Patient’s Name:Marie Donaldson
Patient’s Age: 78-years-old
Admission Date: 04/15/2019
Admitted from: St. Catherine of Siena Hospital
Discharged to: Long term care at St. James
Reason for Stay: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Details of Experience:
Marie Donaldson was in and out of hospitals since January and underwent major surgery for a blockage of the small intestine at Saint Catherine of Siena Hospital. Her independence was taken from her and she says she was out of it for a month.
Marie was able to walk, get dressed, cook, paint and do other activities prior to surgery but was dependent to do just about anything after her surgery. She says the surgery made her forgetful and that she couldn’t do anything. Marie says, “I had to learn to walk again, use my hands and arms.” Marie said she needed help with everything and couldn’t even speak.
Upon admission to St. James Mrs. Donaldson was totally dependent on bed mobility. She needed two people to assist her using a mechanical lift and was non-ambulatory. Physical therapy assisted her with exercisers for her lower extremities to promote independence in all functional activities. Occupational therapy assisted her with dressing techniques, toileting and strengthening activities.
Marie walked outside short distances and stepped up and down on the curb to learn how to function again for everyday living. Other daily activities Marie worked on were getting dressed, going to the bathroom, brushing her teeth, washing her hands, lifting and balancing.
In the span of a few weeks, Marie was able to become more independent with the help of physical and occupational therapy. She is able to walk on uneven surfaces outside including ramps and curbs using a rollator. Mrs. Donaldson says the therapist she worked with was more than patient and was very loving. “They were interested in me as a person and would always tell me how funny I was,” shared Mrs. Donaldson.
Marie says her family came to visit her shortly after and she stood up in her wheelchair to greet them, which they couldn’t believe! She is more than pleased with the physical therapy and occupational therapy she received and would rate them 100% for her 100 days of intervention.
Team St. James is inspired by Marie’s determination to overcome this challenging time in her life and is proud of all her hard work. Congratulations Marie and we wish you the best!
