A Success Story: Cynthia, 48

"The Center is a great springboard to getting back into your life. Just remember where you started and let the team help you reach your goals."

Following a second surgery to remove a tumor from her lower back, Cynthia was admitted to our Acute Rehabilitation Center to become stronger before going home. Here for three weeks, our team of doctors, therapists and nurses committed themselves to helping her reach her long-term goals: to learn skills for selfcare at home and at her accounting firm job.

Cynthia’s team helped her progress from using a wheelchair to a walker and taught her how to get in and out of her car safely – both key to Cynthia’s return to home and work. She practiced walking up and down stairs, folding laundry and making her bed without irritating her back. A weight-training program helped strengthen her upper body so she could lift items such as groceries at home and books at work.

Now at home, she continues her recovery in outpatient therapy, walking on a treadmill to build her endurance so she can resume her daily walks around a lake near her home. While she continues to use a walker, she’s hopeful that using a cane is just around the corner.

A Return To Life: Roger, 71

"Even when the situation seemed bleak, the team could always find something positive. That made a huge difference and really encouraged me."

After experiencing a severe stroke, Roger was hospitalized at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview for several months. When he was strong enough to tolerate and participate in an intensive therapy program, Roger was moved to the Acute Rehabilitation Center to continue his recovery.

Here, our rehabilitation team put a care plan in place that would allow this retired letter carrier to eventually go home with his wife of 30 years, Gerry, and spend time with their 11 children and many grandchildren. Relearning how to eat, drink, talk and care for himself – activities we take for granted – were among Roger’s many goals. He had no shortage of helpers to support him: Gerry, their children and grandchildren took turns being with him and were full participants in his therapy.

During his stay here, Roger became strong enough to be able to stand and walk with the help of a walker and learn to care for himself again. No longer at the Center, he continues his recovery at home and comes to the hospital for outpatient therapy. Roger now says he is looking forward to summer, when he hopes to get back to playing golf.