August 4, 2023
Betty C, resident of Salyersville Nursing and Rehab, admitted with a plan to work with therapy and regain her strength and mobility. Like so many others, Betty admitted under her insurance benefits. She worked with therapy each day and felt herself getting stronger, but soon received notice from her insurance that she had reached her “max potential for ambulation/mobility” and that they would no longer be covering the cost of her therapy. With this news, Betty thought her rehab was finished. She felt stronger than before, but still only walked a few steps to get in and out of her wheelchair. “At that point, I had given up. I had no hope. All I wanted to do was stay in the bed, as the insurance said this was it and I believed them.” What Betty didn’t know, was that her journey was still on the move. The Director of Nursing, Christy Allen, suggested that Betty would be the perfect candidate for Salyersville’s Restorative Program, and boy was she right!
Our Restorative Program works with long term residents after completing their in-house therapy services to maintain the strength, mobility, and movement they achieved when working with our therapy department and continues their journey to being as independent as possible. This is exactly what Betty needed! “On April 18th, Ms. Brenda, from the restorative program came and gave me a source of hope. I walked 10 feet that day with her help!” exclaimed Betty, “and the next day I walked a little further. BRENDA is what I needed!” Brenda Combs, Restorative Nurse Aide, has been with the program for 10 years now. With each senior in her program, her goal is to “give them confidence,” and Betty verifies this to be so true. “Brenda is so encouraging. She has given me so much hope and I’m thrilled with the growth I’ve shown in working with her! I mark the distance I walk on my calendar each day and in one month of working with Brenda, I was able to stand longer, lift my legs higher, and walk over 400 feet in a session!” When asked what Betty wants others to know who are looking for care for their loved ones, Betty smiled and said, “Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation has been amazing! From the housekeepers, to he aides and nursing staff, they all care! I was in a bad spot when I arrived, but they never gave up on me. The staff really care for us, they are our friends and family. I have realized after working with everyone here, there is a reason I am here. I thank the Lord for that as well as everyone that has helped me along the way, ESPECIALLY, Ms. Brenda as she has changed my life!”