After months of weekly rehab at the hospital, Albert’s primary physician recommended that he go to inpatient rehab where he would receive more intensive therapy and have licensed professionals to provide him with physical, occupational, speech, vision, cognitive, and psychotherapy every day. Inpatient therapy was a wonderful opportunity for Albert to receive individualized help with the hope that he would increase his ability to speak, write, walk without assistance, function in the workplace, restore his independence and lessen his need for support services.
In-patient rehab meant that Albert would live at the rehabilitation center 24/7. I thought this was a good idea and was all in, but Albert wasn’t. He understood what the doctor and I were asking of him, but was unsure. He didn’t want to leave home, his place of comfort and security. I understood this because the past months were unsettling for him. Imagine waking up from a massive stroke or any debilitating accident and finding out that you can’t walk or talk, and you can’t understand what others are saying to you. You can’t go back to work and you need someone to help you do everything, including eating and going to the restroom. Albert was a fighter but he needed more time to work through this decision.
After many discussions, therapist input, and compromises, one compromise was a quick trip to Atlanta to a family reunion, Albert decided that he would go to inpatient rehabilitation.
Together we checked out different rehabilitation centers and chose Core Health Care. Core Health Care was about 40 minutes from the house, which wasn’t bad. Albert would have a private room, a bathroom close to his bedroom, attentive nurses, and his physical and emotional needs would be met. Albert was permitted to come home on Saturdays and Sundays, but he would have to spend every night at the rehab center.
We had many visits with the doctors and therapists, and were confident that we were making the right decision before checking Albert into CORE Healthcare, but leaving him at the center was hard on all of us. Jordan and I weren’t allowed to visit him during the first week so that Albert had the opportunity get accustomed to his new environment. After the week was over, Jordan and I picked him up and took him home. Albert was excited to be home. We spent the day together working on the yard, eating home cooked meals, and watching tv. At 7:00 pm, we’d headed back to CORE..
We got into a routine of spending Friday nights at CORE with Albert and driving home early in the morning, giving Albert a full day at the house. We’d stop at Starbucks, buy venti dark roast coffees and head home for a day with the family.
Intensive rehab had started. Albert was onboard and all of us had high hopes for his recovery.
Learning to Live Life and Loving it - Carol Johnson Blogs 