Edward: Returning Home

Edward was an energetic man who lived life to the fullest. In spite of his advanced age of 90 and a significant cardiac history he was living independently at home. But his heart condition brought him to a short-term acute care hospital in October, where he progressed enough to go to a rehabilitation hospital. Unfortunately, he landed back in the acute care hospital with dizziness brought on by an irregular heart rhythm and heart failure.

Just before Thanksgiving, Edward came to Kindred Hospital Philadelphia for long-term acute care. He was deconditioned with pressure ulcers on his back, slightly confused and malnourished. He needed close monitoring of his cardiac issues, so he was placed on telemetry and a cardiologist was added to his care team. Orthostatic blood pressures and daily weights were the norm. Medications were adjusted and titrated as necessary.

Family and patient education were a priority so that Edward would be discharged appropriately to a safe environment. From day one our staff ensured that Edward and his family were on board with the care plan, and, just as importantly, that he felt secure and comfortable in his new surroundings. The team went so far as having Edward’s beloved black lab added to the visitor list and actually visit him on two separate occasions.

The rehabilitation team went to work right away to get him back to where he was prior to his initial hospitalization and maximize his potential. Initially it looked like Edward would need to go to a skilled nursing facility before heading home. The goals of his physical and occupational therapists were to teach him self-care to improve his independence and safety awareness. Speech therapy worked with him to evaluate swallowing, texture and preferences, so his oral intake would improve and thereby correct his malnutrition.

Physical therapy and improved nutrition, along with the treatment given by the wound care nurse, spearheaded Edward toward recovery. His Functional Outcome Measure scores all improved significantly in the two weeks from his admission to discharge.

Edward and his family were very happy with the way things turned out; he was able to go home with his family close by. He described a childhood memory to the Kindred staff. His family was in the jewelry business, and once he was allowed to hold a handful of diamonds in his hand. He described that as one of the best feelings he ever had and how he never forgot that feeling. That is how Edward now describes how he feels when he thinks of the care he received at Kindred Hospital Philadelphia – Havertown.

Kindred Hospital Philadelphia – Havertown’s success is apparent in stories like these as well as in our quality scores – our patients and families rate our quality of care at over 93 percent and 96 percent would recommend Kindred.