Cellulitis is no match for rehab at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley

Cellulitis, an infection, caused Neil Hall to become weak and unable to take care of himself.

However, a stay at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro Woolley, Washington, turned that outcome around.

Hall came to the skilled nursing and rehab center on Oct. 9, 2017, requiring total assistance with bathing, bed mobility and transfers (getting from one surface, such as a chair or bed, to another). He needed extensive assistance to walk and moderate assistance to groom himself and get around in a wheelchair.

Six days a week, Hall took part in physical and occupational therapies. Physical therapy had him doing standing activities and exercising on the Omnicycle^™ stationary bicycle with hand cranks, doing wheelchair pushups and strengthening exercises with resistance bands. Occupational therapy had him practicing safe transfers and doing his daily self-care tasks, as well as using adaptive equipment (such as a reacher and shoe horn) to help him get dressed.

"It was a joy to be here," said Hall. "Therapy has made an amazing difference in my life. It's just remarkable!"

Hall was able to regain his strength and independence and only required minimal assistance with bathing when he returned home to his wife on Dec. 27.

"The entire rehab department enjoyed working with Neil and is impressed with his hard work and determination," said Dominique DeWitt, rehab tech. "We are so proud of his progress."