Reclaiming Independence - Short-Term Rehab Success Stories for Dec. 2025
It's time to highlight more short-term therapy graduates!
There's nothing we love more than seeing our rehab patients achieve their recovery goals and reclaim their independence. So, we want to highlight and celebrate a few of these individuals and inspire anyone who may be considering inpatient or outpatient therapy for themselves or a loved one.
Robert at Life Care Center of Yuma
Robert came to Life Care Center of Yuma with a diagnosis of sepsis.
At the time of his admission, Robert required maximum assistance with all bed mobility, transfers, and self-care tasks, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Robert stated, "I couldn't breathe good, and the pain was so bad. I came from hospice. I was so scared!"
Robert received occupational and physical therapy services five days a week. His occupational therapy program focused on restoring his bathing and dressing abilities as well as strengthening his upper body. Physical therapy focused on restoring his lower-body strength and his ability to walk and make transfers.
Robert’s focus and determination to get better paid off. He is now independent with transfers and self-care tasks and can walk with a walker with supervision.
Robert expressed a lot of joy when reflecting on his inpatient therapy stay at Life Care Center of Yuma. He enjoyed the food, the activities –– especially bingo –– the ice cream social, and bible study. And he was pleased with the nurses, CNAs, and therapists.
He even mentioned that a wound he’d struggled with for 20 years had healed during his stay!
Thelma at Life Care Center of Burlington
Before she arrived at Life Care Center of Burlington, Thelma was diagnosed with dementia.
Upon her arrival, she had reduced ability to complete activities of daily living or participate in leisure activities, and she required constant supervision. Her sustained attention span was limited to under five minutes.
Thelma participated in occupational therapy and speech therapy daily. Therapists presented her with attention-building strategies, environmental modifications, and gradings of her participation in meaningful tasks.
Thanks to Thelma’s courage and hard work, she discharged from short-term therapy services and is now independent with all mobility and daily activities. And she participates in regular leisure activities of her choice.
Thelma’s dedication, resilience, and steady progress inspired all the therapy and nursing staff.
"With guidance and consistency, Thelma now moves through her day with purpose and confidence," said Kelsie Swain, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Larson at Life Care Center of La Center
Larson came to Life Care Center of La Center for physical and occupational therapies after experiencing stroke-like symptoms.
Upon admission, Larson needed moderate assistance with standing, transferring, bed mobility, dressing, and self-care. He also required supervised use of a walker.
Five days a week, he participated in physical and occupational therapies. Physical therapy targeted his functionality with walking, standing, step management, and bed mobility. His goals in occupational therapy were to regain independence with transfers, self-care tasks, balance, dressing, and activities of daily living.
During his inpatient stay, Larson also attended regular facility activities, including bingo and the quiz game Got It!, and he established lasting friendships with residents and staff –– which helped him stay positive and motivated to get better. And he did!
He met his recovery goals and discharged with the ability to stand up, transfer, and walk with set-up. He was also totally independent with bed mobility and required moderate assistance with self-care tasks and dressing.
He returned home to his spouse and daughter just in time for Thanksgiving!
Learn more about inpatient & outpatient short-term therapy services at these facilities:
Life Care Center of Yuma
928-344-0425
Life Care Center of Burlington
(620) 364-2117
Life Care Center of La Center
270-665-5681
