Barrett recovers from encephalopathy at Life Care Center of Wichita

Hazel Barrett was experiencing disorientation when she came to Life Care Center of Wichita, Kansas, for rehabilitation on March 15, 2018.

The confusion was due to metabolic encephalopathy, abnormalities of chemicals, vitamins and water in the brain. Barrett also had elevated troponin, a sign of heart trouble.

But confusion wasn't the only manifestation of Barrett's condition. When she first arrived, she required moderate assistance for all her mobility, including sitting up, and much of her self-care.

In less than a month, therapy turned these outcomes around for Barrett.

Speech therapists worked with her on cognition, using stimulation therapy, as well as memory exercises and safety judgment training. In less than a month, she was processing information normally again.

Occupational therapists trained Barrett on her activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing and getting dressed. And physical therapists worked with her on strength, balance and endurance.

"The therapy helped me become able to get up without help," said Barrett. "We did a lot of work on strengthening my legs. The food is great here. I really enjoyed speech therapy, the facility activities and my therapists."

"Hazel worked hard at memory and problem-solving exercises," said Erin O'Bryan, speech therapist. "She gave full effort every day."

Barrett returned home on April 3 with home health services. She was independent in wheelchair mobility and balance and simply needed supervision with walking, transfers and most of her activities of daily living.