When Chatsworth resident Alice Streeter became a patient at Regency Park Health & Rehabilitation in Dalton, GA, she was on oxygen and unable to walk.
Though she was in a difficult situation, she was motivated to get well and participated determinedly in rehabilitation as staff provided assistance and pain management to aid her recovery from a fall that left her with a fractured shoulder and required hip surgery.
“She always wanted to do more – one more rep or one more walk,” said Deniece Kistler, physical therapy assistant. “She wanted to help other patients with her words of encouragement and always said, ‘I look around, and things could be worse.’”
When Streeter completed her rehabilitation requirements, she was able to get around using a rolling walker, had regained use of her left arm and no longer needed oxygen. Additionally, her risk of falling was greatly reduced, and she was able to go up and down four steps using handrails.
The Regency rehab team continued to provide daily services and encouragement with goals reviewed weekly and Streeter pushed to reach her maximum potential.
“She met her goals in 30 days and was so pleased with her progress,” said Kistler.
Streeter said she was very optimistic going in and encourages anyone facing a similar situation to “stay positive and believe in yourself. My experience was even better than I expected,” she said. “The staff has been amazing. Anything I asked for, they responded.”
Retired as a relationship banker, Streeter is continuing to do her strength exercises and working to stay healthy and careful.