Success Story With Michael H.
January 18, 2023
With a new year comes new opportunities to reflect on all that has been accomplished and all the battles that have been conquered. To really understand what Darby Glenn is about, we decided to share one resident’s recent success story.
Michael Hardin came to Darby Glenn in February of 2022 after he had spent weeks in the hospital and inpatient rehab, fighting off Covid-19 and Aspiration Pneumonia, on top of a feeding tube in place, a history of cancer, and other chronic diseases. A Hoyer-lift had to be used, as Michael was non-ambulatory. He worked with our Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy staff to regain strength and function, with his goal to return home. After a few weeks of therapy, he had not made much progress. The hard decision was made that he could not return home. Michael felt like his life had slipped away from him.
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His biggest goal while at Darby Glenn was to be able to eat normal foods again and get his feeding tube removed. After a continuing decline in overall function and weight loss, another hard decision was made. In March of 2022, Michael was placed in hospice care. He struggled with depression and was ready to give up, but part of him always said he didn't want to die. Because hospice care focuses on enhancing quality of life, Michael was able to eat “pleasure foods” that his hospice nurse, Mike, would bring in and assist with. This sparked a new flame for Michael and sparked a new opportunity.
Michael was discharged from hospice services in August of 2022 to begin working with Speech Therapy, as he was determined to get his diet upgraded. It was then decided that he needed to work with Physical and Occupational Therapy again. After a few weeks of therapy, Michael got his diet upgraded. This was the first big goal he accomplished, and this success sparked his inner fire for more!
Over the next few weeks, his mood significantly improved. He was more motivated than ever. Michael began making huge leaps in therapy, and finally, the feeding tube was removed. He was doing so well that the Therapy Manager suggested he could probably return home someday!
By November 2022, Michael had regained his health and his independence. He went to Social Services and said he was ready to bust out because
“there is a beautiful lady waiting for me outside of this place, who has been putting up with me for many, many years." Michael was ready to go home. The new goal was to return home by Christmas, and discharge plans were made.
Before he returned home, we had some time to sit down and speak with Michael about his experiences. Upon entering Darby Glenn, Michael admits he felt overwhelmed. The first couple of months at Darby were not easy on him. He shared that his first step was realizing he needed to get better, and the only person who would truly help him was himself. He knew that no matter how often therapy came in to work with him, no progress would ever be made if he did not get up and try for himself.
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On December 21st of 2022, Michael Hardin was discharged from Darby Glenn and returned home with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Along with the beautiful lady waiting for him, he was excited about his huge, comfy bed, and his silver Kia, which he couldn’t wait to drive again. Michael was very grateful for the support and care provided to him by Darby Glenn over the year. With Michael’s permission, we felt obligated to share his incredible journey to a full recovery and help others who may feel ready to give up as he once did.
Our person-centered approach helps our staff individualize the care for each resident that comes to us at our premier nursing facility. Learn more about our top-notch therapy services by clicking the ‘Services’ button below.
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