Case Study: The Grove 3rd Q 2025 
Concierge: Anjali Sebastian  
Patient: Nenise C.  
Patient Age: 55 
Admission Date: 06/28/2025 
Admitted from: Westchester Medical Center 
Length of stay: 3 months  
Reason for stay: MVA

Details of Experience:

On June 8th, Nenise C.’s life changed in an instant. At 5:00 a.m., on her way to work after celebrating her husband’s birthday, she was struck head-on by a driver, under the influence, who was traveling on the wrong side of the road. The impact caused her car to flip three times before crashing into the trees. She recalls the terrifying moment vividly: the burns across her chest from the seatbelt, the difficulty breathing from multiple rib fractures, and the horrifying sight of her right foot twisted in the wrong direction. With her left foot trapped in the dashboard and her body broken, she thought she might not survive. “Please call my husband,” she remembers telling the officers who broke through the glass to free her. 

Nenise sustained severe injuries, including fractures of her femur, patella, tibia, and ribs, requiring three surgeries performed at Westchester Medical Center by Dr. Adam Shaner, whom she describes as “a remarkable doctor.” After weeks of hospital care, Nenise was admitted to The Grove for rehabilitation, where she has been recovering for the past three months. Her journey has been both physically and emotionally demanding. In addition to coping with her injuries, Nenise has struggled with trauma, sleepless nights, and the heartache of missing an entire summer with her family—including her son’s 13th birthday and their annual family trip. Yet through it all, she has found strength, encouragement, and compassion from her caregivers. 

She is especially grateful to her nurse Eric, as well as CNAs Nadine, English, Pauline, and Patricia, who have gone above and beyond to provide comfort. She recalls how, upon her arrival, she was highly emotional and distressed until Patricia gently reassured her to stop crying, telling her things would get better. From that moment, the two shared a special connection. Nenise also praises Shankay and Katrina for always ensuring she was as comfortable as possible throughout her stay, noting that all the staff truly deserve recognition for their dedication. 

Physical therapy has been another vital part of her progress. Nenise highlights the encouragement and positivity she receives from Angela and Divya. “I can have a bad day, feeling incredibly discouraged, and Angela will come in with a big smile calling me ‘sunshine’ and encouraging me to work hard,” she shares. Her surgeon himself commended The Grove’s therapy team, noting the tremendous progress she has made. When she first arrived, Nenise was unable to get out of bed; now, just three months later, she is walking with the help of a walker. 

At 55 years old, Nenise is a mother, wife, and survivor. Her resilience, combined with the skill and compassion of her care team, has carried her through an incredibly difficult journey. She continues to work hard each day in rehab, motivated by the love of her family and the support of the staff she now considers part of her extended family. 

Case Study: The Grove 2^nd Q 2025
Concierge: Anjali Sebastian
Patient: Carol C
Patient Age: 82
Admission Date: 06/10/2025
Admitted from: Danbury Hospital
Length of stay: 1 month
Reason for stay: MVA
How did the patient hear about The Grove: Patient’s daughter toured the community prior to making her decision

Details of Experience:

Carol, an 82-year-old woman, was admitted to Danbury Hospital on June 3, 2025, following a serious car accident. Carol, the driver, was caring for her legally blind husband Nate, who was in the passenger seat at the time. Thankfully, Nate was unharmed. Carol, however, sustained several injuries, including a grade 4 splenic laceration, a T3 compression fracture, a concussion, a fractured finger, and multiple rib fractures. These injuries were identified through MRIs and X-rays conducted shortly after her arrival at the hospital. Under the care of Dr. Michael Nicoara, DO, she remained hospitalized for a week.

On June 10, 2025, Carol was discharged from Danbury Hospital and admitted to The Grove at Valhalla for skilled rehabilitation, following a tour coordinated by her daughter, Sheri. Upon arriving at The Grove, Carol described her first 24 hours as “very confusing.” She had minimal memory of the accident, or her hospital stay. However, as she began to settle in, she shared that she immediately felt the warmth and professionalism of the staff. Carol expressed admiration for Nurse Practitioner Gloria Andrade, saying, “She’s sharp and knows what she’s doing. She’s always on the ball and really cares about her patients.”

Prior to the accident, Carol lived independently at home with her husband. She enjoyed taking daily walks, driving herself to run errands, grocery shopping, and caring for Nate. She had never even experienced a fall before and took pride in her active lifestyle. The sudden shift to needing care was emotionally and physically challenging.

What stood out most in Carol’s recovery journey was her deep belief in the power of daily mantras and manifestation. She shared that she draws great emotional strength from these practices, using them each morning to focus on healing and positive progress. Carol firmly believes that her mindset and faith in recovery have played a major role in how far she has come. “I speak health over myself every day,” she said, “and I believe that’s what’s helping me heal.”

With the support of her dedicated therapy team, Carol began her rehabilitation journey with gentle bed-to-chair transfers in her first few days. By the start of her second week, she was already making progress in the gym. Her determination, combined with her inner strength and the compassionate care from the staff, continues to fuel her recovery.

Carol’s story is a testament to resilience, high-quality rehabilitative care, and the power of both physical and emotional support. We are honored to be part of her journey and wish her continued strength and healing.

Case Study: The Grove Q1 2025
Concierge: Noa Hacker
Patient name: Jonathan S
Patient age: 78 years old
Admission Date: 12/20/2024
Admitted From: St. John’s Riverside
Discharge Date: 04/01/2025
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 3 months
Reason for Stay: Unspecified Atrial Fibrillation

Details of Experience:

While gardening on Labor Day, Jonathan suffered a fall and broke his hip. Alone in the yard without a phone, he spent nearly 12 hours using every ounce of strength to crawl back into his house. As a dedicated schoolteacher who had never missed a day of work, Jonathan’s coworkers grew concerned when he did not show up the next morning and contacted the police, who found him immobilized and thereby rushed him to the hospital.

After undergoing surgery, Jonathan spent several days at rehab and quickly returned home, able to climb stairs the very same day. However, a month later, he began feeling lightheaded and weak, prompting a return to the hospital. Although doctors found nothing wrong, weeks of bed rest erased his progress, leaving his hip stiff and rendering him immobile.

Recognizing the need for rehabilitation, doctors determined it was time for Jonathan to restart his recovery journey. He arrived at The Grove late at night, feeling disoriented after weeks of inactivity. The next morning, he was evaluated by the physical and occupational therapy teams, marking the beginning of his true path to healing.

In his initial days at The Grove, Jonathan could not sit up, relied on a Hoyer lift for transfers, and was dependent on the staff for activities of daily living. Our compassionate team became his lifeline, assisting him with tasks that he had once performed independently.

Jonathan’s primary goal was to regain the ability to stand, write, sign checks, and restore independence. Thanks to the dedication and patience of The Grove’s staff, he gradually achieved these milestones. He regained the ability to stand, use his hands for writing, independently complete his ADLs, and walk with a walker, returning to his natural stride. 

His therapists designed a rehabilitation plan specifically tailored to his needs, focusing on transfers between various seated surfaces. He also practiced navigating different outdoor terrains and ascending and descending the deep staircase, critical preparation for his return home.

Jonathan reflected on the many individuals who impacted his recovery. Every therapist played a vital role, and he firmly believes that success is possible when surrounded by people who genuinely care. He praised the nursing and rehab staff for their unwavering support, encouragement, and kindness, describing them as truly invested in their patients’ progress.

Jonathan concluded his journey with heartfelt gratitude: “The staff at The Grove will always remain close to my heart because they went out of their way to help me recover. I will recommend The Grove to anyone seeking to regain lost abilities. It will surely happen here with the incredible team at The Grove at Valhalla.

Case Study: The Grove Q4 2024
Concierge: Anjali Sebastian
Patient name: Maria Constantino
Patient age: 88
Admission Date: 10/22/2024
Admitted From: Phelps Hospital
Discharge Date: 12/31/2024
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 2 months
Reason for Stay: Hip Fracture

Details of Experience:

Maria Constantino, an 88-year-old woman from Sangalhos, Portugal, immigrated to America in the early 1950s to raise her four children. One October morning, her life took an unexpected turn when she went outside to bring in her garbage bins. Unfortunately, she tripped and fell, landing hard and unable to brace herself, resulting in a fractured left hip. Fortunately, a neighbor saw her fall and immediately called for help.

An ambulance rushed her to Phelps Hospital. After a few days of discussions about her next steps, Maria was transferred to The Grove for rehabilitation, arriving at our community on October 22, 2024. Upon admission, our rehabilitation team conducted a thorough assessment and classified her as a “maximal assist” patient.

In the early stages of her recovery, Maria faced many challenges. For the first two weeks, she required a Hoyer lift to move in and out of bed and endured significant pain. Throughout this difficult time, Maria found great strength in the support of her family, who played a crucial role in her recovery. With encouragement from her loved ones and our staff, Maria became determined to work hard in therapy, driven by the hope of returning home for the holidays.

By mid-November, Maria made significant progress in her physical and occupational therapy. Key tools like the OmniCycle and parallel bars were instrumental in her recovery, and she worked diligently nearly every day to rebuild her strength. Her therapists focused on helping her regain the ability to stand and walk, and by the one-month mark, Maria had made remarkable strides. She no longer required a Hoyer lift and could walk with a walker’s assistance.

Maria’s hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring. She has expressed, “I love The Grove. They make getting better seem easy. The staff is very friendly.” Her journey has profoundly touched many of our team members, and we feel fortunate to have played a part in helping her regain the strength she had before her hospitalization.

After nearly two months of specialized care at The Grove, Maria is ready to return home just in time for the new year. As she prepares for this next chapter, we’ll send her our best wishes and a sense of renewal as she steps into 2025.

Concierge: Anjali Sebastian and Noa Hacker
Patient name: Nethiyar Nair
Patient age: 73
Admission Date: 03/31/2014
Admitted From: Westchester Medical Center
Discharge Date: 04/01/2024
Discharged To: home
Length of Stay: 10 years
Reason for Stay: Tuberculous Meningitis

Details of Experience:

Mr. Nair moved to the United States from New Delhi, India, in 2013 and was immediately diagnosed with TB meningitis, the deadliest form of meningitis, which only affects approximately 100 people annually. Mr. Nair’s prognosis was grim, and he was not expected to survive. After a few months of battling in the hospital, Mr. Nair arrived at The Grove (then Hebrew Home Hospital) in March 2014. Mr. Nair arrived in dire shape, requiring 24-hour care, observation, and a peg tube for a few months. Besides his physical state, Mr. Nair had difficulty with his situation, translated into feelings of sadness and defeat.

At the start of his journey here at The Grove, Mr. Nair experienced numerous hurdles. The admitting hospital papers indicated his chances of walking again were extremely slim. Initially, the outcomes were quite minimal, and it took approximately 3-4 months to see preliminary improvement in his physical state. Mr. Nair eventually recognized the possibilities for a healthy future, which inspired him to work toward his goals.

After a few months of intensive therapy and medical care, his condition improved tremendously, and everyone, Mr. Nair at the helm, began to believe that a miracle was possible. His treatment protocol included electro-stimulation therapy, strengthening, and muscle building. With faith and prayer, as well as communal support and familial support, particularly from Mr. Nair’s wife, Radha, Mr. Nair has been able to gain the motivation to exceed the expectations set for him at the onset of his journey.

While initially requiring a maximum assist of two people for both transferring and standing, Mr. Nair has now gained a lot of strength and motor control, enabling him to perform these skills with limited assistance of one person or with supervision. Mr. Nair can now walk up to 200 feet using a front-wheeled rolling walker and one flight of stairs using bilateral hand railing, both skills with limited assistance. Having gained a lot of upper body strength, Mr. Nair can now perform all of his activities of daily living (ADLS) alone or with minimal assistance, all critical skills for him to regain before moving back home.

Mr. Nair has gained a tremendous amount of independence that he thought he had lost, leaving us a different person than the one who first arrived at the Grove. Mr. Nair and his family are forever grateful to the Grove for becoming both a home and a family for him for the past 10 years. Everyone who has crossed paths with Mr. Nair throughout his stay has impacted him tremendously and shaped who he is upon his departure from The Grove. He is leaving with renewed strength in both physical and emotional realms, understanding he could not have reached this pinnacle of success without the work, love, and support the Team at The Grove provided.

Concierge: Noa Hacker
Patient name: Michael Fraser
Patient age: 62
Admission Date: 10/04/23
Admitted From: Westchester Medical Center
Discharge Date: 12/12/23
Discharged To: home
Length of Stay: 69 days
Reason for Stay: Below Knee Amputation (BKA)
How did the patient hear about The Grove: Through the recommendation of his cousin Janeze Dennis, who was previously employed as a PTA at the Grove.

Details of Experience:

Mr. Fraser’s health journey began in January when he injured his big toe, unknowingly leading to infection. Initially treated for gout, it was not until July that he realized the treatment was ineffective, and his foot was turning black. Seeking help from Dr. Mateo at Westchester Medical Center, a vascular physician, it was determined that the toe was gangrenous, necessitating amputation. Following the procedure, Mr. Fraser underwent a week of rehab at Taylor Care at Westchester Medical Center to adapt to life without a big toe. Unfortunately, a post-amputation setback occurred, revealing persistent infection and blocked arteries in his leg.

Faced with the choice of a short-term bypass surgery or a below-knee amputation (BKA), Mr. Fraser, after extensive consultation with family and friends, opted for the BKA. Post-amputation, he spent three weeks at Taylor Care before transferring to the Grove on the recommendation of his cousin and former therapist at the Grove, Janeze Dennis.

The initial phase at the Grove was to help Mr. Fraser become independent, progressing from using a Hoyer Lift to transferring in and out of the dialysis chair independently. Subsequent steps involved wound healing, prosthetic measurement, selecting the right sock, and testing out the fit of the prosthetic.

Once all was set in place with the prosthetic, the trajectory of Mr. Fraser’s stay began with learning how to use his prosthetic, followed by implementing its use in activities of daily living and learning how to become fully independent. Tibu and Chris worked with Mr. Fraser toward achieving his goals of regaining strength and mastering various walking techniques using tools such as a bike, arm lifting, push-ups, and weights. His final goal was to transition away from using a walker when possible, which he has mastered.

At the conclusion of his journey, Mr. Fraser is now self-sufficient in all daily activities, adept at walking with a cane, negotiating stairs, and ambulating outdoors, as well as independently managing his prosthetic. Despite the challenges, Mr. Fraser emerged as the fastest amputee to heal and receive a prosthetic at the Grove, now walking independently and occasionally without a walker.

Throughout his time at the Grove, Mr. Fraser interacted with Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler, Champions of the CareRite Comprehensive Amputee Rehabilitation Program, who shared their experiences with their amputations and prosthetic journeys, offering valuable insights on utilizing the prosthetics for activities such as stair climbing and walking with a single rail. Mr. Fraser commends their vast knowledge and upbeat disposition, highlighting their support and encouragement. Inspired by their ability to drive, he remains hopeful about his recovery.

Mr. Fraser’s most significant takeaway from his Grove experience is the professionalism and camaraderie among the therapists, noting their friendly approach that made him feel more like a friend than a patient. He advises everyone, “While it would be nice not to get hurt, I highly recommend the Grove and their therapists if you do.”

Concierge: Eli David
Patient name: Joan Perales
Patient age: 68
Admission Date: 1/18/23
Admitted From: White Plains Hospital
Discharge Date: 4/27/23
Discharged To: home
Length of Stay: 3 months
Reason for Stay: Left radial fracture

Details of Experience:

Joan Perales was admitted to The Grove following her discharge from White Plains Hospital due to a left radial fracture and a traumatic closed non-displaced fracture of the pubis resulting from a fall. Ms. Perales, originally from the Bronx, sought a short-term rehabilitation center where she could recover in a positive and supportive environment. After being recommended to The Grove, Ms. Perales was accepted as a patient.

Upon arrival, she was non-weight bearing and unable to perform basic activities of daily living, including ambulation, sitting up, dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom without assistance. She required a two-person assist for transfer in and out of bed. Under the guidance of her dedicated physical and occupational therapists, Ms. Perales received therapy six days a week to regain her independence. Towards the end of her stay, Ms.Perales had achieved significant progress, demonstrating the ability to perform activities of daily living independently and ambulate up to 75 feet. She is scheduled to return home to her family at the end of the month.

Throughout her stay at The Grove, Ms. Perales appreciated the kindness and warmth of her therapy and nursing teams, who continually motivated and encouraged her to work towards a full recovery. She would like to acknowledge Tibu, Ro, Michelle, Veronica, Ava, Pauline, and especially Rupertine for their outstanding care and support. Before her hospitalization, Ms. Perales was a dental assistant for 30 years. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, feeding the birds, and cooking her favorite dish of lasagna.

The team at The Grove is extremely proud of Ms.Perales’ journey to recovery and wishes her all the best in her continued progress.

Director Concierge: Elliot Davidson
Patient Age: 74
Re-Admission Date: 6/6/22
Admitted From: Westchester Medical Center
Discharge Date: TBD
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 108
Reason for Stay: BKA

Details of Experience:

Olga Deas arrived at The Grove from Westchester Medical Center, after surgery for a BKA (Below Knee Amputation). Olga is originally from the Bronx, New York, and still lives there today with her daughter and granddaughter.

Olga was at The Grove a few months prior before having her surgery. She had chosen The Grove as a result of hearing very positive comments and being highly recommended by the Hospital.
Olga required Physical and Occupational Therapy services to increase independence with tasks, dressing techniques, energy conservation during ADLs (Activities Daily Living) techniques to increase safety for ADLs, increase LE ROM (lower extremity range of motion), increase functional activity tolerance, improve balance and promote safety awareness, in order to enhance the patient’s quality of life by improving their ability to return to their prior level of functional abilities.

When Olga originally came to The Grove, she could not ambulate and required assistance to transfer herself to bed, wheelchair, or toilet. Currently, Olga is able to ambulate with her prosthetic leg and transfer herself to bed from her wheelchair. She is also able to dress herself and is able to perform daily tasks independently.

Olga has an amazing outlook on life! Despite having certain challenges, she is so positive and appreciative of everything she has. What Olga appreciated the most was how professional and kind all the staff was, from housekeeping to the CNAs to the PT and OT therapists. Olga is especially grateful to her therapists, Angie and Jerry, for always motivating her, pushing her to work hard, and helping her accomplish all she has.

Before her hospitalization, Olga worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Harlem Hospital for over 40 years. In her spare time, Olga enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing scrabble and cards.

We are extremely proud of Olga’s rehabilitation process and how much she has accomplished.

Director Concierge: Elliot Davidson
Patient Age: 56
Admission Date: 2/1/21
Admitted From: Hudson Valley Medical Center
Discharge Date: 5/27/22
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 479 Days
Reason for Stay: AKA (Above Knee Amputation)

Details of Experience:

Ronald Davis arrived at The Grove from Hudson Valley Medical Center after surgery for an AKA (Above Knee Amputation). Ronald is originally from Peekskill, New York, and still lives there today. After Ronald had the surgery, he and his family were looking for the best option for him to rehabilitate. They chose The Grove of Valhalla due to all the positive things they have heard and having his sisters live nearby.

Ronald required Physical and Occupational Therapy services to increase LE ROM (lower extremity range of motion) and strength, increase functional activity tolerance, improve balance and promote safety awareness in order to enhance the patient’s quality of life by improving their ability to return to their prior level of functional abilities. When Ronald originally came to The Grove, he could not ambulate, required assistance in standing/sitting, and required assistance to transfer himself to bed, wheelchair, and/or toilet. By the end of Ronald’s stay at The Grove, he had achieved modified independence, and he could transfer himself to and from his bed, wheelchair, and toilet and could perform daily tasks independently. 

What Ronald appreciated the most was how the PT and OT therapists worked with and motivated him to get stronger and independent again, as well as the nursing staff being so attentive and caring, such as Paula, Sara, Ava, Tamara, and Sandra. Ronald is now going to his home in Peekskill, New York, where he is excited and hopeful to be able to live and do things independently again.

Prior to his hospitalization, Ronald worked as a Delegate for 1199 and was a Maintenance Director for York Town Rehab. In his personal time, Ronald enjoys reading, fishing, and watching sports. We are extremely proud of Ronald’s rehabilitation process. The team at

The Grove strives to meet our patients’ and residents’ needs and expectations. Through hard work and dedication, Ronald reached his goals.

Concierge: Elliot Davidson
Patient Age: 83
Admission Date: 7/9/21
Admitted From: Westchester Medical Center
Discharge Date: 3/7/22
Discharged To: Atria Assisted Living
Length of Stay: 241 Days
Reason for Stay: BKA (Below the Knee Amputee)

Details of Experience:
Bernard Walker arrived at The Grove from Westchester Medical Center after having a below-the-left knee amputation. Bernard grew up in Yonkers, New York; before Bernard came to The Grove, he lived in Wappinger, New York, for the past ten years. Bernard and his family were looking for the best option for him to rehabilitate, gain his strength back and learn to become independent again. They chose The Grove at Valhalla after Bernard’s daughter researched the community and its location.

Bernard required skilled physical and occupational therapy services to increase LE ROM (lower extremity range of motion) and strength, increase functional activity tolerance, and improve balance to enhance his quality of life by improving his ability to become more independent. When Bernard first came to The Grove, he could not transfer himself to his wheelchair, bed, or toilet, sit or stand by himself, and was unable to ambulate with a walker. By the end of his stay, with some supervision, Bernard was able to sit and stand by himself, transfer himself to bed, wheelchair and toilet, and was able to walk with a walker himself!

What Bernard loved most about The Grove was working with the Physical and Occupational Therapists who helped him get his strength back and become independent. He loved that they always motivated him to work hard.

Bernard has been retired for the past ten years. Some of his hobbies are going to the shooting range and even participating in tournaments. Before his retirement, he was a Project Superintendent for a successful construction company. Bernard is now going to Atria Assisted Living, where he is excited and hopeful. He is looking forward to the challenge of having to do things on his own.

We are extremely proud of Bernard’s rehabilitation process. The team at The Grove strives to meet the needs and expectations of our patients and residents. Bernard reached his goals through hard work and dedication, and he is forever grateful.