Patient Success Stories

Upon admission, Lee was not able to complete basic self-care tasks without significant help. He struggled with communicating simple needs and naming common objects. He had only slight functional use of his right arm.

Lee’s treatment plan initially focused on regaining his independence with self care tasks. To help him regain strength and functionality in his right arm, our therapists worked on compensatory strategies for dressing, grooming and bathing. Cognitive and communications deficits (aphasia) created challenges but with a lot of practice and verbal cueing Lee was eventually able to complete his self-care tasks independently.

The team also implemented a program of neuromuscular re-education. The therapy began with weight-bearing activities, then moved to strengthening and range of motion and then progressed to fine motor skills, handwriting, and using both hands together to cook and perform laundry and kitchen tasks. Lee was an extremely hard worker who never gave up no matter how difficult the task.He was always ready and motivated for therapy.

Upon Lee’s discharge, his family related how pleased they were with the care he received. When Lee left Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital he could reach into cabinets, fold laundry, open containers, grasp and release large and small items and even write. He was able to dress, bathe and groom himself without assistance. He was holding conversations, asking questions and stating his needs and feelings. He continued his rehabilitation at an outpatient rehabilitation center.

Mr. A noticed that, with the help of his nurses and therapists, he started recovery immediately! The therapists explained the therapy and exercises well so that Mr. A knew what he was working on and how it would help him in his daily life. This enabled and encouraged him to practice his exercises alone as well. He felt encouraged by the team approach everyone took to his care.

It was certainly a pleasure getting to know Mr. and Mrs. A. We were fortunate enough to get to celebrate Mr. A’s birthday with him – Mrs. A threw a great birthday party in his room and a good time was had by all! As we told Mr. A's family, we never wish for people to have a need for inpatient rehabilitation, but we are happy we can help when that need arises.

“We are so glad you found us,” Mrs. A replied.

When he arrived at Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, Mr. B had very little use of the left side of his body and required moderate to maximum assistance with his activities of daily living, as well as moderate assistance and a rolling walker for minimal ambulation.

Mr. B, who lived alone and worked full time prior to his stroke, was eager to come to CTRH and begin the rehabilitation process.

He received physical, occupational and speech therapy during his stay. He enjoyed getting to know the staff, who he reports were all very good to him. He appreciated the challenge of his course of therapy, saying the therapists “push you to the limit and then push you some more” in their treatment sessions. He believes this approach was beneficial in providing positive results he might not otherwise have been able to achieve.

We are happy to be sending Mr. B on to CORE Health Care to complete his course of therapy. As he leaves us, he is walking independently with a cane, and requires only minimum assistance with a few of his activities of daily living. He then plans to return to his home and his job.

Upon arrival to Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital Mr. L had a high amount of pain, was very weak and couldn’t even lift or slide his legs in bed. He enjoyed the challenges presented by the therapists and felt that although they pushed him well past his comfort level, they were always encouraging, motivational and considerate. He appreciated being “treated like a person, not just a patient.”

Mr. L and his wife both appreciated the level of support they received from the staff. Mrs. L felt comfortable leaving her husband and going to work knowing that Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital is “like a big family – they treated him like you would treat your own family.”

Upon discharge, Mr. L was able to put on his TLSO brace alone and walk independently with a rolling walker. We were so proud of his progress and thrilled to see him walk out of our facility!<