
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!