Shirley's Success Story
From Kindred Hospital Dallas Central
Earlier this year, Shirley was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident that resulted in a traumatic head injury. She was rushed to a local hospital in Dallas, where she underwent a right craniotomy to relieve pressure on her brain. Due to the severity of her injuries, Shirley required ventilator support to help her breathe. After spending several weeks in the local hospital, her condition stabilized, and a medical decision was made to transfer her to Kindred Hospital Dallas Central for extended medical care. Her care plan at Kindred included ventilator weaning and comprehensive rehabilitation through physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Before her admission, the interdisciplinary team at Kindred carefully reviewed Shirley's medical history and collaborated on a personalized care plan. The goal was to liberate her from the ventilator and gradually rebuild her strength and independence using specialized therapy techniques. Upon her arrival at Kindred, Shirley was alert but bedridden. Despite the challenges she faced, Shirley remained optimistic and motivated, determined to regain her strength and return to her normal life. The pulmonology and respiratory therapy teams implemented advanced breathing exercises and techniques to strengthen her lungs. Within a few weeks, Shirley made significant progress and was successfully weaned off the ventilator, breathing room air once again.
With her motivation soaring after being decannulated from the ventilator, Shirley eagerly embraced her rehabilitation journey. She engaged in intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions, working diligently to overcome the challenges posed by her injuries. The physical therapy team focused on rebuilding her muscular strength and endurance, incorporating specialized exercises to enhance her mobility and balance. Shirley spent over 200 hours in therapy during her stay, demonstrating unwavering commitment and resilience. In occupational therapy, Shirley worked on regaining her ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, and cooking. The therapists utilized adaptive techniques and tools to help her regain her independence. Meanwhile, speech therapy focused on improving her cognitive-communication skills and swallowing function, which had been affected by her prolonged ventilator use.
Shirley made remarkable progress in her recovery, surpassing all the goals set in her care plan. She was successfully discharged to a lower-level of care to continue her rehabilitation. From the entire staff at Kindred, we wish her all the success in her recovery.
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.