Holtsclaw gets back on her feet at Life Care Center of Banner Elk

Della Holtsclaw needed help getting back to her normal level of function after having her second total knee replacement this spring.

When Holtsclaw arrived at Life Care Center of Banner Elk, North Carolina, on May 18, 2018, she needed moderate assistance to get dressed and get in and out of bed. She also needed some help with bathing, grooming, walking and bed mobility.

Holtsclaw took part in the facility's Ready… Set… Go! program, which is a fast-track program designed to help patients return home quickly and safely.

Physical therapists worked with Holtsclaw seven days a week to help her regain her strength, mobility and range of motion. They used the Omnicycle^™ and NuStep^® exercise machines to help her accomplish these goals.

Holtsclaw also participated in occupational therapy five days a week to work on her self-care skills and daily routine activities. The team helped her get back to cooking again, and as she practiced doing so in the center's therapy kitchen, she enjoyed sharing her recipes with the staff.

"I feel 100 percent better," said Holtsclaw. "I had gotten to where I couldn't go to the store or do anything because of the pain. I can now walk and sit without pain. I can also cook now without having to sit every two seconds. I love to cook!"

Holtsclaw returned home, independent, on June 6.