Case Study: Chatham Hills Subacute Care Center (September 2019)

Patient’s Age: 81-years-old
Admission Date: 09/03/19
Admitted From: Morristown Medical Center
Discharge Date: 09/18/19
Length of Stay: 15 Days
Discharged To: Home
Reason for Stay: Heart attack, hypertension, muscle weakness.
How did this patient hear about Chatham Hills? Hospital referral.


Details of Experience:
Robert Tew once said, “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.” Carol came across a small struggle but used her strength to overcome it! She was home on a normal Friday when she had a fall and was not able to get up. She made the decision to not transport to the hospital. Thinking that everything was fine, she woke up the next morning with fear that something was seriously wrong. She was suffering from midsternal chest pain. She was admitted to Morristown Medical Center on August 31st, 2019. After undergoing tests and treatments at the hospital, she started to present with weakness, limitations in bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation. After her successful stay at Morristown Medical, a recommendation was made from her therapists that she was going to need extensive subacute rehab.

Carol was admitted to Chatham Hills Subacute Care Center on September 3, 2019. Upon admission, she was greeted by our highly-trained team who were expecting her. Carol’s goal upon admission was, ‘to walk around better and be independent again.’ Carol met her incredible therapists, Leslie, and Sara who knew exactly what they needed to do to get her to that point!

Carol was motivated and ready to begin her healing process. Upon evaluation, Carol was only able to ambulate 150 feet with contact guard assistance and constantly requiring assistance with her Activities of Daily Living. She participated in therapy six days a week consistently practicing safe ambulation tasks, using Theraputty to increase fine motor coordination, and using the Omnicycle to improve activity tolerance in her lower extremities, along with various other tasks. Carol was also lucky enough to participate in therapy in our brand new gym!!!

Carol did not just receive regular therapy while she was in our community. She was able to participate in our Group Therapy, which combines both therapy and recreation staff for a fun-filled treatment time without noticing they are in treatment!! Group Therapy is a perfect opportunity for social interaction, teamwork amongst Patients and Residents, cooking activities and competitive games. She also participated in Therapy Without Borders. Therapy without Borders in Chatham Hills is a perfect opportunity for our Patients to not only be comfortable with being in the gym but throughout our whole community. Within this program, our Patients are able to complete treatments in our dayrooms, their bedrooms and all hallways with varying floor surfaces. Nursing gets to be involved and aware of their patient’s therapeutic status. It also promotes social interaction during treatment.

On September 18th, Carol was discharged back home with renewed strength and independence. She is now able to walk over 300 feet with no assistive devices all while maintaining a good, steady balance! We are so proud of her.

Team Chatham Hills would like to congratulate Carol on her accomplishments and hard work!