Car accident survivor regains independence at Life Care of Kansas City

Beford Dantzler was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident that broke his right leg.

When he arrived at Life Care Center of Kansas City, Kansas, last November, he was unable to bear weight on his leg while it healed, and he was suffering from acute kidney failure. He was totally dependent for bed mobility and functional transfers. He even needed two people to help him sit on the edge of his bed, and to get into a wheelchair, he needed a Hoyer lift.

It was a tough three months while Beford was unable to bear weight on his leg, but then a lot of work began.

The therapy team was dedicated to Beford’s recovery, no matter how long it would take. Physical, occupational and speech therapists designed a rehab program specifically for him based on his abilities in areas of stability, mobility, controlled mobility and skill. Each phase consisted of unique exercise techniques designed to focus on wound healing, range of motion, strength, sitting and standing balance, oxygen volume, progressive weight bearing, standing tolerance, gait and balance.

Finally, Beford had regained independence with every activity of daily living. He went home independently on Nov. 3, 2021.

Looking back at his journey at Life Care Center of Kansas City, Beford said, “I am extremely thankful to all my therapists for making me independent again. Therapy works magic.”