2005 Press Releases

Rehabilitation helps 48-year-old regain his independence

When Karl Sherman came to Rome Memorial Hospital paralyzed from the waist down, he was afraid he’d never be able to put his pants on without help.  Now, after two months of rehabilitation, the 48-year-old Roman is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel once his vehicle is equipped with hand controls.

Sherman was admitted to the hospital’s 14-bed Acute Physical Rehabilitation Unit in late January to help him regain his independence after his spinal cord was damaged.  “There are things that I thought I’d never be able to do on my own, but I’ve come a long ways in just a couple of months,” Sherman said, just days before he was discharged home. “Now, I can see that my situation is just a setback. My goal is to look forward and start looking for new ways to be active and productive.”

Acute physical rehabilitation involves helping patients regain the greatest level of functional independence possible through physical, occupational and, if necessary, speech therapy.   The individualized treatment plans combine the comprehensive therapy with emotional support to help patients reach their goals after a stroke or other debilitating illness or injury.

For Sherman, a large component of his rehabilitation plan involved occupational therapy to enable him to do every day activities, like dressing, showering and transferring in and out of a wheelchair without assistance, according to Occupational Therapist Michelle Madore, OTR/L.

“Michelle was very supportive and very persistent in getting me to do things on my own,” Sherman said.  “If it wasn’t for her persistence, I wouldn’t have made so much progress.  Even my wife and kids are surprised on how well I get along on my own now.”

Staff accompanied Sherman on community outings as part of the process of preparing him to re-enter the community in a wheelchair.  Though he admitted being nervous on the first trips to area stores and restaurants, he said “the staff was right, it was much easier” than he thought it would be.

“Occupational therapy gives people the skills and the confidence to surmount their disabilities and stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite the challenges,” Madore said.  “When developing a therapy plan, occupational therapists consider the whole person and collaborate with physicians and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment.”

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help adults learn or regain skills that allow them to do meaningful things like working, driving, shopping, and even preparing a meal.  All types of people need this kind of help everyday, from a worker injured on the job to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a stroke.

“I never knew that this kind of therapy was available or that the hospital provided it until I needed it,” Sherman said.  “I think when people think of rehab, the first thing that comes to mind is drug or alcohol rehab, not physical or occupational therapy.  The community is very fortunate to have such an excellent program.”

“Since I’ve been here, I just can’t believe how wonderful the staff has been from the occupational and physical therapists to the nursing staff,” Sherman said.  “It makes a difference when you feel that the staff really cares about you, especially when you’re in a situation where you really need it.  They’ve answered all of my questions and I’ve had a lot of questions.  I’m really going to miss them.”

As the hospital’s Therapy Department celebrates National Occupational Therapy Month in April, Director Emily Duchow, OTR/L, noted that occupational therapy is becoming increasingly more important with the growing senior population.

“Healthier people are living longer lives.  Occupational therapy research proves that keeping people active and healthy as they age will not only improve their quality of life, it will lower their health care costs as well,” she said.  “That is why there are occupational therapy programs focusing on wellness and prevention – to help seniors stay healthier and remain active in their homes and communities.  Trained therapists can make homes safer for people with reduced mobility and failing vision.”

At Rome Memorial Hospital, five occupational therapists and one occupational therapy assistant provide occupational therapy in several different settings including the acute rehabilitation unit, the skilled nursing facility, as well as the outpatient center for those who do not need hospitalization.  Occupational therapy intervention can also begin on the acute nursing units where therapists will evaluate patients and make recommendations for discharge planning.

“Occupational therapy is outcome-oriented, which means therapists help people work toward achievable performance goals,” Duchow said. “We’re the profession that focuses on life skills to help people maximize their function and independence.”

MAXIMIZING INDEPENDENCE – Karl Sherman uses his bolstered upper body strength to move himself from a wheelchair into the shower during an occupational therapy session in Rome Memorial Hospital’s Acute Physical Rehabilitation Unit.  Therapists like Occupational Therapist Teri Kehoe, OTR/L helped him to regain his independence after his spinal cord was damaged leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.