Short-Term Therapy Works! Patient Success Stories 2024 (4th edition)
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!
Max Coffman at Heritage Healthcare
Max Coffman came to Heritage Healthcare by referral from his daughter, Janet, who is a nurse on evening shift at Heritage. Max and Janet shared the same goal: for Max to be able to stand at his granddaughter’s wedding.
But upon evaluation, Max was unable to walk and could barely stand. He had declined since a bout with COVID and had poor motivation to participate in therapy. His daughter had even considered placing him on hospice.
But the therapy team came up with a new plan for Max.
They decided to use the wedding as a motivator, and any time Max resisted, Janet would come by and remind him of their goal. Max and the therapy team had three months to get him back on his feet before the wedding.
The entire facility showed Max their love and encouragement. Slowly, he improved and regained the ability to stand for a few minutes. His legs got stronger with consistent therapy exercises, and eventually, he began to walk short distances. Max was very proud of his progress. His eagerness and joy became apparent to all.
When the day of the wedding came, Max got into the car with no trouble. He stood for all the photos. He even stood and danced with his granddaughter!
The staff at Heritage are proud of Max, who continues to make great progress!
Mona Gieschen at Life Care Center of Longmont
Mona, 91, had a bad fall and sustained several fractures.
After her hospitalization, she decided to go to Life Care Center of Longmont for rehabilitation.
Upon her admission, Mona required moderate assistance to walk with a walker and complete her activities of daily living. But she needed even more help with bed mobility.
Mona worked very hard in her physical and occupational therapy programs to regain her strength, balance, and ability to care for herself.
Mona graduated to a local assisted living facility, where she will be independent with her walker. Mona is a long-term participant of Life Care Center of Longmont’s community classes for patients with Parkinson's disease.
She is most looking forward to returning to those classes when she gets settled in her new home.
"The care here is very good, and the therapists are marvelous. I can't say enough about the therapists. They helped me so much with their encouragement.” –– Mona
Congratulations, Mona, on your return to independence! We look forward to seeing you out and about in the community.
Jeffrey Starr at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau
Mr. Starr came to Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau following a hospitalization for chronic respiratory failure. He was unable to maintain his sitting or standing balance and was unable to walk. He also required total assistance with bed mobility, transfers, dressing, and bathing.
Physical and occupational therapists worked with Mr. Starr to improve his functional independence. Each therapy program began with working on restoring his strength and then focused on improving his functional ability.
Physical therapy helped improve his bed mobility, transfers, balance, and gait. Occupational therapy addressed and restored his ability to dress, bathe, and perform activities of daily living.
Mr. Starr made great progress during his program, becoming independent with walking, transfers, balance, and dressing with supervision.
He discharged home to his wife with his strength and independence restored.
"Therapy has helped me walk with my prosthetic, be able to dress myself, and regain my self confidence. I would highly recommend the therapy at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau. And the care that I got from the nurses and CNAs has been above and beyond. – Jeffrey
Congratulations on your rehab success, Mr. Starr! We are excited for you to return home with your family.
