Deborah was at her son’s home when she crushed her heel from a fall stepping off the porch. Two days later, she passed out and hit her head, causing a head injury called a subdural hematoma. She was flown to Indianapolis and, after four weeks, was transferred to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mt. Vernon.
When Deborah arrived, she could not speak, or walk five feet without assistance, and stairs weren’t even an option. For the next three weeks, Deborah spent hours attending physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain her strength. Through her determination, and lots of helping hands, she’s now back home.
“Oh, my goodness, they are all tremendous people,” said Deborah, praising the team at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mt. Vernon. In particular, she spoke about two special nurses and how they treated her with the best care and had her best interests in mind. At times when she didn’t want to continue therapy, they encouraged her to do so, and Deborah listened. “They were always so kind and complimentary about me working so hard and doing so well,” she said.
Deborah also shared about the time that Mackenzie, a Clinical Liaison for the unit, heard her say how cold she was while working out in the gym. “She went clear down to her office and got her own sweater and brought it to me and told me I could wear it as long as I needed it,” Deborah recalled with a chuckle.
Sitting beside Deborah, her husband Richard shared his emotions as he recalled witnessing his wife’s journey from being unable to walk or talk to showing remarkable improvement on the very first day of care, thanks not only to the healing process but also to the exceptional care she received. “We have a way to go but, by the grace of God, we will make it. Thanks for your care,” Richard said.
With her hard work and determination, Deborah’s verbal skills have returned and she now only needs a walker for support.
