Va’Shaun Adams finds success in rehab at Life Care Center of Kansas City

Va’Shaun Adams came to Life Care Center of Kansas City, Kansas, in need of help to regain a higher level of function.

Va’Shaun arrived with stage 3 kidney disease and an autoimmune disease called Moyamoya disease, in which arteries at the base of the brain become blocked, leading to cognitive issues, weakness and increased risk of stroke. He also has Type 1 diabetes.

When Va’Shaun first arrived in 2019, he was at a high fall risk and was unable to take care of himself. He needed moderate assistance for all his mobility and most of his activities of daily living.

Physical and occupational therapists worked with Va’Shaun on strengthening exercises, balance training, gait training and training in everyday activities like grooming, bathing and getting dressed. They carefully monitored his heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and its response to exercise, and they taught him postural adjustments to reduce fall risk.

Although Va’Shaun had a setback with complications to his diabetes, he made good progress and was able to graduate to an assisted living facility on Jan. 4, 2020. He is now able to walk 400 feet at one time with supervision and be independent in his bed mobility and transfers. He can feed himself and groom himself and needs only supervision for standing balance.

“Rehab got me stronger, and I loved that they explained everything to me,” Va’Shaun said.