 |
Change Text Size:
Acute Rehabilitation Case StudyPaul, 50Diagnosis: StrokeAfter suffering a stroke, Paul moved into his private room at Bethesda and met his nurse, Judy. A certified rehabilitation nurse, Judy explained that she was there to push him to maximize his potential through encouragement, support and education. The showers in the Rehabilitation Unit are barrier-free. The first few days, Paul learned to use his wheelchair to roll into his space. Soon he was just using a walker. Paul worked hard every day to regain his strength and independence in Bethesda’s 14,500 square foot therapy gym. His care team created an individual plan for him that included three hours of physical, occupational and speech therapy. In addition, Paul participated in a community reintegration program through recreational therapy. He helped plan an outing to a Minnesota Twins game. The outing helped Paul see what life would be like when he returned home with his physical limitations. Paul's therapy continued 24 hours a day as his nurses pushed him to be as independent as possible. Paul's social worker, Micki, knew that he wanted to return home. Micki began to arrange for outpatient therapy and adaptive equipment in anticipation of Paul's discharge. Paul was discharged home after one month, returning to his family and job in Fargo.
|
