Life Care Center of Banner Elk helps Johnson get home to his wife

Richard Johnson suffered numerous falls at home because of progressing dementia.

Although he lived at home with his wife, he began to need more assistance than she could provide alone, so on Feb. 15, 2018, Johnson came to Life Care Center of Banner Elk, North Carolina, for rehabilitation. When he arrived, his balance was poor, and he needed maximum assistance for getting dressed.

Johnson took part in physical therapy sessions seven days a week and occupational and speech therapy sessions five days a week. Physical therapists worked with him on balance and strength, using the Omnicycle^™ and NuStep^® seated exercise machines, we well as weights and resistance bands. Occupational therapists helped him improve his ability to take care of himself, especially for getting dressed, and speech therapists helped him to communicate better.

"He loved coming to therapy, and as his mobility improved, he would come to the gym independently to sit and watch others," said Elizabeth Goode, director of rehab services. "He worked hard each therapy session, striving to do his best."

Johnson improved his balance and walking and eventually began walking without an assistive device, such as a walker. He reached his therapy goals and returned home to his wife on March 29. He was able to stand up and sit down on his own and needed only minimal assistance for dressing with setup and verbal cues.