A Tale of Two Sisters ... (Continued from page 24)
COVID-19. She spent close to two weeks in
the hospital before being discharged to the
rehab center.
During the sisters’ rehab stay, severe
fatigue, muscle weakness, SOB, poor
activity tolerance and depression plagued
them. Tasks such as rolling over in bed,
sitting up and coordinating breathing with
eating became challenging. They could
not fathom walking or performing daily
activities. It seemed like those milestones
would come only in the distant future, if at
all.
The Preferred Therapy Solutions
COVID-19 Recovery and Treatment
Program provided education on pulmonary,
cardiac and neurological systems; energy
conservation techniques; observational
signs of hypoxia; and low-level treatment
and documentation strategies. The patient
presentation is key to understanding how
the COVID-19 patient can react to even
low-level functional mobility.
With guidance from their physical and
occupational therapists, a precise plan of
care was developed to address the sisters’
distinct deficits and challenges. Oxygen
management, monitoring of vital signs
and pacing came into play at each stage
of their recovery. Sophisticated planning,
expert assessment and daily modification of
their programs allowed Mary and Patricia
to progress safely while providing them
with encouragement and motivation.
Although there were some difficult days,
COVID-19 may have stripped the sisters of
their energy, mobility and strength, but it never
stripped them of their fighting spirit!
the sisters eventually became less oxygendependent
and gradually demonstrated
increased strength, balance and mobility.
After a month, they were strong enough
to return home with family and caregiver
assistance. Armed with an in-home
program of breathing exercises and energy
conservation techniques provided by their
physical and occupational therapists, Mary
and Patricia were ready to face the world.
COVID-19 may have stripped the sisters of
their energy, mobility and strength, but it
never stripped them of their fighting spirit!
It is quite uplifting to know that they beat
the odds and are continuing to recover at
the home they share. They represent hope
for those who are currently struggling with
COVID-19. These sisters certainly have a
tale to tell.
Preferred Therapy Solutions is a leading
provider of rehabilitation program
management to post-acute care facilities
and agencies, offering comprehensive
rehabilitation programs focused on superior
care, patient satisfaction and customized
solutions tailored to fit each facility’s unique
needs. Preferred Therapy Solutions provides
strategic partnerships in full service,
consulting and in-house management.
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