Mary: Back Home and Active

Mary was admitted to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County – Fort Worth Southwest in April 2010. She was admitted with acute respiratory failure and was on a ventilator. She had difficulty weaning from the ventilator due to anxiety. She was evaluated by the therapy team and was unable to get out of bed without the use of a lift due to her decreased strength and left leg fracture. She required help for all of her care.

Once Mary was moved out of the ICU, she really began to make progress with her mobility. She was able to bear weight on her left leg and she began to walk. At home, Mary would only transfer in and out of her wheelchair and rarely walked. She was doing well breathing on her own and was on five liters per minute of oxygen upon her discharge.

By the time she left Kindred to go to a facility for more therapy in July 2010, she was able to get out of bed without assistance. She was able to feed herself independently and dress herself again with minimal assistance. She was able to walk 95 feet with a walker with someone next to her. She was able to improve her mobility and quality of life while at Kindred. She eventually made it home and has been walking and enjoying life with her family and dogs. She has even gotten back into sewing and has been working on scarves for the winter season.