A Full Day

Beverly has almost completed her first full day at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center. It was a very full day for her that began around 7am. Janie was there to help her wake up, get dressed, get into a wheelchair (with the nurse's assistance) and get to the dining room. On the second floor, there are 18 patients at this time, and we think she is possibly the youngest (definitely the best looking!) This was her first meal in this type of setting since the accident and of course we didn't what to expect. Everyone sits around two large tables and every person there was in a wheelchair. During breakfast she met her occupational therapist, Jocelyn, who wanted to observe her level of feeding herself so that she could set goals and get some adaptive equipment to help her hold the utensils, etc. After breakfast she spent one hour with the speech therapist, Ashley. Goals were set for getting the trach removed (probably within two weeks depending on how well she does with keeping the speaking valve on for longer periods, and adapting to the trach "cap" later). A cognitive evaluation was given and she scored nearly 100% (of course!).


This hour was followed with an hour with Paul, her physical therapist. Much of this time was spent on evaluation again and determining her levels of movement and feeling throughout her body. After the next hour of occupational therapy she was ready for lunch. Finally that appetite stimulant is beginning to work - coincidently about when the food improved. She loved her lunch and ate most of it. After lunch she was able to get in a nap before another 1/2 hour with the physical therapist and 1/2 hour with the psychologist. Another rest before dinner and hopefully a good night's sleep.

We were told that before Beverly could begin rehab, she must be off the ventilator and have enough energy for three hours of therapy. She proved today that's she's ready to work! Someone else told us that the mantra at rehab is "Do it yourself!" With Jim Thorpe's professional direction and personal attention, we're sure she will be "doing it herself" before too long.