May 7, 2008
Rehabilitation after Knee Surgery Can Be (Almost) Fun!
Charlan Allen who had knee replacement surgery on April 21. |
“People are amazed at how well I’m doing,” said Charlan Allen, 61, who had knee replacement surgery on April 21, and who was up and walking independently two weeks later, and able to go home on May 8. Her husband Hank gave much of the credit to the Finger Lakes Center for Living (FLCL), which now offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program for orthopedic and cardiac patients.
“This is the greatest thing that ever happened,” Hank said, referring to the new area in FLCL specifically dedicated to short-term rehab patients. Rehab patients are congregated in one area with a separate dining area available for fellowship and mutual encouragement. Currently there are approximately ten rehab patients in the facility. “It’s like a two to six-week tuneup,” said Karen Jeffreys, Vice President of Long Term Care.
Auburn Memorial Hospital opened the FLCL in 1995 primarily as a long-term, skilled nursing facility, although short-term rehabilitation has always been part of its mission. In recent months, however, rehabilitation services have has been expanded. Daily nursing care routines are adjusted to accommodate 30-minute therapy sessions (physical, occupational and/or speech therapy) once or twice each day as required.
Char, as she is called, worked as an L.P.N. for many years, so she is well equipped to judge the quality of care she received at FLCL. “Before my surgery I thought about doing rehab as an outpatient,” she said. “But Dr. Sullivan said it would be much more intensive as an inpatient. I have always been impressed with the spacious, airy, sunny rooms at FLCL so I knew it would be a pleasant place to stay.”
Another important factor was insurance. “Katie Orman, the social worker at FLCL, was extremely helpful in enabling us to work out the arrangements with our insurance company,” said Char.
Her husband added one other benefit to having Char do her rehab as an inpatient – professional care. “We have two animals and a house to take care of. If she were at home, I’d have to manage her meals, exercises, and other things. The professionals here at FLCL know much more than I know about how to help her.”
Char said, “I would recommend this place to anyone who needs rehab. I’ve gotten well so much faster than I would have thought possible. FLCL is a fine place – spotless and attractive, and with a wonderful staff, including the nurses, aides, physical therapy staff. Even the housekeeping workers of so kind and helpful. I’ve never heard an impatient word toward any of the patients, and everyone has a sense of humor. There’s a general feeling of joyfulness.”
Although she’s in no hurry to have more surgery, she said, “If I need the other knee done in six or seven years, I definitely plan to come back to FLCL.”