St. James Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center (December 2017)

Mrs. Frieda Chmela arrived to St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on November 27, 2017 from an inpatient hospitalization at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York. Originally, Mrs. Chmela was taken to another local rehabilitation were she was not happy. Considering she already had family at St. James, She knew that it was going to be exceptional care here. Mrs. Chmela came to St. James with a broken knee. Unfortunately, she knew she was going to have to work twice as hard to heal due to the fact that she was not able to undergo surgery.

After her visit from her specialist she was advised to participate in an extensive inpatient rehabilitation to support her range of motion and ability to ambulate once returning home. Her daughter-in-law, Teresa, has had her mother with St. James Rehabilitation for several months and knew she had to do what it took to get her mother-in- law in a great healthcare community.

Mrs. Chmela was warmly greeted by multiple professionals of Team St. James whom anticipated her arrival. Within the first 24 hours, she was greeted by clinicians, therapists, physicians, administrative staff and many other valued members of the team to welcome her and answer any questions that she or her family may have had.

Her physical and occupational therapist April and Linda, began her therapy program at bedside to evaluate her current state of health and mobility in conjunction with her most recent therapy/clinical notes from Good Samaritan Hospital. She arrived as a slight assist with a visual transfer to her bed.

Mrs. Chmela quickly graduated to utilizing the parallel bars in the rehabilitation gym with only continued progress to follow as she began to walk using a rolling walker after 5 days within St. James. While on the program, Frieda worked extra hard to build her endurance and perfect her movement techniques. Her goal of walking 100 feet within two weeks of being at St. James was incredibly achieved by day 12. Additionally, Frieda was introduced to an at-home simulation to practice skills in performing her activities of daily living, which included bathing, transfers, dressing, getting in and out of a vehicle, etc. Frieda is retired but a 24/7 mother of 3 sons and 4 grandchildren. Her one son struggles with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Where he is in need of her full undivided attention at all times. April and Linda stressed the importance of lower-extremity strength-building in efforts of supporting her hips, which correlates with her knee bending. After achieving progress and nearing her much anticipated discharge home, Mrs. Chmela shared her experience while at the St. James community, “When I first
came to St. James I did not want to be here or any other Rehabilitation.

Things changed when I saw the most encouragement, drive, and support I have received at St. James. My daughter-in- law was 100% accurate when she told me I had to pack my bags she got me into St.James Rehabilitation. I am so grateful for all the wonderful people here. April and Linda, my two rehab therapists, were amazing, I could not have asked for anyone better. While in therapy they had me lifting weights and always having me use the true-step machine which was my favorite. Tim my nurse was always on point when it came to making sure I had my medication, and since we all knew I was a wanderer around here, he would always come looking for me to make sure I received them. All the Aides on 2 south were amazing and always willing to help me with anything I needed. The Concierge Christina is a lovely sweet young lady and completely does the best she can to help you no matter what, she is a true patient advocate, and St. James is very lucky to have her. I could not have asked for a better rehabilitation center, everyone here treats you with such respect. I will greatly miss everyone who has taken such great care at St. James. I wish you all a Happy New Year.”

On December 29, 2017, Mrs. Chmela was discharged home to celebrate the New Year with an eager return to her family. Upon Discharge, her ambulation increased from 100 feet to 200 feet and was able to transfer independently, without any supervision. Team St. James is thrilled for Frieda and the incredible strides she achieved while under our care. We wish her nothing but the best and a happy and healthy New Year!