Patient Testimonials

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I was thrilled when I learned that I would be eligible for treatment at the center for follow up after shoulder surgery. I’ve lived on my own for 40 years, but my mobility has been compromised by broken leg in the last seven months. Initially my concern was getting help walking with my cane with the left hand and getting in and out of bed from a high mattress. I was worried that I might not be able to get some support before I went home and was so pleased to have the opportunity to have time and rehab with such skilled workers.

The staff were consistently cheerful, helpful and thoughtful during my day. The nurses who woke me up at 6 a.m. on Saturday did so in an upbeat fashion, offering to bring me coffee during the course of the morning afterwards. Julie in particular kept me flowing with coffee to keep my bowels moving.

The techs were all also thoughtful whenever I press the call button. I got a response within a few minutes, which was really impressive, even during the late nights when I had to get up.

The rehab team I worked with consisted of Victoria, Colleen and Leah, who were well coordinated among themselves. Our sessions were rarely redundant and complimented each other with the routines so we'd have variety and novelty, even though we were following strict instructions from my shoulder surgeon, Dr. Goldberg. All members of the team were supportive and encouraging, especially when I was initially moved to tears trying to get my sling back on from scratch. (We solved the problem with a pillow and a safety pin to help pull the sling up over my arm.)

All my helpers walked a fine line between providing me with support while I was doing new things and giving me the chance to practice doing things on my own. This included getting to the bathroom without a cane, putting on my sling and getting in and out of bed In the middle of the night.

Each and every rehab session made me realize how much I had to learn and practice if I was to be truly self-sufficient on my own. I left feeling assured that I would be able to handle things at home on my own. I doubt if I will need to hire someone to help me with much daily living at home.

I learned lots of helpful tips.

A friend brought my car for me to practice getting in and out of while I was in a rehab session. She showed me a new technique for moving my body safely when exiting the car.

I got to know the grocery store in the rehab room as we solved the problem of my getting food from my kitchen to my living room table by practicing using a walker and pushing it with one hand between the rooms. Practicing such practical matters was really helpful for my return home.

We provided measurements for my bed at home and the stool that I use for putting on my shoes and practiced techniques from maneuvering successfully, knowing the heights we were dealing with.

They gave me good tips about my cane and my walk, lowering the height and suggesting a grip so I could swing my cane out without hitting my foot. The day before I left, I walked around the entire ward for 10 minutes without my cane. They also had me walk outside on the uneven pavement without my cane.

When Dr. Pitt greeted me, I asked if he was the head of the team. He said that they were all one big unit working together for the greater good of their patients. The communication among members was flowing throughout my visit. I am a born storyteller, and my helpers patiently listened to me while I recounted tales during our periodic tedious, repetitive exercises assessments. Conversations flowed during our sessions and they were never redundant, complementing each other with variety and novelty, even though we were following strict instructions.

It was fascinating, getting to know the personal lives of all my helpers, many with international backgrounds. They shared their outside work experiences, lives commuting, childrearing, elder care, working at additional jobs. Happily, I was also able to recommend scholarship information for several of the team members with an organization I’m part of that works here in Naples benefiting women and girls in math and science, (AAUW).

As I write this review from my home, I want to thank everyone for preparing me for a smooth recovery. Team members boosted my morale when I was down and gave me new competencies for managing on my own. I was blessed to have the opportunity to have this experience with you. Best wishes in continuing your good work.

-Barbara Richardson