Desheilah H.

Desheilah, a 60-year-old female, was admitted with acute respiratory failure secondary to acute systolic
heart failure. When admitted, she presented with extreme weakness, dysphagia, and poor motivation.
She had a tracheostomy requiring T-mist and a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tube for nutrition. She required max assistance with two people to sit up on the edge of the bed and very fearful during any mobility. Upon admission, she immediately began working with Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, Respiratory and Dietary to reach her goals.

Desheilah made remarkable progress in all departments. At the time of discharge, she was modified
independent in bed mobility and required only supervision for transfers into a wheel chair. She was not able to ambulate; however, Desheilah was very motivated to go to the gym daily for strengthening so that walking could be an attainable goal in the near future. She was participating in activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing, and toileting with supervision. With aggressive Speech therapy, Desheilah was able to start eating by mouth just 3 days after admission! Her tube feeding was discontinued and eventually removed. The most remarkable gain was with respiratory. Just four days
after admission, her trach was capped which ensured she was ready to return breathing on her own. Then four days after she was decannulated and on room air tolerating the changes.

Our case management team worked diligently to have Desheilah discharged safely to a lower level of
care. Desheilah was eventually discharged home with a caregiver and Home Health where she can have the supervision and assistance she needs while continuing her great progress with in-home therapy. We wish her well with her further progress!