Success Stories

Diana was transferred to Kindred Hospital for vent weaning and further care. Within a couple of weeks, the respiratory therapists were able to successfully wean her from the ventilator and remove her tracheotomy.

Our speech therapist, along with the dieticians, worked with Diana to get her back on track with her speech and eating regular meals again! Thanks to the rehabilitation, she is now able to walk 625 feet with a rolling walker and she is so happy. Upon discharge, she expressed how much she loved the care she received from all the nurses, CNA’s, RT’s, dietary, and rehab. She even requested to take a farewell picture with everyone included! We are so proud of Diana and happy to see another patient going home!

On the morning of December 16, 2015, Antoinette came back to Kindred Hospital – not as a patient, but as the star of a video being filmed to celebrate her successful treatment and rehabilitation. Upon arrival, she was greeted by many staff members who were overcome with joy and emotion on seeing her again. It was a moment that won’t soon be forgotten by anyone there that day.

In early 2012, Antoinette was admitted to Kindred suffering from acute respiratory failure. Dependent on a ventilator, weak and unable to move, she recalls the support she received from staff that helped her face her situation and overcome challenges.

“I was so sick and scared – I didn’t know what was going to happen or if I was ever going to get out of the hospital,” Antoinette said during the video interview. “I had a tube down my throat so I couldn’t speak or eat. My legs didn’t move. I couldn’t even take care of myself. All I could do was pray and hope that I would get better.”

During her stay at Kindred Hospital, Antoinette was touched by the support and attention she received from the people who cared for her. “Patty was like my cheerleader – she was so positive – she would come by every day and tell me, ‘You are going to get out of bed!’ and even though it took a while and I didn’t believe her at first, she was right, because I did!”

“I particularly remember Denise caring for me because she always would go above and beyond to make me feel better and push me to get better. She helped me shower and get dressed before Mother’s Day when my son came up to visit – which he did every weekend I was in the hospital. She would tell her colleagues she was my sister… her genuine love and attention made such a difference.”

Over time, as her breathing continued to improve, it was clear that Antionette was making excellent progress. One particular day that stands out was when her doctor removed the ventilator and she said “hello” for the first time in a long time. She relives the excitement from the days that followed when her “pastor and some friends came to see me and said, ‘The thing is out of your neck!’ and I said, ‘Yes it is’. They were so surprised to hear me speak they screamed – and I did too!”

Antoinette also made strides in rehabilitation to regain her ability to walk and eat on her own. She remembers “Veronica from rehab telling me, ‘You’re going to walk again’ and even though I didn’t think I could, she convinced me to try – and I did! I was able to stand with assistance, and soon began to take little steps. And Patty helped me to eat again – slowly at first, and then the wonderful staff in food services brought me special treats and things I liked to eat.”

Reflecting on her time with Kindred, Antoinette shares that “Laura down in reception was also wonderful – she told me ‘You’re going to walk out of here’ and you know what? I did. I am so grateful for Kindred – I don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t come here. I got my life back and it’s because of the care I received from everyone – I was treated like I was part of their family. I couldn’t have asked for better treatment. Thank you.”