Name:
Michael
Diagnosis include:
Major stroke, HTN, DMII, Gout, Arthritis to bilateral knees, Dysphagia
History:
He lived independently in New Hampshire
Michael is a 57 year-old man who was admitted to Blaire House of Tewksbury Nursing Facility and Rehab following a severe stroke that unfortunately left him with left-sided paralysis and weakness. He was admitted with orders for physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Upon admission patient required maximum assistance with activities of daily living. He was unable to walk and required supervision with eating on diet of was mechanical soft with finely chopped meats and thin liquids. Physical therapy treatments included hot and ice pack modalities, therapeutic exercises of the lower body, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, therapeutic activities, wheelchair assessment and management. Occupational therapy treatments included therapeutic exercises of the upper body, neuromuscular reeducation, therapeutic activities, self care and home management training, and electrical stimulation.
Speech therapy worked on improving Michael’s ability to swallow and also provided cognitive linguistic skill training. Eventually Michael was able to stand and transfer with assistance and independently perform activities of daily living. Michael also improved his swallowing to a regular diet. Patient continued on restorative nursing program for ambulation and therapeutic exercises. Michael was very motivated for success and was often found exercising on his own. As Michael’s health improved, he expressed the desire to return back to the community; unfortunately Michael did not have appropriate resources or the support to be successful. With minimal family support, Blaire House Tewksbury team worked to connect and coordinate Michael with community resources which eventually provided him with a handicapped accessible apartment but also help with critical living expenses.
This process was very challenging as Michael was under 60-years old and not eligible for congregate housing. It was an honor to provide care to Michael who was able to overcome great obstacles to achieve independence. His health and abilities improved but more importantly, he was able to regain his self-determination.