High-quality transitional care is important for older adults with chronic conditions and complex therapy needs, especially after hospitalization. Although it can be comforting to return home after surgery, there is a higher likelihood of returning to the hospital if proper care and precautions are not taken.
Transitional care programs focus on improving care, enhancing patient and family caregiver outcomes and hopefully reducing the need for re-hospitalization for older adults. The Christian Health Center of Louisville’s transitional care program is perfect for those who have been treated for an acute condition and require ongoing skilled care before returning home. We offer the same in-depth care of a traditional hospital, but for an extended recovery period in a more comfortable environment. Customized rehabilitation and therapy programs can promote a faster healing and a regaining of strength to return to daily living activities quickly.
Leslie Fultz, MS, OTR/L is the Transitional Care & Rehab Program Director at Christian Health Center of Louisville. She describes her patients’ healing journeys as inspiring, and enjoys celebrating their successes. Some recent rehab to home stories from our Health Center are detailed below:
- Meet Imogene, an 81-year-old female who had one goal – to do her best so she could to get back home. She came to Christian Health Center after recent hospitalization, and required moderate assistance with transfers, walking and dressing. Her hard work and dedication paid off and she only stayed for one week! Upon discharge, she said “I was brought here in a wheelchair and now I am going to walk out. Look at what God allowed me to do. Surrounded me with the best people to help me get better!”
- Freddie is a 77-year-old male with a contagious laugh and smile. He arrived for therapy because of his high fall risk. Amazingly, with his positive energy it only took three weeks for him to demonstrate his ability to walk safely 300+ feet and perform his daily tasks with modified independence. Freddie’s improvement in his balance, strength, and cardiovascular stamina decreased his fall risk and provided those who care for him at home a sense of ease.
- Meet Dwight, a 69-year-old male who knew how to stay focused with a sense of humor that brightened everyone’s day. He arrived to the Christian Health Center requiring moderate assistance with transfers, dressing and bathing. But, when it was time to go home, he walked out with modified independence without use of any assistive device, plus the ability to perform daily living tasks on his own.
- Edith leads her day with a positive contagious energy which made her goal that much easier to obtain. She arrived to Christian Health Center of Louisville after being hospitalized for decreased mobility and inability to complete her activities of daily living. Edith reported increased pain and decreased range of motion with every challenge she faced, but she kept pushing forward. Her success in our program was possible with her determination, drive, and focus. Upon discharge, Edith was able to walk with her rolling walker greater than 300 feet and perform all of her activities of daily living. Edith asked if our rehab to home program was hiring, telling us “I would love to keep myself busy with these great people who have worked with me. I feel it is my way of giving back for all they have done for me!”
To learn more about Christian Care Communities Transitional Care programs across the state, please call 502.254.4200.
