Frank's Success Story
From Kindred Hospital San Antonio Central
Frank, who was active in life and enjoyed spending numerous hours in the gym working out, suddenly experienced difficulties breathing and was admitted to a local hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Frank had no relevant past medical condition when he was admitted to the hospital; however, during his stay, he started to experience increased shortness of breath and had to be placed on a ventilator. He was later diagnosed with diabetes and congestive heart failure.
A medical decision was made to transfer Frank to Kindred Hospital San Antonio Central for advanced medical care, which included ventilator weaning, rehabilitation, and speech therapy once he was removed from the ventilator. Prior to his admission, the interdisciplinary team crafted a care plan based upon Frank’s medical condition, with the primary goal of liberating him from the ventilator as this would drastically improve his overall recovery, followed by extensive rehab.
Motivated by his family and caregivers, Frank applied himself to the care plan, giving 100%. His pulmonologist and respiratory team applied special breathing techniques over the course of his stay to strengthen his lung performance and capability. In a matter of a few weeks, Frank’s lungs began functioning on their own once again, and he was breathing independently. Liberated from the ventilator, Frank began working with his physical and occupational therapists to regain his strength and mobility. His physical therapy sessions focused on rebuilding his muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. He started with general transfers from bed to chair and gradually progressed to using a walker. Frank's physical therapist designed a progressive exercise program that included strength training, balance exercises, and ambulation workouts.
Simultaneously, Frank's occupational therapy sessions were essential in helping him relearn activities of daily living (ADLs). His occupational therapist worked with him on tasks such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. They also used adaptive equipment and techniques to enhance his independence. Through focused therapy, Frank was able to improve his fine motor skills, coordination, and overall functional capacity. With success over success, Frank was able to discharge home.
Care for Complex Conditions
Patients come to our hospitals with serious conditions such as respiratory failure, complex wounds, sepsis, stroke, congestive heart failure, or even a combination of these. Their diagnoses are often complicated by existing health problems like diabetes or COPD. Many of our patients require treatments such as mechanical ventilators, dialysis, or IV therapy.