Patients Age: 84
Admission Date: 11/08/2017
Admitted From: Westchester Medical Center
Discharge Date: 1/10/2018
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 2 months
Reason for Stay: Traumatic subdural hemorrhage with loss of consciousness of unspecified duration, multiple fractures of ribs, cognitive communication deficit, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder and muscle weakness.
Details of Experience:
We treat every patient as a success story, helping and supporting all our patients achieve the therapeutic goals they set. Some come to us with milder physical challenges while others are very advanced in age and nearing the end of life. Helping them obtain the results or the comfort and meaning they wish for in this phase in life is our goal. But some stories have a more noticeable success, as in the case with Mr. Robert P.
On October 19, 2017, Robert, an avid photographer, was out strolling in the community when unexpectedly a vehicle lost control and struck Robert on the side of the road. His head struck the windshield of the vehicle causing a starburst crack to the glass. Robert was immediately transferred to the ICU unit where he was intubated and held for a number of days, until he was able to transfer to a less acute unit. Robert made great results in the hospital and was considered medically stable three weeks later, but the brain damage he suffered and the poor physical condition (broken shoulder and ribs) — was another battle he would have to engage should he want to fully recover.
When Robert arrived at The Grove for short term rehab, it was very apparent the amount of steps he would need to take to recover. Due to his neurological deficit and confusion, Robert was combative, requiring constant supervision. Robert’s wife and family were instrumental in helping Robert settle in at The Grove. It wasn’t until weeks after did Robert only first begin recognizing his nurses and therapists and recall the traumatic accident. Progress was very slow in his first few weeks here. The neurological damage caused by the brain injury made it difficult to know if Robert would ever be able to properly communicate, swallow whole foods and be physically independent, let alone his ability to be cognitively sound.
Robert’s road to recovery is a testament that rigorous work, a resilient spirit, outstanding care and therapy and the unconditional love and support from family can heal a much wounded brain and body.
Robert’s strong motivation and support from family and staff helped him ignore the depression and discouragement he felt when recognizing how compromised he was. Through repetitive exercises and activities Robert began seeing results, although minimal at first. As his swallowing and memory process began to improve along with his ability to communicate and make rehabilitative gains, his confidence and spirit grew. The results he gained in the first five weeks
proved that patience and persistence will prevail.
Robert’s last few weeks of rehab were focused on his functional abilities and mobility. He began ambulating and transferring, and his confusion and forgetfulness was quickly disappearing. His devoted wife was no longer to be the sole decisions maker, “I am now able to decide for myself,” he confidently claimed while holding his wife’s hand, “but I still need you as ever before,” he concluded.
“Someone of his age and medical condition to make a full comeback is simply incredible,” Brian Cook our Speech Pathologist reported, “we knew he was ready to go because he knew he was ready to go.” It took eight weeks, a supportive but aggressive team of physical/occupational therapists, nurses, physician and psychiatrist along with a loving family and fighting spirit to help Robert make the full recovery. Allowing him to safely return home, walking upright and proud of what he achieved.
Robert’s final words before leaving summarize his two months here at The Grove, “I honestly did not think I would be able to recover to the extant I did. The fact that I’m able to walk out after two months of rehab and care is a testament to the outstanding medical and therapeutic services of The Grove. In addition to having a clinically exceptional experience, staff made sure that my stay was comfortable and pleasant. If felt like a home away from home.”