Helen Lamers, Melbourne resident, was leading an active life. Community outings, social gatherings with friends and family kept her well-being.
So, when she fell and couldn’t get back up, she was worried and started to pray. “I couldn’t understand what was happening,” says Lamers. When her daughter couldn’t not get her up, she laid on her bathroom floor the entire night.
The ambulance was called and Lamers was rushed to the ER. There she was diagnosed with a serious condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome. It’s a rare disorder caused by something that compresses the spinal nerve roots.
In Lamer’s case, a quick intervention was needed to prevent lasting damage that could lead to incontinence and possible permanent paralysis of her legs.
Her urgent surgery was successful, but she developed a serious infection (MRSA) at her surgical site. Doctors told her a second surgery was necessary to clean out the site as well intravenous antibiotic treatments. Weeks later, she would require a third surgery to implant a would vac, a device that can decrease air pressure on the wound. This would help Lamer’s wound heal more quickly.
Surgery would reveal that MRSA had significantly progressed to her spinal bones, which would require a fourth surgery to fuse her weakened spine.
After spending over 100 days in skilled nursing and therapy, Lamers was not able to walk. For transfers, she needed a Hoyer lift to get her from bed to wheelchair. “I really did not like the lift,” says Lamers. “All I really wanted was to get better.”
After her fourth surgery, Lamers was transferred to Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center, a 5-star rated skilled nursing-rehabilitation facility.
“Everyday, we have the opportunity to make a difference in patient’s lives,” says Jeff Cleveland, president of Clear Choice Health Care.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” says Lamers. “I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the facility.” “The nursing staff was so attentive too.”
Lamers reports that she instantly had confidence with her nurses and therapists. “Right away they started teaching me how to get out of bed,” she says, “and they were so patient with me.”
Therapy for Lamers was progressive. She started out at a very low level. “Every day I saw I could do a little bit more,” she says.
“I would stand in the parallel bars, and the next thing I knew I was walking in the bars.” Therapy held the answers for Lamers.
Lamers calls her therapists the “dream team.” After 7 weeks of progressive balance drills, strengthening routines, and functional workouts, Lamers started walking with a cane.
Thanksgiving was a memorable time that year. “Much of my family came to the facility,” says Lamers. “We had dinner in their theater room…they were always trying to make my experience special. “When I got up to walk with a cane, they all celebrated with me,” says Lamers.
Besides the outstanding medical care, Melbourne Terrace looks like a resort. Marble floors, decorator finished gathering spots, a central fireplace, outdoor garden gathering sites, and numerous interior spots for family get togethers, are upscale measures for patient comfort. What’s more, there’s a fresh café and bistro, and a theater with surround sound.
“I will always remember with a thankful and grateful heart, the miracle and blessing of my healing journey at Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center.” Lamers is now walking without an assistive device and frequently enjoys community outings.
“We’re proud of our patient outcomes,” says Cleveland, “and it’s very rewarding to get patient’s to where they want to be.”
Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center offers comprehensive outpatient and inpatient therapy services for short- or long-term care. Call (321) 725-3990 to schedule a private tour.