Rehab at Cottesmore of Life Care gets car accident patient back home

Gig Harbor, Washington, resident Paul Scalzo is back home and independent again after a car accident caused him multiple fractures.

"I spent multiple weeks at Harbor View," Scalzo shared. "I was feeling apprehensive about going to a rehab facility. I couldn't get out of bed because I had a lot of pain and I had so much atrophy."

However, it was off to a rehab center for Scalzo, and therapy has made all the difference.

Scalzo arrived at Cottesmore of Life Care in Gig Harbor, a five-star skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, on Dec. 30, 2017, and soon began physical and occupational therapies.

Though at first Scalzo was in a body brace and couldn't walk, therapists worked with him seven days a week on strengthening and balance, and over time, he improved. Now he is able to take care of himself and walk with a walker.

"With Mr. Scalzo's hard work and motivation he is now independent," said Lani Carbungco, physical therapist.

"I was surprised by the whole experience," said Scalzo. "I couldn't ask for a better facility, from the rehabilitation staff, the nurses and the management. The facility was easy to access for all my family and friends to come and visit. It's nice to have it in our backyard."

Scalzo returned home on Jan. 30, 2018.