Focus on Acute Rehabilitation Needs

As 53-year-old Juan Garcia was getting ready to run his favorite six-mile route, he told his sister Gloria to expect him back in an hour. Two hours later, Juan Garcia still hadn’t returned. At first, Gloria was unconcerned, thinking that her brother got sidetracked or was running a little farther than usual. After another hour passed, Gloria began to worry. Finally, four hours after Juan had taken off from home, she got a call from the Emergency Department at the local hospital. Her brother Juan had been found lying unconscious near the side of the road.

Gloria raced to the hospital where Emergency Department doctors were monitoring him. The doctors warned her that Juan might have suffered a stroke. When he woke up, Gloria was relieved that her brother survived. But when he tried to talk or use his right side, the effects of the stroke became apparent.

“He slurred his words and the right side of the body would not respond when he tried to use his arm or hand,” said Gloria. He was admitted to the hospital where he could be monitored 24 hours a day. Once he was stabilized, a neurologist was brought in to assess Juan. After the examination, the physician told Gloria that Juan would need intense therapy. He also explained that she would have to work with Juan’s case manager and the insurance companies to find a rehabilitation facility that would meet Juan’s needs.

“It was an overwhelming thought,” said Gloria. “My brother and I never thought he would ever be unable to walk, talk or even use the bathroom on his own. In just a blink of an eye, his whole world changed.”

At first, Gloria relied on the insurance company to direct her to a short-term rehabilitation facility. After a few days there, Gloria realized that her brother needed more attention and rehabilitation than he was receiving. “Juan needed intensive work on his speech and mobility,” remarked Garcia. “Even though the physicians thought he would be able to return home within a matter of weeks, he just wasn’t progressing.” Continue »

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