Life Care of Escondido helps Alzheimerâ??s patient recover mobility

On April 8, 2018, Teruko Lund, an 82-year-old diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, came to Life Care Center of Escondido, California, from acute care after a right total hip replacement.

The surgery was performed due to avascular necrosis of the right femoral head that led to osteoarthritis after a failed screw fixation four years ago. Prior to hospitalization, Lund lived with her daughter and used a front-wheeled walker to get around. She required minimal assistance with showers.

Upon initial evaluation, Lund experienced moderate pain at the hip surgical site. She was considered a fall risk with poor standing dynamic balance. She required moderate assistance for walking with a front-wheeled walker. Getting in and out of bed and transferring also required moderate assistance. She needed maximal assistance for dressing and other activities of daily living.

The Life Care Center of Escondido rehab team was determined to help Lund return to her prior level of function. The team implemented strategies to reduce pain and improve deficits in functional mobility, balance, strength and gait to make it safe for her to return home.

With Lund's hard work and motivation, along with the amazing support she received from her family, she made significant improvements in function.

Over five weeks of intensive rehabilitation, Lund made great advances in overall strength, balance, gait quality and functional ability. She now safely walks with minimal assistance using her front-wheeled walker for long indoor and outdoor surfaces. She requires stand-by assistance for bed mobility, transfers and dressing but is pain-free.

"Teruko's hard work paid off as she was able to achieve her main goal of going back home with her children pain-free and happy," said Florante Noble, director of rehab services.