Regency Hospital Company

It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week. This week is another reminder that there is still time to roll your #SleeveUp and get your annual flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s especially important for people with certain chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes to get vaccinated. Make a plan to get vaccinated, visit: http://ow.ly/sonD50CFYIA

Charlotte Wilcher was already fighting for her life when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States. Starting in March, she cycled in and out of hospitals and rehabilitation centers dealing with the after-effects of a stroke, worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and fluid on her lungs. She fell into respiratory failure and was placed on a ventilator. In mid-April, tests confirmed Charlotte was also positive for COVID-19. Ongoing attempts to wean from the ...Continue reading

The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the pivotal role respiratory therapists play in helping critically ill patients liberate from the ventilator and continue their recovery. In the face of incredible challenges, our respiratory care teams rose to the occasion amid the pandemic, providing healing, hope and a hand to hold for more than 4,000 COVID-19 patients since March. In this video, Select Medical Director of Respiratory Services for Specialty Hospitals LoriAnn Kettler discusses the passion and focus our respiratory teams bring to their work. #RCWeek20

This year has brought challenges and changes. As we reflect on 2020 ahead of the holiday season, we hold space for those who experienced loss and celebrate with gratitude the hard work and ongoing healing that has occurred across the country. To our PATIENTS and their FAMILIES, thank you for entrusting us with your care. From our specialty hospitals’ most critically ill patients to those seeking recovery from injury or illness in our rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient c...enters, everything we do focuses on helping YOU recover. To our COLLEAGUES, your unwavering COMMITMENT to our patients, their families and each other is our greatest asset. This year has been unprecedented, but your dedication and resilience has impacted the lives of thousands of patients. To the COMMUNITIES we call home, it is our PRIVILEGE to serve you. Through our specialty hospitals and physical therapy centers, and joint venture partnerships with some of the nation’s leading health systems, we are honored to provide a continuum of post-acute at a time when our nation needs it most. #Thanksgiving #Thankful

During hospitalization, case managers smooth the path forward, connecting patients and families to vital medical, community and therapeutic resources. In celebration of National Case Management Week (Oct. 11-17), we honor our critical illness recovery and inpatient rehabilitation case managers for the vital role they play in restoring quality of life.

8 TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF THE CAREGIVER #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth 1. Seek support. Hospitals, social services agencies and other organizations offer a wide range of programs and resources. Many offer local support groups, meal programs, transportation and other assistance that can help ease the burden of care. 2. Get connected. There are many online groups and mobile apps that can connect people facing similar circumstances, offer ways to manage needs, and provide other... resources, strategies and support. 3. Keep in touch. It’s important to maintain relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and others in their community. A friendly phone call, a shared joke, or a brief text message can go a long way. 4. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance. Family, friends and others are often willing to help, but may be unsure of what they can do. 5. Exercise and eat well. Even if you can’t get to the gym, talking a walk, doing yoga or exercising can help to reduce stress, improve your health and feel energized. Be sure to follow a healthy diet. All too often, caregivers fail to eat properly, which leads to weight gain or loss, higher cholesterol levels and other problems. 6. Get some rest! A lack of sleep can lead to serious physical, psychological and cognitive issues from falls to forgetfulness. Give your body the time it needs to rest and re-charge. 7. Create some me time. Don’t overlook your own needs/interests. Make arrangements to get a haircut, go to a movie or simply to have some personal time to pursue hobbies or activities you enjoy. 8. Be patient with yourself. Being a caregiver is an enormous responsibility and a role that few people are prepared for. Over time, you will learn how to manage this role. You will figure out what works for you and your loved one, as well as for your family. And you will understand the reward that comes from doing the best you can to help an important person in your life.

Do you have question about our Recovery and Reconditioning Program? Wondering what treatment looks like? Curious if you have to go to a center for care? Whatever questions you have, our team has the answers! Today, Alan Evans, vice president of education for Select Medical’s Outpatient Division, shares how our Recovery and Reconditioning Program can help you or a loved one recover from the after-effects of COVID-19. Learn more about our Recovery and Reconditioning Program by visiting http://ow.ly/NtsK50BBslI or http://ow.ly/KFcN50BBslN. #RehabilitationAwarenessMonth #COVID19

Select Medical critical illness recovery and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals have played an important role in helping patients recover from COVID-19. For many, the journey continues after discharge and that’s where COVID-19 support groups, like the one at Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - Edwin Shaw, deliver guidance and comfort. #RehabilitationAwarenessMonth

RISING TO THE OCCASION As the pandemic spread nationwide, the demand for post-acute services changed dramatically. Select Medical’s inpatient rehabilitation and critical illness recovery hospitals and outpatient centers faced new challenges in providing safe, quality care to both our usual patient populations and those with COVID-related diagnoses. We responded with an innovative program that redefined teamwork and collaboration across our network. We recently spoke with Da...Continue reading

This Veterans Day, and every day, we express sincerest gratitude to the men and women who served our country. From outpatient therapy centers and specialty hospitals to our shared services teams, we are honored to work alongside these military veterans, who elevate the patient experience through tireless dedication, commitment and compassion. #VeteransDay

It was a tough winter for Sylvia Crockett. The 86-year-old was hospitalized in December after falling and breaking her hip. She transferred to a local rehabilitation hospital to recouperate. By the end of the month, however, she returned to the emergency room with shortness of breath and confusion. Further testing revealed Sylvia had congestive heart failure and had developed pneumonia. She needed intravenous medication to control it, as well as a pressurized oxygen mask to h...elp with breathing. She spent nearly a month in the hospital, unable to reduce her oxygen requirements. Her doctors recommended Regency Hospital Company for respiratory management, continued intravenous medication therapy and physical rehabilitation. Before getting sick, Sylvia lived in her own home and enjoyed taking care of her dog Prince, crocheting and spending time with family. She wanted to return to that level of independence, as well as spend time with her children and grandchildren. A physician-led team of nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and therapists created a plan to help Sylvia recover. Respiratory therapists led her through breathing and chest exercises designed to build stamina. Sylvia kept at it every day, and her lungs grew stronger. Dietitians created a low-sodium, diabetic diet to aid healing. Pharmacists monitored the numerous antibiotic and intravenous medications Sylvia required, optimizing doses for therapeutic benefit. Physical and occupational therapists also started a mobility program for her. Simple movements, such as sitting up and rolling over in bed, helped increase Sylvia’s circulation, furthering her goal of moving off supplemental oxygen. Whenever she needed a boost, her nurses or therapists cheered her on with kind words. It took three weeks for Sylvia to meet all her goals. By mid-March, she was breathing without assistance, walking with a walker and taking care of her personal needs. She left for the home of one of her daughters, where she received home health assistance and physical therapy for five months. By September, the family was happy to report Sylvia had returned to her own home and most activities. She spends time making cards, playing dominoes with friends and eating her favorite food... macaroni and cheese. #PatientStories

Across the United States, thousands of people have been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many individuals are also compromised by a variety of acute and chronic conditions, such after-effects of the flu and cardiovascular disease. As patients recover from COVID-19 or other debilitating illnesses and conditions, they may be left with varying levels of deconditioning and weakness. Our compassionate team of clinical experts can help them continue to heal through our Recovery and Reconditioning Program. Learn more about our Recovery and Reconditioning Program by visiting http://ow.ly/asX450Bv3PV or http://ow.ly/7h5150Bv3PF. #RehabilitationAwarenessMonth

VIRTUAL VISITS: CONNECTING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES DURING COVID-19 As COVID-19 hit the U.S. in March, leaders at Select Medical immediately began strategizing on how to best protect patients in our critical illness recovery and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals from the virus while providing them with the care and therapy services they needed. By March 12, some hospitals were already in full lockdown mode, not allowing any visitors and more hospitals were expected follow in th...Continue reading

Many recovering COVID-19 patients have complex medical needs that require higher care levels, particularly those on ventilators. They face debilitating muscular weakness and ongoing respiratory, cardiac and cognitive issues, as well as balance and behavioral challenges. Critical illness recovery hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals provide essential post-COVID care, including ventilator liberation, strength-building mobility programs and therapies that retrain survivors to speak, walk and think. Multi-disciplinary care underpins it all, with a tightly coordinated, physician-led team of nurses, physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists, pharmacists and dietitians helping patients meet milestones and avoid fatigue-induced setbacks. #RehabilitationAwarenessMonth

In late March, after developing cold and fever symptoms, Clara Terry and her husband decided to get tested for COVID-19. A week later, with results still pending, Clara began feeling worse and consulted her doctor. Concerned, the doctor called an ambulance and arranged for transport to Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia. Upon arrival, crews discovered there was no space for additional patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Clara was placed in the emergency room, then... transferred to Macon Coliseum Hospital, arriving in the early morning hours. She was placed on a ventilator after testing revealed she was positive for the coronavirus and had double pneumonia. In intensive care, Clara battled the lung disease and was placed on powerful intravenous blood pressure medication and painkillers. After several attempts, Clara was unable to wean from the ventilator. Doctors recommended Regency Hospital of Central Georgia for its experience with medically complex ventilator patients. Clara arrived on April 21 and was placed in our COVID-19 unit. By then, she was alert and able to communicate. Respiratory therapists began working to liberate Clara, coaching her through breathing and chest exercises to increase stamina and lung capacity. One of the toughest parts of recovery, however, was being apart from family. Clara’s care team made sure she was able to video chat with her husband or son at least once a day sometimes for an hour or longer. It gave her the motivation she needed to keep working. Ten days after arriving, Clara celebrated a major milestone and liberated from the ventilator. Physical and occupational therapy stepped in, helping Clara move her arms and legs, turn in bed and sit in a chair. By May 4, Clara tested negative twice and was moved into our COVID recovery unit. The transition lifted Clara’s spirits even further and she began pushing herself in all therapies. Her airway support was removed, and Clara was again breathing independently. Speech language pathologists and dietitians worked together, creating a meal plan that transitioned Clara back to regular food. By May 19, almost two months to the day after Clara’s ordeal began, she went home. Her husband and son met her at the door. A crowd of friends and family members gathered in the parking lot at a distance to cheer Clara’s recovery. We wish Clara all the best as she continues her healing journey. #PatientStories

In Select Medical’s critical illness recovery hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, multi-disciplinary care is the cornerstone of recovery. Christa Lohr, regional chief nursing officer for the inpatient rehabilitation division, and Nancy Toms, therapy manager for Select Specialty Hospital Phoenix, explain the unique recovery challenges COVID-19 survivors face and how our continuum of care positions them for success. #RehabilitationAwarenessMonth

As the COVID-19 pandemic landed in the U.S., Select Medical was uniquely positioned to support health systems across the country through our post-acute continuum of care. We developed processes and protocols, constructed dedicated COVID-19 units and cared for survivors recovering from the virus embracing challenge in the face of uncertainty. As cases continue to climb, our nationwide network of 130 critical illness recovery and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals stands ready to help manage patient flow and critical care. We are especially grateful for those colleagues who played an integral role in the planning and execution of our response. #RehabilitationAwarenessMonth

Claude Criswell’s wife, Kathleen, found him on the floor at home, unable to breathe. She dialed 911 and he was rushed to the emergency room in severe respiratory failure. Scans revealed he had pneumonia in both lungs. Doctors also discovered kidney damage and sepsis. After that first week in early January, Claude stabilized, but was unable to liberate from the ventilator. Doctors recommended Regency Hospital of Central Georgia for its experience helping medically complex pa...tients breathe, eat, move and speak again. Claude arrived with a goal of returning to full independence so he could enjoy his family, which included three adult daughters and seven grandchildren. A physician-led team of nurses, therapists and dietitians created a plan to help Claude get back to his family and the job he loved running a self-storage business. Respiratory therapists assessed him and began gradually reducing the ventilator’s settings, encouraging Claude’s lungs to work on their own. They led him through chest, breathing and coughing exercises to build stamina. Physical and occupational therapists began a mobility program, encouraging Claude to sit up in bed, roll and move his hands, arms, legs and feet. Studies have shown that these small movements help patients liberate from the ventilator. Though unable to walk, the team got him up and sitting in a chair twice a day, which helps build core muscles. He worked hard to stand, as well. By the end of February, Claude had been freed from the machine and airway support. He was thrilled to speak clearly to his family and friends again. Dietitians and speech therapists crafted a meal plan that transitioned him from purees to regular diet. In March, Claude was ready for the next phase of his recovery. He left for a skilled nursing facility, where he will learn to walk again, manage his diabetes more closely and continue his weight loss progress. The staff made things easy, he said. Everyone, from the doctors who coached him through the treatment protocols to members of the dietary staff who prepared his tray and helped open packets, they made him feel cared for and secure. Even the cafeteria food was good, he said. Still, he cannot wait to get home and eat his favorite meal of fish sticks, tater tots and corn. Claude hopes to return for a visit in the future and show off the progress he’s made. #PatientStories