Desert Cove Nursing Center helps mom of two get home after surgery

Angelica Rentas is a 40-year-old mother of 12-year-old twins, so when she broke her left leg, it was important to her to get home to her children.

Rentas arrived at Desert Cove Nursing Center in Chandler, Arizona, on May 31, 2018, for rehabilitation. She was unable to walk and needed extensive assistance with dressing and bathing. She needed moderate assistance with her daily grooming routine, and she needed some help to get out of bed and balance while standing. Complicating things, she has renal disease and continued dialysis during her stay.

With her goal of returning home ahead of her, Rentas took part in physical and occupational therapies seven days a week. Physical therapists worked with her on therapeutic exercises to strengthen her lower body, as well as balance training and gait training as she improved. Occupational therapists used therapeutic exercises and activities to help her regain her ability to take care of herself again.

"Angelica always persevered during therapy sessions," said Karley Hallam, occupational therapist. "Even if she had difficulty with a task initially, she would always keep trying until she succeeded. She should be proud of her accomplishments."

"I love therapy," said Rentas. "All the therapists encouraged me daily to do my best. I couldn't have done it without all the help."

Rentas went home on June 29 to her children and mother, able to walk up to 200 feet with a walker and independent in her hygiene again. She is continuing therapy through home health.