Everhart recovers from broken leg at Desert Cove Nursing Center

After breaking her left leg in a fall and having surgery to fix it, Mary Everhart came to Desert Cove Nursing Center in Chandler, Arizona, for rehabilitation.

When Everhart arrived at the skilled nursing and rehab center on July 27, 2018, she needed extensive assistance with bathing and dressing and moderate assistance with walking, bed mobility, transfers (such as from a bed to a chair) and standing balance. She also needed some help with sitting balance.

Physical and occupational therapists worked with Everhart five days a week to help her regain her independence. PTs focused on training her in gait and transfers, as well as balance, while OTs helped her with self-care retraining and therapeutic exercises to help her practice the practical motions she would need to use in her daily life at home.

"Everyone here has been so helpful in my recovery," said Everhart. "The girls in therapy have worked with me on all types of things – walking with a walker, bucket toss, exercise. Without their help, I do not feel that I would have healed as well, so I want to say thank you for a job well done."

"Mary always entered therapy with a positive mindset," said Karley Hallam, occupational therapy. "She had a fun and playful attitude during sessions."

Everhart successfully regained her independence and returned home to her husband on Aug. 9.