Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau rehab worth the distance for Evans

By Lisa Church, director of business development

When you love someone, you want the best for them.

That's how Geraldine Evans' son felt when he was looking for inpatient rehab after his mother broke four ribs during a fall. And, it's why he selected Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, about 50 miles from their home near Bloomfield, Missouri.

"She could have gone somewhere closer to home, but we found Life Care Center on the internet, and it looked like a good place," Evans' son said. "I wanted her to have the best chance she could to get well."

When Evans came to Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, she wasn't able to sit up by herself or eat food that wasn't mechanically ground. During her stay, she received physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as treatment for her bronchopneumonia.

Physical Therapist Jennifer Hinkebein and PT Assistant Kimberley Davidson used the Omnicycle^™ exercise bicycle, BioStep^™ semi-recumbent elliptical machine, parallel bars, weights and stairs to work with Evans on strengthening, balance, transfers and gait to get her stronger.

"She steadily progressed every single day," Hinkebein said. "She is something else."

After her two-month stay at Life Care, Evans was able to stand, walk with a wheeled walker and enjoy a diet of regular foods.

The therapists also worked with her son on safe transfers for his mother and eliminating fall risks in their home.

"I could see a definite improvement in Mom while she was there," he said. "She couldn't even move when she first came here because of the pain, but now she can pull herself up. She's worked hard and put in her best effort."