Case Study: Chatham Hills Subacute Care Center (March 2020)

Patient’s Name: Betty
Patient’s Age: 89-years-old
Admission Date: 2/22/20
Admitted From: Morristown Medical Center
Discharge Date: TBD
Reason for Stay: Right femur fracture
How did this patient hear about Chatham Hills? Was given a list from the hospital, enjoyed the tour!


Details of Experience:
On a normal Saturday morning, a stray piece of newspaper led to a tragic fall for Betty. She was sent tumbling down the basement step and left on the cement floor for four hours. Fortunately, a guardian angel was there for her, and her friend arrived to find her and call 911 so she could receive the help she needed. After presenting to Morristown Medical Center with a right femur fracture, Betty was admitted to the hospital for 7 days as she underwent surgery and received postoperative acute therapy. It was at this time that Betty was informed she required subacute rehabilitation to further assist in her healing program. As her family had already toured the fabulous facility, Betty already knew she wanted to come to Chatham Hills Subacute Care Center.

Betty was admitted to Chatham Hills on February 22nd, 2020, where she was greeted by our receptionist and nursing supervisor to settle into the community. She had been completely independent prior to admission and was driving, shopping, and living alone. She knew if she wanted to return to her former independence she would have to stay motivated and work hard, but that she wasn’t doing it alone! The Chatham Hills team was there to help. When asked, “If there was one wish we could grant for you while you are here, what would it be?”, her enthusiastic response was, “That Chatham Hills will help me heal, move my leg, and get better!”

During her initial assessment, she complained of pain, inability to perform daily living tasks, and inability to walk more than five feet. The incredible Chatham therapy team knew that she would benefit best from a personalized physical and occupational therapy plan, and coordinated with her nurses to create the proper treatment plan for her needs.

With a routine in place, Betty was given the opportunity to strengthen her muscles in group therapy! This unique form of therapy combines therapy and recreation staff for a fun-filled treatment time that makes you forget you’re doing therapy! Group Therapy is also a perfect opportunity for social interactions, teamwork, cooking, and competitive games. Betty also participated in our Therapy Without Borders program, in which patients complete treatments in our dayrooms, their bedrooms, and all hallways with varying floor surfaces to promote comfort in various locations and surfaces during recovery.

Betty is a highly driven patient, who has therapy exercises six days a week, and in her time with Chatham Hills, has already made strides towards recovery. She is now able to ambulate over 100 feet, compared to the 5 feet she was admitted with, and is able to stand, transfer, bathe, dress, and more with only stand-by assistance.

Our Director of Concierge Services visited Betty to tell her that she was our chosen ‘Celebrity of the Month’! Betty shared, “the thing that got me through was you just have to work hard. Steve is such a good therapist. I would definitely recommend Chatham Hills; I do not see any complaints here. They really cover all the basic things to make you feel better. Besides Steve, my therapists Michelle, Sara, and Sue were great. They do all my arm exercises with me. Steve had a special walker for me and special leg exercises for me to do. I really feel that I am getting the full benefit from therapy here.” Team Chatham Hills is thrilled to congratulate Betty on her amazing progress thus far and we are so excited to see her at her full potential!