Drake Center

Remus Smith’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:09:15 +0000

“Ten years ago I had a stroke. I spent nine days in the hospital and then came to Drake. I’ve lived here ever since. The doctors, therapists, nurses and aides are all very good. Dr. Nelson is my doctor. I never have to go to her. She comes to my room for check-ups and takes care of any problems I have. I volunteer at Drake every day of the week as a greeter. I know everyone, and everyone knows me. I’m also President of the Extended Care Resident Council. I don’t have a thing to frown about. I try never to be sad about anything. I just want to put a smile on your face!”

Debra Garrison’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:06:28 +0000

“I was diagnosed in 2009 with rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, which resulted in severe chronic ulcers on my feet and ankles. I told my doctor that I wanted to go to Drake, because I knew they had good wound care. If I let the ulcers go any longer, I wouldn’t be able to walk. All the nurses were nice to me and knowledgeable. I appreciated that they’d ask, ‘What works best for you?’ They individualized my care and worked with me. I’d recommend Drake to anyone, because of the care I received. I feel blessed because I’m still here and my scleroderma is limited. It doesn’t stop me from what I’m called to do…to look out for others, like the Good Samaritan. I’ve done that my whole life.”

Mitchelene Walker’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:02:57 +0000

“I had joint replacement surgery on my left knee in May 2011 and chose to have my rehabilitation therapy at Drake Center. The therapists at Drake were excellent. They assessed my needs and created a personal treatment plan designed to get me moving again. Drake has everything – weight machines, a recumbent bike, treadmills, you name it. At the same time, they taught me strengthening exercises I could do at home without all the equipment. Today, I exercise several times a week, climb the stairs in my home with ease, and take my dog, Allie, for long walks in my neighborhood. I’m proud that I can make it up and down the hills!”

Kelly Marsh’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:59:58 +0000

“I had a hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 36. Emergency brain surgery saved my life, but even after two weeks at University Hospital’s Neuro ICU, and four more at Drake Center, I still couldn’t read, write, talk or walk. Outpatient therapy helped a lot, but I wanted more. I was determined to get my life back. I wanted to travel with my husband, drive my car, read novels again and exercise. About eight months after my stroke, I joined Drake’s START program. For the first time, I had a group of experts to assess my progress and guide my next steps. They gave me access to therapies and technologies that I just hadn’t found anywhere else, and most importantly, helped me plan my long-term recovery. It has been two years since my stroke, and thanks to the START team at Drake, I continue to accomplish new goals every day.”

Mary MacPherson’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:55:10 +0000

“My mother’s mental and physical condition was deteriorating so rapidly at the other facility that I knew I had to step in and make a change. She had been misplaced on a skilled nursing floor, and had just given up. It was extremely stressful to watch her decline. I immediately began touring other assisted living communities. The minute I walked into Bridgeway, I called my sister and said, ‘I found the place.’ What’s ironic is that my father was a pathologist and professor for University Hospital and the UC Medical School for 29 years. For a few of those years, he was Lab Director at Drake Center. Today, my mother is vibrant and active again, and she’s thrilled with her garden apartment. Life is good!”

Loretta Gill’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:37:23 +0000

“I have arthritis in my knees and back, and I’ve found that the more I keep moving the better I feel. For the last year, I have been coming to Drake for arthritis exercise twice a week, and it’s made a big difference. The classes are fun and the staff is very attentive. I just wish I’d started sooner!”

Eric Schaber’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:34:22 +0000

“I was in my early 20s when I fell down a flight of stairs. I struggled with Level 5 back pain for 15 years. Then, my sister, who is a nurse at University Hospital, recommended a doctor who referred me to Drake’s Outpatient Pain Relief Center and Dr. Kapteyn. He really listened to me and asked me many questions. Most of what he suggested offered relief: acupuncture, physical therapy, breathing techniques, counseling and non-narcotic medication. My pain level today is a 1-2, and that’s a huge, huge relief. Today, I can bend down and pick up my children. I can mow the grass, go camping, play horseshoes and split wood…maybe, carefully! Everyone at Drake has been friendly and caring: the therapists, psychologist, and the people at the front desk, in billing and scheduling!”

Harry Figgins’ Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:30:12 +0000

“Right before my stroke in March 2011, I’d ordered a new fishing boat. I told my physical therapists at Drake there was no way I was canceling. When they heard that, we started to work on my balance right away. I was well enough to go on my annual fishing trip to Michigan just a few months later. And I was the only one of the group that didn’t lose his balance when the waters got rough!

An added bonus of receiving care at Drake was the opportunity to participate in a research study, which examined how the brain changes after stroke and what recovery looks like in the brain. I looked at it as a chance to help other stroke survivors down the road.”

Ryan Jones’ Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:25:02 +0000

“In 2009, I was diagnosed with osteopenia, or low bone mineral density. The condition caused multiple fractures in my knees and feet, and pretty soon I could no longer walk without crutches. Physical therapy was too painful, but when I learned about aquatic therapy at Drake Center, I decided to give it a try.

Doing exercise in the pool feels so good, because you aren’t taxing your body, just working your muscles and joints. And the staff is great—they’re always giving me encouragement. Today, I can walk again and even ski. Whenever anyone asks how I got better, my parents and I always say it was totally due to Drake Center. I have been volunteering at Drake weekly—it’s my way of giving back to the place that’s helped me so much.”

Linda and Leo Dunnigan’s Story

wendell.day — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:20:23 +0000

“I was in a car accident on December 22, 2001, in Indiana. It was during an ice storm. I suffered a serious spinal cord injury and spent six months at Drake, learning ways to adapt to the new challenges I faced as a C6 quadriplegic. What I found most encouraging about all the therapists is that they were so positive and willing to explain things to Leo and me. Every day as I started therapy, they’d say, ‘Let’s try it again and see how much better we can do.’ Leo and I realized how seriously we needed a support group and how flustered we were without one. Drake gave us the approval to organize BrightSide for spinal cord injury survivors and caregivers. We all support each other.”