Alderwood Manor helps Sills recover from rotator cuff tear

When 67-year-old songwriter Jessie Sills Junior tore his rotator cuff, he chose to do his rehabilitation at Alderwood Manor in Spokane, Washington.

When Sills first arrived at the rehab and skilled nursing center on June 15, 2018, he needed moderate assistance with much of his mobility and self-care skills, such as bathing and getting dressed. He needed some assistance to walk and transfer from one surface to another, such as from the bed to a chair.

Physical and occupational therapists worked with Sills five days a week to help him reach his recovery goals and return home. They used therapeutic exercises and activities, as well as neuromuscular re-education, gait training and self-care management training.

"I'm much stronger than I was," said Sills. "In fact, I'm using my walker today and not my electric scooter. Therapy taught me different exercises I wasn't aware of. I was very pleased with the staff. They were all caring, knowledgeable and always there to help."

"Jessie worked hard at his therapy program," said Katie Holmes, occupational therapist assistant. "All the other residents loved him, too. They enjoyed his music and poetry."

Sills returned home on Aug. 13, independent in his bathing, bed mobility and transfers and requiring only stand-by assistance with walking on his walker.