Wooldridge Place Nursing Center helps respiratory patient get home fast

Eunice Jupe came to Wooldridge Place Nursing Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Aug. 3, 2017, after being hospitalized twice in two weeks for pneumonia.

Jupe was weak and had difficulty walking and taking care of herself due to the pneumonia, her congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She required extensive assistance to get in and out of bed, stand, balance while sitting, propel herself in a wheelchair, get dressed, bathe and groom herself.

Physical and occupational therapists helped Jupe regain her independence. PTs used strengthening exercises for her legs and did activity tolerance training. They also educated her on sequencing of steps to help with her osteoarthritis in her knees and decrease her fall risk. OTs worked with her on functional self-care tasks.

"I've had a speedy recovery with lots of help from therapy," said Jupe. "Rehab is my main source of recovery. The rehab people are extra special people."

Jupe progressed to the point where she could walk with supervision and transfer from one surface to another independently (such as from bed to a chair) and groom, feed and dress herself independently. She only required supervision with bathing. She returned home on Oct. 4.