Cottesmore of Life Care helps Wood heal from sepsis

Shirley Wood came to Cottesmore of Life Care in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Oct. 1, 2018, after an extended stay in the hospital for sepsis.

When she arrived, Wood needed two people to help her in and out of bed. She couldn't stand or walk and couldn't tolerate sitting up for more than 20 minutes because of pain and weakness.

Wood took part in physical and occupational therapies six days a week, working with the therapists on balance and strengthening. She used electrical stimulation to help strengthen her legs and also used the NuStep^® seated exercise machine to work on strength and range of motion.

"Shirley was very motivated and willing to do all the exercises and followed direction," said Lanieline Carbungco, physical therapist.

Wood returned home on Oct. 16 and continued her therapy as an outpatient through Nov. 14. She is now able to walk again, with the help of a cane.

"My stay was a 10," said Wood. "Everyone was encouraging and friendly, and the new rehab unit is great! They (the therapists) gave me the confidence to know I could do it. They challenged me to do those things I didn't believe I could do before coming to Cottesmore."