As we finish up National Rehab Awareness Week 2025, we wanted to share a few special short-term therapy success stories. We are always proud of the exceptional work our therapy associates do for our patients and residents.
And it’s an honor to work with patients like these as they overcome challenges and reclaim their independence and greater well-being. Congratulations to all our short-term therapy graduates.
And Happy Rehab Awareness Week!
Ruth, at 100 years old, was living alone in her apartment when her knee suddenly buckled, and she fell and fractured her ankle. After initial treatment, she was unable to bear weight on her right leg, limiting her ability to perform daily tasks on her own.
To regain her strength and maximize her independence, Ruth needed to undergo inpatient therapy treatment. So, she transitioned from the hospital to Life Care Center of Elyria, where she would receive comprehensive short-term therapy services.
When she arrived at the facility, Ruth presented with weakness, impaired balance, and decreased functional mobility. She required a Hoyer lift for transfers and was unable to walk or complete self-care tasks.
Her Elderly Mobility Score was 0/20, and her Modified Barthel Index Score, which assesses a patient’s ability to complete certain daily activities, was 17/100, showing Ruth had a high level of dependence.
The physical and occupational therapists completed a comprehensive evaluation of Ruth’s condition and formulated for her a dynamic, integrated treatment and individualized plan of care.
Ruth participated in her therapy program with enthusiasm and determination and made great progress in little time.
At the time of her discharge, she was able to complete all her functional mobility and transfers independently. She could walk over 150 feet and complete simple daily tasks on her own. She improved her Elderly Mobility Scale from 0/20 to 15/20, and her Modified Barthel Index rose to 75/100!
Ruth discharged back to The Abbewood, an Independent and Assisted Living community that shares a campus with Life Care Center of Elyria. She will continue her recovery journey with outpatient therapy, maintaining the consistency of the therapy she received at Life Care Center of Elyria.
"The people here are not only my therapists but also my friends! I think that it is just wonderful that I will have the same therapists!” –– Ruth
We are so proud of Ruth and wish her the best as she continues her journey to independence. She is a remarkable patient, and truly a super centenarian!
When Michael arrived at Life Care Center of Yuma, he was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and recovering from a C. diff infection.
At the time of his admission, Michael required moderate assistance with all tasks, including transfers, dressing, bathing, and walking. He had significant weakness in his lower and upper body.
Michael received occupational therapy and physical therapy five days a week. In occupational therapy, he focused on strengthening his upper body so that he could complete activities of daily living independently. Physical therapy targeted his lower body weakness, to help him with bed mobility, walking, and transfers.
After just three weeks, Michael was ready for discharge. He plans to settle into his new apartment at an independent living facility. Currently, he is independent with all functional tasks and able to walk safely, without an assistive device.
The therapists at Life Care Center of Yuma are extremely proud of Michael and the amazing progress he has made.
"I have better balance and strength than I did before I went to the hospital. I'm so happy. I'm going to get to go to the grocery store and actually push a shopping cart." – Michael
Congratulations to Michael on meeting his recovery goals!
Martin had a severe infection of the spine. He was unable to walk and totally dependent for all mobility.
Doctors informed him that he he would likely never walk again. In fact, his situation was so dire that he entered a hospice program. But that was when Martin decided that he was not ready to call it quits. After consulting his neurologist, he was cleared to pursue short-term therapy services to regain his ability.
When he arrived at Life Care Center of Casper, Martin was totally dependent in all areas of care and activity. Requiring a GERI chair, he had not walked for months and struggled with all forms of movement.
But Martin was determined and surprised everyone with his energy and enthusiasm.
During his initial evaluation, Martin had told the therapist, "I want to walk out the front doors of hospice."
And that’s exactly what Martin did!
After just one month of physical therapy and occupational therapy five days a week, Martin was back on his feet! He is currently standing and walking and no longer requires mechanical lifts.
He is a now a long-term care resident at Life Care Center of Casper and is living his life as independent as possible.
Congratulations to Marty for staying strong, motivated, and determined to rise above!
Life Care Centers of America is hiring in our facilities across the country. We may have some openings in your area - take a look and see if a new career is right for you!
Today Life Care operates or manages more than 200 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s and senior living campuses in 28 states.
Life Care Centers of America
3570 Keith St., N.W.,
Cleveland, TN 37312
