Life Care Center of Treasure Valley helps Crosson recover after fall

It was more than a little fall.

Joe Crosson fell down 14 stairs at his home and sustained broken bones in his ribs, his collarbone and shoulder blades and part of his spine.

Crosson was completely unable to walk when he came to Life Care Center of Treasure Valley in Boise, Idaho, for rehabilitation on June 7, 2017. He needed total assistance to get around in a wheelchair and to bathe, and he needed moderate assistance to get in and out of bed, get dressed and balance while sitting or standing. He also has Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Therapists worked with Crosson six days a week to help him recover, using the Omnicycle^™ and NuStep^® machines to help him exercise his upper and lower body from a seated position. They also used a hand exerciser to improve his fine motor skills, and parallel bars to help him work on balance.

"Therapy and nursing have been great," said Crosson.

"Joe was very dedicated to the therapy process," said Susan Wachinski-Damm, occupational therapist assistant. "He was always happy and motivated to participate in his therapies."

Crosson completed his therapy sessions on July 11 and returned home with 24-hour care. He was able to walk and transfer from one surface to another with someone beside to assist him if needed, and he needed minimal assistance to get dressed. He was able to get around in a wheelchair independently.