Testimonials
Hear what our patients have to say about the
Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne
After several years of bearable arthritic pain in her hips and knees, the pain in Nancy Duehmig's right hip became severe enough that it affected her ability to participate in the daily activities she enjoyed. So on Dec. 10, 2008, Nancy had a full hip replacement.
After researching facilities in the area to find the one that was the most aggressive and could return her to busy schedule as quickly as possible, Nancy opted to go to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne for her physical therapy after the surgery.
Nancy was at Rehab Hospital for eight days, and each day was filled with several hours of physical and occupational therapy, as well as appetizing meals and good fellowship with other patients.
"Each morning I woke up to the face of a smiling nurse who took my vitals and gave me my morning medications," said Nancy. "I then walked down to a delicious breakfast where I also visited with other patients. Then mid morning, my therapy started. I had an hour and a half of therapy then went back to my room for a rest before lunch. My afternoon schedule was the same.
"The therapists worked me hard," Nancy added, "but they knew exactly how to help me regain my strength without overtaxing my reserve energy. They were extremely helpful, courteous, understanding and compassionate, as was the entire staff, from the dining room help to the nurses."
Nancy, who exercises twice a day at home and goes to therapy twice a week, is now dealing with the normal restrictions associated with a total hip replacement, but she hopes to be back to 100 percent when she visits her surgeon for a follow-up appointment in a couple of weeks.
"The staff at the Rehab Hospital definitely prepared me for my return home," said Nancy. "The care I received was excellent. I have to have my other hip replaced, and you can be sure I hope to come back here after that surgery to get the same outstanding care I received the first time around. I have already recommended Rehab Hospital to my family and friends."
- Nancy Duehmig
Nora Anderson likes the Rehab Hospital of Fort Wayne so much, she's been there twice as a patient, first in fall 2005 and again in May 2007, both times to recover from knee replacement surgery.
"The care is just excellent," said Nora. "I was really hoping there would be space for me again this time. I kept thinking 'Please let there be room in the inn.'"
Nora underwent therapy twice a day, a routine that left her exhausted, but at the same time, rejuvenated.
"My therapy, although it really made me tired, was the best thing for me," said Nora. "The staff really makes you feel safe and cared for. Everyone, no matter what their role is, watches out for everyone. I can't tell you how much I appreciate them. I get teary-eyed thinking of them."
- Nora Anderson
Jesse Barron, who spent two weeks in the Rehab Hospital in June 2007 after back surgery caused his left leg to not work correctly, calls his experience "wonderful."
"I have never been to a place where everyone was nice," said Jesse. "Everyone was great. I even enjoyed therapy because I knew it was making me better. I was like a zombie when I started, but they kept me on my routine and brought me through. It was a wonderful experience."
- Jesse Barron
Norman has been battling Parkinson's Disease for 20 years. From time to time, the disease "acts up" and his leg muscles stop working, so Norman finds himself needing therapy to get them functioning again. The last two times his muscles stopped, he went to the Rehab Hospital of Fort Wayne for therapy. Norman's latest trip was a two-week visit in April 2007.
"Everyone was just great," said Norman. "The doctors come in each morning, and they're very encouraging and want to make sure you understand everything that's going on. And the therapists are crazy, but a good crazy. They make your therapy fun. You wind up doing your exercises, and you don't even realize you're doing them. You think you're just having fun. But if you start to hurt, they're right there.
"I can't say enough about the Rehab Hospital," said Norman. "I would recommend it to everyone. If my muscles quit again, I'll be back."
- Norman Mundt
Lela was a healthy woman living an active life when a roadblock in the form of a stroke stopped her in June 2007. Lela, who attributes the stroke to stress, spent four weeks at Rehab Hospital.
"Everyone at the Rehab Hospital was just great," said Lela. "They were just wonderful. I did really well there. I went to therapy three hours a day, and I loved it. Getting up and moving around was just great for me. I'd much rather be doing something than lying in a bed. My whole experience was great. Everything and everyone were wonderful!
- Lela Sandefur
"After my stroke, my balance, coordination and motor skills were affected. My right arm and hand were useless, and I found myself unable to get around without a wheelchair. I was admitted to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne for extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy. Three weeks after the stroke, I went home without the wheelchair but used a cane on occasion.
I continue to make progress, and I am running my business again. I cannot express my gratitude for the excellent care that was given to me by the nurses and staff at the Rehabilitation Hospital. My therapists worked diligently to help me reclaim the most normal life possible. I will be forever grateful to the staff of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne."
- Bess Hottell (Decatur, Ind.)