Fairview Rehab Success Stories

Fairview, the Odd Fellows Home of Connecticut is the only non-profit skilled nursing care facility in southeastern CT.  We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services.  Michael Ahrens (pictured above) recently spent nine days at Fairview recuperating from hip replacement surgery.  He states, “The physical therapy team went above and beyond my expectations.  Their knowledge and training helped me immensely in my rehabilitation.  They answered all my questions and gave me tips and helpful suggestions on how to handle certain situations once I got home.  Their humor and hard work helped my stay to be so much better than expected.”  If you are interested in more information regarding Fairview’s rehabilitation department please visit www.oddfellowsct.com and click-on the Rehabilitation Services link.

ANOTHER REHABILITATION SUCCESS STORY AT FAIRVIEW

The rehabilitation department at Fairview provides extensive therapy daily for its residents.  The staff consists of four full-time therapists:  a Physical Therapist, two Physical Therapist Assistants and an Occupational Therapist Assistant.  The staff also includes two part-time speech therapists and several per-diem therapists.

One of our recent ‘success stories’ involves Mrs. Jean Dupont.   Jean sustained a leg fracture from a fall in her apartment.  When she arrived at Fairview after a short stay in a local hospital she was confined to her bed.  Immediately she began a regimen of both physical and occupational therapy in order to gain the strength needed to use a walker. Over a period of two weeks she had mastered this task which made it was possible for her to return to her apartment in Fellowship Manor, Fairview’s independent living apartments.

Jean would like to thank all of the therapists who helped in her speedy recovery.  “The therapy staff was terrific.  Their professional manner and constant encouragement enabled me to return home sooner that I had thought possible.” 

Article submitted by Brenda Hultgren, OTR/L

Mrs. Franciscelli arrived at Fairview having undergone a total knee replacement.  She had suffered with debilitating arthritis of both knees before making that difficult decision for surgery.  However, choosing Fairview for her rehab stay was not a difficult decision to make.  She based her decision several factors; she never forgot the excellent care a family member received here many many years ago; she has had several friends here recently who returned home with only good things to say about Fairview; and Fairview is close to her home.  She also states in regards to the location “I never realized how beautiful it is here, both inside and the gorgeous views outside of the Thames River”.  Once fully recovered, Mrs. Franciscelli will be heading back to surgery to have her other knee replaced, and she says she will “definitely come back” to Fairview for her rehabilitation.  At the end of her 10 day stay, she had achieved all of her goals.  She achieved 95 degrees of flexion, improved strength, minimal pain, independence with ambulation, & independence in all areas of self-care and home management.   When asked to reflect upon her stay here and describe what stands out most in her mind, she states, without hesitation “the attentative care I received, from the housekeepers all the way up to the administrator”.  That is the best compliment we at Fairview can ask for, because that is what we strive for every day with every patient and resident.  Thank you Mrs. Franciscelli for letting us help you in your time of need, and we’ll see you soon!!

Article submitted by: Jane Novak, Rehabilitation Therapy Services

Mrs. Sharp had an injury and sustained a fractured ankle.  After surgery she was not allowed to put any weight on her foot.  The doctor recommended short term rehab.  She decided on Fairview having had many friends who had positive experience, in addition it is close to home.

Mrs. Sharp candidly told me that she was “expecting to see some sad individuals at Fairview, however when she arrived, she found a charming atmosphere and friendly staff that were truly interested in her and her individual needs”.

She received both Physical and Occupational Therapy to gain strength and instruction on using a walker without putting one foot on the floor.  She accomplished these goals as well as how to maneuver in a wheelchair independently.

After several family meetings with the interdisciplinary team it was decided that using a wheelchair at home would be the most efficient and safest way to get around until the healing process allows her to weight on her foot.

Eager to finish recuperating at home, a discharge plan was formulated.  Mrs. Sharp saw her doctor, a fiberglass cast was applied; a wheelchair and walker were ordered; VNA services were arranged and she is now at home continuing the healing process among her family and friends.