Health & Fitness
Strong & Determined, One Resident's Positive Rehab Journey to Go Home
78-Year-Old Former Corning Center Resident Who Had Spinal Surgery Benefited From Professional PT and OT, Met Her Goal of Going Home
Here's a story of a strongly determined former resident of Corning Center who, together with professional physical and occupational therapy, was determined to get better and go home. That was her goal, and that became the happy outcome.
Her name is Carol Hanley, 78, and she is from Bath, New York. Ms. Hanley came to Corning Center on December 1, 2023, after hospitalization for extensive spinal surgery with a complicated post-operative course. She was recommended to wear a Thoracic-Lumbar-Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) brace when out of bed and follow spinal precautions, such as no bending, twisting, or lifting more than ten pounds. She also has a history of falling.
"Physically, Carol was unable to return home as she had an overall weakness, decreased balance, and decreased endurance, leading to impairments and requiring assistance with transfers and activities of daily living, " said Chelsey Bailey, Corning Center's Director of Rehabilitation
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and a member of SIGMA Rehabilitation.
"All in all, Ms. Hanley could not walk at that time but her determination was there."With extensive therapy, Carol became independent at wheelchair level and started to walk again. Unfortunately, she still had to utilize the TLSO, which didn't stop or slow her down. With help from her family, home modifications have been finalized, and Carol was cleared for discharge back home in mid-April.
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"When I came to Corning Center I couldn't walk and was very depressed, " said Ms. Hanley. "After a while, I started to enjoy being here and knew I needed to walk again before going home. The staff here welcomed me with open arms, the best I've ever seen. Therapy is the best place to be. There were so many times I felt sad, but whenever I was in therapy, it made me feel happier."
On April 18, 2024, Carol was discharged home, and the smile that had begun with her major rehabilitation progress continued as she left for home.
"They welcomed everybody and made me feel like I was worth something," said Hanley. "A lot of residents love going to the gym. I also enjoyed the activities, it was fun and I enjoyed it. I’m going to miss everyone and will be back to visit!"