Mrs. Connie, a native of Church Point, was a patient at The Road Home Therapy Center in 2017 and again in 2018 following 2 total knee replacements.

“I lost my husband a couple of months before my first knee replacement, so I requested to come here after my surgery for help with my recovery and rehab. He used to work here…my husband.” As she fought back the tears in her eyes she went on to say, “Ashley, my therapist, really comforted me when I was depressed. I remember she took me outside and sat with me for a long time while I cried. It’s a lot more than just physical therapy here. These people really care about you.”

Mrs. Connie wanted to return home as soon as possible. With an intense, all discipline therapy program, she was able to reach all of her goals. “I need to be able to take care of myself at home. I want to take care of my great grandson, and I want to be able to do my housework, yard work, and cooking and cleaning without pain.”

“I enjoyed doing the exercise. I was lucky that I knew I was getting to go home. Not everyone gets to do that,” Mrs. Connie went on to say. “After therapy, I feel more comfortable walking. It’s getting easier every day.”

Mrs. Connie’s advice for others that are currently undergoing therapy treatments—

“If you don’t have help at home—come here. They will take good care of you. I felt very comfortable here. It’s truly a wonderful place!”

To see more success stories like this one, visit the Success Stories on our blog.

Follow our progress on Facebook and also stay in touch with The Road Home Therapy Center on their Facebook Page as well.

Mr. James came to Princeton Place Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after demonstrating functional decline from an old stroke. His goals upon entering therapy were to regain strength and coordination for independent living including cooking meals, completing laundry, self-care tasks and community involvement.

“Mr. James quickly started improving due to his willingness to work hard. He was always the first one through the door in the mornings, eager and ready to make coffee for his fellow residents in therapy, and willing to accept new challenges,” says Alyssa, Occupational Therapist with Therapy Center.

“I had a very good experience with the sweet, kind therapists working with me every day. The staff helped me get well and taught me that I can do things again,” says Mr. James.

“Because Mr. James was improving so quickly, he often challenged us in creating therapeutic interventions. At one point we all competed in a push up contest,” says Jenny, Physical Therapist.

Upon entering the facility Mr. James did not have a place to call home. As he continued to progress in therapy, it became apparent that he was able to live on his own again. The staff at Princeton Place stepped in and began assisting him in the application process of finding Mr. James a new home.

“This is the reason why we became therapists. It’s days with Mr. James that remind us the difference we are making not only in his physical health, but in his personal life being able to help him find and furnish his new home,” says Brooke, speech language pathologist.

“The best part about my experience here was the staff and therapists that I interacted with every day. Without their help, I wouldn’t be doing all the things I am doing now. I had been to therapy before, but it didn’t help like the therapy that I received here,” says Mr. James.

He has since left the facility and is living independently in his own home. Upon moving out our therapists and staff from Princeton Place helped Mr. James furnish his new place with furniture and cookware. A week after being settled in, our therapy team made a surprise visit.

“We were so happy to visit Mr. James at his new home for a pizza party to celebrate his birthday,” says Candy Clark, certified occupational therapy assistant.

“This is the best birthday I’ve had in a long time!” – Mr. James.

To find out more about our partner facilities, please visit www.therapyctr.com.

After falling ill with pneumonia, Mr. Harold came to Colonial Nursing Home to start him on the road to recovery. When our therapy team first saw him he was receiving all nutritional intake via tube feedings, and unable to roll from side to side or sit up without max assistance.

“Mr. Harold’s goal was to return home, able to walk and eat on his own again” says Linda, Speech Language Pathologist.

“He was beyond motivated to get better and was always waiting on us to get to work to open the therapy gym for him to start his therapy sessions. He made my job easy,” says Emily, Physical Therapy Assistant.

Once Mr. Harold’s medical condition became stable, he was able to start making improvements that were noticeable including transferring from his bed to his wheelchair with Certified Nursing Assistants.

“I had to increase resistance with gait tasks on even and uneven surfaces. This included him pulling a board of twenty pound weights behind him, and he proudly would tell other residents he was plowing,” says Emily.

“His overall attitude and disposition improved as we began trials of pureed food. The best feeling was seeing him receiving the host for communion. It brought tears to his eyes and everyone else in the therapy gym,” says Linda.

“I would tell others going through therapy to not give up!! Do everything the therapists tell you to do! Trust them,” says Mr. Harold.

“He was a very patient man. He had a good understanding of his diagnoses and was patient with all medical personnel involved in his care and with the process. He truly had faith in all of us involved in his care to make the best decisions and the ones that would get home again. A day never passed that he didn’t say thank you to each person. It’s difficult to achieve fully gaining a patient’s trust and being 100 % compliant. But we did with him and got him home,” says Greta, Occupational Therapist.

If you are interested in our therapy program at partner facilities, please visit our website www.therapyctr.com.

Mr. McVea came to Bayou Chateau Nursing Center following coronary artery bypass surgery which limited his ability to complete daily living tasks safely and effectively at home.  Prior to his surgery, Mr. McVea was living at home independently, so his goal was to regain his strength and health in order to return home.

“Upon beginning therapy, Mr. McVea was very tired and had difficulty remembering new information. However, he was motivated to work hard and participate to achieve goals,” recalled Brittany, M.A., CCC-SLP for Therapy Center.

“When I first met him, he was very pleasant, compliant, and motivated to return home. I remember thinking to myself  – I have never seen someone do so well after open heart surgery,”” stated Jennifer, certified occupational therapist assistant for Therapy Center.

Although Mr. McVea was sore from surgery, he pushed himself to attend sessions. He was eager to complete all activities and exercises, and he applied the the skills he learned outside of therapy sessions. Throughout his treatment duration, Mr. McVea was the first patient in the rehab department every morning and his improvements were immediately visible.

“The therapists here provide amazing treatment!  They know what they are doing and what I needed.  I have received great treatment and awesome results,” exclaimed Mr. McVea.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with an individual who truly loves life. Mr. McVea always wore a smile and cheered on the other patients in therapy. We are sad to see him leave, but so very proud of his accomplishments and ability to return home,” says Brittany.

If you would like to learn more about our therapy services visit www.therapyctr.com.

During this unprecedented time, many of those in our communities have been impacted by the positive diagnosis of COVID-19. One of the more common complications from the virus is difficulty breathing as well as rebuilding muscle for those that have been put on a ventilator. While the listed exercises have been proven beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as therapists, we believe they are also wonderful recommendations for those currently in quarantine or recovering from a positive diagnosis.

When practiced regularly, breathing exercises can help you reduce stress it takes on your body to perform daily activities and can also potentially aid in your return to exercising and feeling overall more energetic. Read Healthline’s article for more on how to properly complete the below exercises:

• pursed lip breathing
• coordinated breathing
• deep breathing
• huff cough
• diaphragmatic breathing

For more information on the services Therapy Center has available or how to be referred to therapy, we encourage you to contact a clinic nearest you.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or if you are among the front lines in healthcare and trying to find a way to manage your stress, read our blog for tips! 

In September of 2019, Ms. Edna had an accident at home and she required surgery. Her doctors recommended skilled services in a skilled nursing facility so she could receive as much therapy as she could tolerate. During her stay in a local SNF, Ms. Edna became sick with a UTI and was hospitalized at Mercy Regional Medical Center. She received therapy from Therapy Center while on acute for 2 weeks.

“My mom was so excited to be able to walk and use the equipment that therapy had to be able to feel independent again. She was motivated by the therapists and encouragement they provided. She left the hospital with the ability to transfer herself from the bed to the bed side toilet and transfer from the bed to the wheelchair,” explained Mary Bergeaux Willis, Edna’s daughter.

In response to the COVID crisis, Mary moved her mom back home, but she quickly realized Ms. Edna needed more therapy and care than she could provide.

“We chose Savoy Care Center because I knew the same therapy provider mom saw at Mercy Regional hospital would be providing the services in Savoy Care Center and that was important to me. If it wouldn’t have been the Therapy Center, my momma would have given up long ago. The amount of therapy she received when she arrived, and continues to receive, gives her the hope that she needed to live her life the fullest. So much credit goes to Therapy Center and Savoy Care Center, you guys are amazing. I highly recommend this place to people who need help with their elderly.”

Visit websites for more information about the services available for your loved one at Therapy Center, Mercy Regional Medical Center, and Savoy Care Center.

“Therapy Center’s core values are servant leadership, open interaction and communication with members of our team, while providing superior service.  If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s learning to look at each individual employee and what their knowledge, skills and experience brings to the table.  A great performing team is dependent on each member being open-minded to the others’ strengths and weaknesses and allowing ourselves to develop from this interaction.  Fortunately, we are part of a great team.  Alone we are usually good, but together we can be great,” says Stephen, co-owner of Therapy Center.

An amazing example of the difference wonderful teamwork makes is our therapy team at Amelia Manor Nursing Home.

“They continued to reiterate safety precautions to patients and staff.  We had staff members that left because of fear.  The Therapy Center team was so great even in the midst of panic, almost the calm in the middle of the storm.  It was never a question whether they would be here or not.  They were always here front and center, even though some had new babies at home.  They were so consistent the whole time.  The therapists set a really good example for the Certified Nursing Assistants showing them by properly gearing up and staying safe, they were still able to treat their patients and give them the best possible care.  The therapists assured the staff and helped make them comfortable while caring for those that tested positive in the home,” says Debbie, Director of Nursing at Amelia Manor Nursing Home.

Because our therapy team works full time at the facility, they have long-standing knowledge and relationships with residents in the home.  They were able to identify changes in behavior very early, which enabled front-line staff to quickly diagnose and treat those positive patients.

“They were a big reason we had really good outcomes compared to others during the pandemic.  The speech therapist would notice if a resident’s appetite decreased which helped quickly identify a possible case.  They would go to sick residents’ rooms to do therapy and help them with their ADLs, while also encouraging hydration and pushing fluids throughout their time with each patient,” says Debbie.

Apart from basic therapy, the team at Amelia Manor went beyond the call of duty.

“The therapists were the family members to our residents that weren’t able to see their own families.  It was a lot for our residents to be confined in their rooms and then to be sick on top of that.  Therapy Center did wonderful things like make encouraging signs during therapy to put in the sick residents’ rooms to cheer them up.  They truly went above and beyond.”

“Our Therapy team at Amelia Manor did a phenomenal job of showing compassion, expertise, and leadership during the COVID crisis.  They championed being involved with COVID cases from day one and always placed the needs of the patients above their own concerns and fears.  The nursing staff at Amelia welcomed the support and teamwork which ensured that every patient was given the care that they needed.   While I am certain that many families worried from home, I hope they can see in hindsight that when you are in the hands of Amelia Manor and The Therapy Center we are family.  I could not be more proud of our team,” says Rachel Manuel, MS, CCC-SLP Regional Director.

Alone we are usually good, but together we can be great.  Our therapy teams throughout nursing homes around the state have shown exemplary care and leadership.  This is just one story of our heroes at Amelia Manor.

To learn more about our company, please visit our website www.therapyctr.com.

“When we opened our COVID unit we had 44 plus cases.  Therapy Center was eager to get in there and provide therapy to sick residents so they wouldn’t decline.  They knew they would be dedicated to that unit, which was a big commitment and sacrifice for those therapists and their own families at home,” says Haley, administrator at Maison Teche Nursing Center.

Unfortunately, many of Therapy Center’s skilled nursing partners were already in the midst of COVID outbreaks. This gave us the knowledge and ablility to offer any guidance that might assist with a positive outcome.

“Our company has been longtime partners and friends of Maison Teche, so when the outbreak struck the communication was seamless.  Immediately our therapists met with the facility’s nursing and administration staff as they organized, developed a plan, and executed that plan smoothly,” says Lauren MOT/LOTR at Therapy Center.

The full time therapy staff at the facility knew the residents’ baseline and were able to pay attention and quickly identify changes in behavior. Not surprisingly and without hesitation our therapists volunteered to treat COVID positive residents because they were very aware of the negative impact it could potentially have.

“For them to jump on board and volunteer to treat on the COVID wing, it meant that they sacrificed being able to see their loved ones…all so they would give our residents the care they needed.  That’s what means the most to me.  You hear ‘healthcare hero’ but don’t actually know what it means until you see the sacrifice first hand,” says Haley.

All of the COVID positive residents received therapy because keeping them moving was an integral piece in keeping them healthy. Lying in bed for weeks on end would only mean weaker residents.  While treating patients who were ill, our therapists pushed hydration with Pedialyte and Gatorade.  They also helped connect residents to family members by Facetime visits. Some of their therapy practices included taking pictures to send to their family who couldn’t see them so they didn’t feel so shut out from the world.

“Our therapists were able to turn a very scary situation into something calm and familiar for our residents of Maison Teche, easing the minds of families and staff.  I am extremely proud of the willingness to endure and heroism of these ladies,” says Lauren.

“I really appreciate the therapists being a part of our team when we needed it the most.  Even Therapy Center’s administrative staff was so helpful.  They would check in daily, telling me ‘whatever you need for us to do in your home to help you through this time, we will do it.’  I just appreciate them so much,” says Haley.

To read more stories about our healthcare heroes visit our blog.

Therapy Center is proud partners with Minden Medical Center and Mercy Regional Medical Center‘s inpatient rehabilitation departments.  

Contact us today to learn more!

After bilateral above knee amputations, Ms. Peggy found herself at Avoyelles Manor Nursing Home feeling doubtful she would ever be able to return home independently.  Our therapy team was introduced to her upon arrival being totally dependent on transfers from bed to wheelchair.  She was also suffering from general weakness and poor endurance.

“My goal was to build up the muscles that I needed to transfer so that I could go back home,” says Ms. Peggy.

“Her first thoughts were that it would be impossible for her to be able to go home.  We found success stories and videos of other “BAKA” living independently at home to prove that it is possible.  Through motivation and encouragement, Peggy began participating and getting more comfortable with us,” says Emily R., Physical Therapy Assistant for Therapy Center.

Ms. Peggy had the most difficulty donning/doffing pants, transfers, bed mobility and wheelchair mobility.  The therapy team noticed an improvement in Ms. Peggy’s attitude as she progressed in therapy.  She benefited from core exercises to improve her sitting balance and tolerance in the wheelchair.

As therapists, we often try to find new, creative ways to get our patients excited about therapy.  Ms. Peggy was no different.

“She looked forward to seventies rock music to get started with her exercise routine.  We would give pep talks as needed to keep her motivated to go home.  We ordered a special sliding board to increase independence with transfers.  We also helped Ms. Peggy order things that she needed at home to help boost her motivation,” says Emily.

“My therapists are very dedicated to their jobs.  I wouldn’t have reached my goals if it wasn’t for them.  They made me feel like family which inspired me to come to therapy every day and give it all I had.  Emily, Beth, Mama and Sadie will always be in my heart for never giving up on me.  I was happiest while I was in therapy,” says Peggy.

Approaching the end of her stay, our therapy team completed a home evaluation for Ms. Peggy.

“She then realized she could physically transfer to and from the lift chair and toilet as well as get around safely within her apartment independently.  We are so proud to have discharged Ms. Peggy with goals met to return home.  We are truly touched to be a part of such an amazing success story,” says Therapy Center team at Avoyelles Manor Nursing Home.

“If anyone ever finds themselves in the same predicament, I would tell them to never give up!  Put it all in God’s hands and stay positive.  Don’t skip therapy!  Don’t tell your therapists you can’t do something or you want to quit because they will prove to you that you can and will succeed!”

To read more success stories from our therapy teams visit www.therapyctr.com.