Florham Park, New Jersey- Cheshire Home, a partner of Healing Innovations, is proud to share an inspiring success story about one of their resident, Rey. Rey’s journey began with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that targets the nerves, causing weakness and tingling in the hands and feet, which can swiftly progress to complete paralysis. His life took an unexpected turn overnight, particularly as his wife was five months pregnant with their second daughter.
Rey spent over two months in the intensive care unit, overcoming numerous complications. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where he witnessed the birth of his daughter through Facetime. His daughter was born prematurely at 32 weeks and spent nine days in the neonatal intensive care unit. A lot was going on in Rey’s life, and now it was time for him to transition from Kessler to the next phase of his recovery. Cheshire Home was recommended as the next step in his recovery process.
Initially apprehensive about Cheshire Home, Rey had misconceptions, thinking that it resembled a nursing home. However, his perspective quickly changed upon arrival. He discovered that Cheshire Home was far from a nursing home and, in his words, “This is the place to be.”
Fully paralyzed due to GBS, Rey credits the Physical and Occupational Therapy Department at Cheshire home. He used the Rise&Walk technology to improve his gait, as well as to achieve other goals such as being able to transfer, improve his balance, and bilateral lower extremity strengthening. In addition, Rey tirelessly worked in occupational therapy to regain flexibility and range of motion in his arms and hands. Now, Rey can walk more fluidly with the aid of a walker, and he has regained upper-body movement, enabling him to perform everyday tasks, including feeding himself. He acknowledges the pivotal role played by Cheshire Home’s Director of Therapy, Lauren Rosario, and Lead Physical Therapist, Bethany Greenfield, in his remarkable progress. Rey remarked, “In the beginning, it wasn’t easy, but they had a plan.” As his progress continued, he became increasingly optimistic and set his sights on reuniting with his family.
What Rey particularly cherishes about Cheshire Home is the specialized care it provides, including on-site physical and occupational therapy. Seeing others receive the vital care they need has inspired Rey, fueling his determination to achieve his goal of living independently. “I am excited to be with such a great crew. This is a great place,” he expressed with enthusiasm.
Source: https://cheshirehome.org/success-stories/