonia, her condition led to a decline in her functional abilities. She came to Life Care Center of Estero for rehabilitation in July 2021 unable to walk or get out of bed without two people helping her. She had poor balance and needed moderate assistance to even roll over in bed.

Physical therapists worked with Carolyn to improve her mobility so she could get home. They did strengthening exercises for her legs, as well as sit-to-stand exercises and short-distance walking training with a walker. They also used the NuStep recumbent bicycle with leg and arm cranks to help her increase strength and endurance.

“Carolyn was very motivated to participate in therapy and restorative nursing,” said Paula Massey, physical therapist. “Her daughter and son-in-law built a home with a handicapped suite for her and her husband.”

Carolyn shared, “Therapy helped me to get stronger, to get up and walk and to be able to go home.” About her stay, she added, “I enjoyed it. It was perfect.”

On Oct. 22, Carolyn made the move to Massachusetts to live with her husband, daughter and son-in-law in a suite on their property. She was at a supervision level for bed mobility and transfers from one surface to another. Her balance has also improved.