Rehabilitation leads to independence
Following a fall resulting in a broken femur in December, Bonnie Blanshan temporarily moved to The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine to receive therapy. Although her main objective was to gain strength and to successfully recover, she gave herself six weeks to return home in time to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, Albert.
“It is my 20th wedding anniversary, and I made it,” she shared.
Throughout her stay, Bonnie worked with the therapy team from Pro-Rehab, The Lutheran Home’s in-house therapy partner, daily. Starting slowly, she worked with an occupational therapist to complete self-care tasks, such as dressing and tying her shoelaces. Then, she worked with a physical therapist to stretch her leg so as to restore her mobility.
“Little by little, we got my leg to move. Once I was able to access the therapy room, we used the equipment, like weights. Working with them allowed my thighs to get stronger,” said Bonnie. “It’s exactly what I need to be able to get in and out of bed and chairs more easily.”
Bonnie, who is from Belle Plaine, was familiar with The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, especially the therapy department. She had a similar stay the previous year after she had a stroke.
“I was hoping to come back to The Lutheran Home because I experienced good therapy here. I was already able to walk with just a cane and sometimes walk around in the kitchen without anything,” she explained.
Bonnie met her goal and was able to return home in time to celebrate her anniversary. The therapy team continues to work with Bonnie, providing her with home health physical and occupational therapy.
The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine’s rehabilitation and therapy program helps individuals, like Bonnie, to achieve a high level of personalized care so they can get back to their lives—celebrating 20-year wedding anniversaries.