Case Study: The Grove at Valhalla Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (April 2020)

Patients Age: 70-years-old
Admission Date: 04/22/20
Admitted From: Workmen’s Circle
Discharge Date: 05/20/20
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 28 Days
Reason for Stay: COVID-19, Pneumonia, Acute Coronary Syndrome


Details of Experience:
Ernest’s journey began at his regular weekly dialysis appointment. Standing by the nurse’s station and filling out forms, he felt his body freeze and pain in his chest. He states that the world started spinning around him as he was taken to the ER, and began a month-long arduous process of transfers between various hospitals and nursing facilities. Eventually, he was diagnosed with Pneumonia and confirmed positive for COVID-19. With this diagnosis, he was admitted to The Grove for further treatment.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, Ernest was welcomed to The Grove’s community. He was severely limited in function, stating, “I was very weak and couldn’t walk.” Immediately upon admission, he was placed in the COVID unit for safety purposes, until he was cleared of his COVID diagnosis. In order to return to his previous level of function, Ernest required skilled physical and occupational therapy services. He participated in therapy six days a week and cultivated friendships with each one of his therapists. One of his primary objectives was being able to climb a flight of stairs. Though it was a difficult task, he enjoyed the challenge and was able to navigate his own abilities to achieve this feat. Ernest’s therapist, Sandy, shared that he could tub transfer on his own! He was able to complete all his daily living activities with a rolling walker. He performed all functions with supervision.

After three weeks, Ernest reports he is getting back to himself again. He has been under a rigorous regiment of occupational therapy and physical therapy every day. In his words, “They are all great to me, and the exercise is great!” Ernest can finally look forward to going home next week. The team at The Grove is thrilled to see his progress and wished him all the best.