Concierge: Kathleen Ferlise
Patient’s Age: 80-years-old
Admission Date: 3/25/21
Admitted From: Morristown Medical Center
Discharge Date: 4/25/21
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 31 days
Reason for Stay: Pneumonia, Generalized Weakness
How did this patient hear about Chatham Hills? Hospital social worker

Details of Experience:
It was a typical Thursday afternoon as Joan spent the day bird watching at her house. Joan had been experiencing symptoms that she hoped were just a seasonal cold. She could not get herself to stand up, which caused her to get nervous. She began feeling dizzy, nauseous, and weak. Knowing that this feeling was getting worse, she quickly called her daughter and told her what was happening.

Joan was rushed over to Morristown Medical Center, where she discovered that she was suffering from pneumonia. After a couple of days of being monitored, her hospital social worker recommended extensive rehab before returning home. Her daughter did research online, spoke with the admissions team at Chatham Hills, and knew this is where she wanted her mom to be.

Joan was admitted to Chatham Hills Subacute Care Center on March 25, 2021. Upon admission, she had a goal of returning to her prior level of function, or better! Joan’s goal was “to be able to stand up, to drive and return home.” Amongst many others who came in to introduce themselves, Joan was greeted by her physical and occupational therapists. Upon admission, Joan required moderate to maximum assistance. She was very weak, anxious, and nauseous. She could not transfer, get up, get dressed, or use the restroom on her own. After just one week of working with her excellent therapists, Joan began to progress to standing for a few seconds at a time and walking with a walker. She was thrilled when the dizziness started to subside. She became confident in her progress, and Team Chatham Hills was cheering her on every step of the way.

During her stay, Joan enjoyed spending time with her roommate and talking with the staff. Her favorite part of Chatham Hills was how she felt when she arrived; she shared with our Concierge, “the atmosphere was more like home, not a hospital. It was so inviting.” Getting to be near a window where she can see the birds were the highlight of Joan’s stay. 

Joan’s attitude from the beginning was to not give up on herself and to get stronger every day. She was discharged to her home on April 25th, 2021. She thought she would not be able to walk again but was discharged using a rollator! After a short few weeks of extensive therapy and working to reach her goals, Joan’s therapists and family were so proud of her! Joan stated, “Everyone was so great with me. Physical therapy was outstanding. They taught me so many things that I will happily continue to practice at home. Thank you to everyone who helped me along my way!”

Team Chatham Hills wishes Joan all the best back at home!