Southeast Rehab Eases Road to Recovery, Returns Patient to Independent Living
As anyone who has experienced major surgery or
serious illness knows, recovery can involve a long,
trying rehabilitation period. That certainly looked
like it would be the case for Annette Arsenault,
who faced tough odds. The 88-year-old had a painful fall and
subsequent hip surgery in July 2007.
According to daughter, Anne Marie Burton, however, the conscientious staff at Southeast Rehabilitation Center at Charlton Memorial Hospital helped Arsenault achieve the nearly impossible for a person of her age after major surgery — she returned to independent living in her own home.
“My mother was determined,” Burton said. “The center worked with her. They took her age into consideration, but they were persistent in their goals. They didn’t give up, and neither did my mother.”
Compassionate, Personalized Care
Burton said her mother’s former hip replacement, performed in 1998, worked well until 2006, when it began clicking as she walked. Soon, Arsenault was in pain. Burton feared a fall, and the family considered nursing home placement for her mother’s safety. Before they could take action, however, Arsenault did fall, and wound up in the Charlton Emergency Department.Arsenault needed corrective surgery. “Dr. Raukar took time to make sure my mother understood everything,” Burton said. “He spoke directly to her — not to my sister and me. He helped her feel at ease.”
After surgery, Arsenault transitioned to Southeast Rehab. The interdisciplinary Southeast team developed a customized rehabilitation program for her while taking her postsurgery nursing needs into account. They helped her achieve her goal of returning home.
“I walked up the 17 steps to my daughter’s house — with a little help — on Thanksgiving weekend,” Arsenault said. “For an 88-year-old lady, I think I’ve done very well.”
Burton said seeing her mother climb those stairs gave the entire family a reason for gratitude. “A whole-hearted thanks goes out to everyone involved in her case. Southeast Rehab does a remarkable job of achieving success with their patients.”
