Case Study: Water’s Edge Rehab & Nursing Center at Port Jefferson (Q2 2022)

Concierge Director: Laura Verruso
Patient: Carole Herch
Patient age: 76
Admission date: April 22, 2022
Discharge date: May 31, 2022
Discharged to: Home environment
Length of stay: 39 days (about 1 and a half months)
Reason for stay: Post laminectomy, kyphoplasty, T11-12, L1, L3 compression fracture, COPD, O2 dependence
How did the patient hear about Water’s Edge? Referred by social work at JT Mather Hospital


Details of Experience:

Mrs. Carole Herch arrived at Water’s Edge Rehab and Nursing Center on April 22, 2022. Our nursing staff and interdisciplinary team warmly welcomed her. After assuring that she had made a comfortable transition from the hospital, she was evaluated by our physical therapists. Mrs. Herch required extensive assistance with all her activities of daily living (ADLs) and her functional mobility tasks. She could not maneuver safely and required skilled occupational and physical therapy services to help her maximize her functional performance. In addition, Carole exhibited balance deficits, which affected her functional mobility and ambulation.

Carole’s recovery journey began as soon as she was admitted to Water’s Edge! She was scheduled for an intense PT/OT program and was ready to “put in as much time and effort as it takes to get back home.” After a few weeks, she could climb five steps and safely ambulate 90 feet with modified independence. She was ready to conquer her long-term rehab goals such as: safely ascending/descending stairs with modified independence using the handrail on the left, safely ambulating on level surfaces 150 feet using FWW (front wheeled walker) with modified independence, and the ability to perform functional transfers with modified independence with the ability to right self-achieve/maintain balance to return to her home environment.

Carole achieved her goals by using different treatment approaches during therapy, including therapeutic exercises and activities, neuromuscular reeducation, compensatory strategies, energy conservation techniques, positioning maneuvers, proper body mechanics, safety sequencing techniques, and safe transfer techniques, and safety precautions to facilitate improved functional abilities. Upon discharge, Carole had the ability to ambulate 125 feet safely and safely negotiate five steps with the right handrail ascending and left handrail descending. She was always smiling and ready to participate.

“I am excited about going home, but I will miss you all.” We will miss Carole and wish her all the best!