Paula described her recent experience at Regency Gardens as very positive and said the staff was full of kindness and patience. Her goal was “I want to be able to walk out of here when I leave”. She achieved this goal and more.
Paula had been hospitalized due to multiple respiratory issues such as emphysema, exacerbation of her chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), atelectasis (collapse of part of her lungs) and pneumonia. After her hospital stay she was not able to return to her home situation, where she had been ambulatory with a rollator and oxygen and received supervision with ADLs (activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing) from her family who lived upstairs. So, Paula came to Regency Gardens to receive subacute rehabilitation therapy services.
Regency Gardens provides patient centered care. Frequent formal/informal meetings are held with the care team to discuss patient plans of care and progress; this kept Paula and her family informed at every step of her recovery.
Regency Gardens also provides interdisciplinary care. Paula was assessed by an internist and by a physiatrist, or doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Nursing managed her medical status, which included respiratory treatments three times each day. The speech language pathologist evaluated her for swallowing, and was able to upgrade her food consistency from puree to regular within four treatments. Physical and occupational therapy focused on maximizing her functional independence so she could reach her stated goal.
When she arrived at Regency Gardens, Paula required 25-50% assistance with functional transfers and ADLs. She could march in place but could not walk as she became light headed. She was short of breath while lying in bed and received oxygen at all times. Physical and occupational therapy closely monitored Paula’s vital signs during her treatments and developed a plan for mobility training which accommodated for these limitations. At the start of therapy, it took 3 minutes for her heart rate and oxygen levels to return to normal following an exercise or activity and this was while she was receiving supplementary oxygen. The need for pacing of activities and frequent rest breaks was critical. She was also trained in controlled breathing, energy conservation, relaxation techniques and postural strategies to maximize her oxygen utilization. She learned how to use compensatory strategies, such as brake extenders, reachers and leg lifters, and graded lower body clothing management. She also learned techniques to improve independence in mobility due to poor body mechanics and limited shoulder range of motion. Four weeks after she began PT and OT, Paula was able to maintain high oxygen levels during heavy work by being attentive to her breathing pattern and implementing frequent rest breaks. Paula continued to make good gains, progressing to light meal preparation, laundry, and climbing stairs. By the time of discharge, and as a result of therapy working in conjunction with Paula’s doctor and physiatrist, Paula was able to go home without needing to use oxygen during ADLs.
As an active participant in her therapy program and discharge planning, Paula felt empowered to transition back into the community in a safe and productive manner. Paula and her family were very pleased with the care she received at Regency Gardens.
For questions about Regency Gardens, please call the admissions director at 973-790-5800.
