Outpatient physical and hand therapy key to patient’s recovery at Hudson Hospital
Thursday, October 2, 2014
As seen in the Hudson Star Observer, October 1, 2014:
Physical, speech and hand therapy at Hudson Hospital Rehabilitation Center provided an integral part of his care for Ron Tobias, as he recovered from brain surgery and a stroke. Ron is a retired teacher formerly from Eau Claire and now living in Hudson for the past 17 years. Therapists helped him with upper extremity therapy, hand therapy, processing, visual, sensory and speech skills. One of Ron’s arms was affected by his illness, and therapists helped Ron recover, especially the precision function of his hand. Ron said the care he received was key to his recovery goal, and is complimentary of the Hudson Hospital Rehab team. The Rehabilitation Center houses multiple therapy disciplines under one roof to maximize outcomes for patients with complex afflictions.
“I was so appreciative of the care I received with all therapists, specifically my occupational therapist Janelle Niebeling, OTR/L. “At first, I was apprehensive, but Janelle eased my mind and gave me the help I needed to recover!” says Tobias. Janelle, a licensed occupational therapist who has practiced for 10 years in our community, coordinated Ron’s care with both Regions Hospital, where he had his surgery and the team in Hudson. “The doctors and staff at Regions were wonderful, from my surgeon, Dr. McIver, and Dr. Koerner, my Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor, as well as my inpatient therapists. And I was so glad to get my outpatient therapy care locally at Hudson,” he said. Ron also said he appreciated his physical therapist Kimberly Webb, PT and speech language therapist Judy Tonnemaker, MSCCC. Ensuring a smooth transition from inpatient care immediately after a hospitalization to outpatient services focused on returning to regular activities is vital to the recovery process. Hudson Hospital & Clinic is part of the HealthPartners, larger system of care, which enabled his care teams to coordinate better and have all of his electronic medical records at their fingertips with the Epic system.
Ron’s outpatient care included weeks of specialized therapy and focused exercises that helped him gain confidence, and self-reliance. “My first priority was to get home to my wife. Also, I’m a car enthusiast, so was anxious to be able to drive again,” says Tobias. “I actually met my wife, Judy, for the first time, driving my ’58 Chevy hardtop. We also love old-time dancing, so my therapy was key to get me back to an active lifestyle.” Janelle worked on the components needed for driving and when he was ready, and helped connect him with a pre-driving instruction program through Regions Hospital. Sticking with his therapy routine, Ron is now back driving and dancing again – enjoy the good things in life.