Patient’s Age: 77-years-old
Admission Date: 9/8/18
Admitted From: NY Congregational
Discharge Date: 2/1/19
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 4 Months
Reason for Stay: Below the knee amputation
How did this patient hear about The Chateau at Brooklyn Rehabilitation & Nursing Center? Family did research.
Details of Experience:
Mr. Darnell Clarke’s journey at The Chateau began back in September of 2018 after complications with his diabetes diagnosis. Upon arrival at The Chateau, Mr. Clarke was happy to be greeted warmly by the staff and made comfortable in his new environment. However, after a week of being at The Chateau, his wounds were not healing well and the doctors recommended that he go back to the surgeon for a follow-up to make sure everything was alright.
Unfortunately, the doctor said all wasn’t well and he would need to have his leg amputated below the knee. He came back to The Chateau in pretty bad spirits but was greeted by the concierge who got him in touch with Dennis and Todd from our amputee program who gave him comfort knowing that he would be able to be independent again.
Mr. Clarke was sent to the hospital with well wishes at the end of October to have his leg amputated. Once he was healed up and ready for discharge, he informed everybody at the hospital that he only wanted to come back to The Chateau – where he knew he would get to where he needed to be physically and mentally.
When he arrived back, the nursing team checked out his new wound and was happy to see how nicely it was healing. As soon he got the approval from the doctor he was back in the gym, stretching his upper leg muscles so he would be able to work well with is prosthetic leg once it arrived. After a few tries with the prosthesis, his new leg fit well and he was given the go-ahead to start walking with it. Within a few short weeks, Darnell was able to walk on his prosthetic leg and was on the road to being fully independent.
Prior to being discharged, Darnel sat down with the staff to express his gratitude for all that they have done for him, stating,
“When this ordeal started I thought it was going to end a nightmare and I would never have my life back. However, after all the ups and downs with my health, I am finally able to walk and be independent again. It was not an easy journey but thanks to the help of all my therapists and staff here I feel very confident going home to my wife and getting our life back on track. Although at times I thought I couldn’t push myself anymore the staff was always there for me and for that I will be forever grateful.”
Darnell was discharged to his home on February 1st, knowing that he had his independence back. Our therapists, trained by our special amputee program, had him walking with a cane and even climbing steps so that he would be able to go wherever he wanted to go.
The staff was so happy to see Darnel leaving on his own two feet and were so proud to see a man who came in on a stretcher depressed leaving on his own two feet with a huge smile on his face. We wish Mr. Clarke nothing but the best and hope that he continues to live life to the fullest.