Prestige Patient Story: Darleen Applegate

Darleen Applegate was admitted to Timberview Care Center in early September after undergoing a right knee replacement. She had been experiencing joint pain and had limited mobility prior to the surgery.

With help from her daughter, Darleen researched skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers within her insurance requirements and was pleased to learn she could recover near her home at Timberview.

Once she arrived at Timberview, she was immediately welcomed with open arms and felt happy to be in a care setting that not only helped people improve their physical health, but also their mental health.

“It makes a big difference because if you’ve got their support and their care, it makes it easier to get well.” Darleen mentioned.

After Darleen’s surgery, her healthcare team cautioned her that the first two weeks of recovery would be difficult and painful, but they encouraged her to make small movements to start improving her mobility.

“For the first few days I was in a lot of pain, but they worked through it with me here [at Timberview]. They were very gentle with me – I needed somebody to put their hand under my heel to lift my foot up since I could not do it alone,” Darleen expressed.

From there, she started improving every day and much to her own surprise, she was able to lift her foot up off the bed on her own, shortly after, and her mobility started improving significantly.

Darleen has found joy and motivation through her physical therapy team, the dietary team, and all her nurses. During her physical therapy sessions at Timberview, she was shown how to use the equipment and has been able to join group therapy exercises with four to five other residents.

“That seems to make it easier than doing it just one at a time and it’s just wonderful to be in the atmosphere where people are smiling. It’s just like being out in the sunshine, it’s a great feeling,” she said.

Darleen also finds encouragement from her fellow residents at Timberview.

“There are other people here that are just whipping around in their wheelchairs and walking with their walkers. It makes it impossible to be lazy about your own recovery and motivates me to be up doing at least as good as they’re doing, “ she said. “Then you get to see when somebody does get discharged and gets to go home. The people who work here are sending them off with the best wishes and with love. They really take pride in the fact that they are able to help people get better and go home.”

Not only has Darleen’s therapy team made an impact in her recovery journey, but she has also found so much appreciation for the way the entire team at Timberview has made her feel.

Darleen said after she recovers from her right knee replacement surgery, she will be undergoing left knee replacement surgery and wants to return to Timberview for her recovery. “There’s music in the air here and love all around that it really helps when you’re trying to get better and to have people that are always checking to make sure you have everything you need. That really feels good.”

After she recovers from both knee replacement surgeries, Darleen says she is most looking forward to attending her family member’s wedding in Mexico this upcoming Spring. “My goal is to be a part of the wedding and, hopefully I’ll be strong enough to be there without the assistance of a wheelchair or a walker.”

For Darleen, her recovery at Timberview wasn’t just about the care; it was about being treated with kindness and receiving the support she needed to improve her quality of life physically and emotionally.

“Timberview turned everything around for me and helped me be my own advocate. They always make sure that they ask me how I’m doing or how I’m feeling. And they go beyond just your physical health. They want to know how you’re feeling emotionally, too. And that makes a big difference,” she said. “That’s how it worked for me, and I see it happen with other people that are here. I really appreciate everything they’ve done.”

If you are experiencing limited mobility or have recently been hospitalized, you might consider a stay at a Prestige Care Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. We provide short-term and long-term care, comprehensive evaluations, and education to help achieve each individual’s unique needs and ensure the highest quality of life for each patient.

Whether you are recovering from a surgery, illness, or injury, our team of healthcare professionals will work with you from the moment you arrive at one of our post-acute care centers to the time you are discharged and able to return home

Learn more about the additional care we offer at www.prestigecare.com/skilled-nursing.