Patient’s Age: 70-years-old
Admission Date: 10/16/2018
Admitted From: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Discharge Date: 06/21/2019
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 8 months
Reason for Stay: AKI (Acute Kidney Injury).
How did patient hear about Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing? Hospital.

Details of Experience:
On October 16, 2018, Preston McCauley was admitted to Bethany Center from Vanderbilt Medical Center for treatment of an AKI (Acute Kidney Injury). He spent over nine days in the hospital and had health-related complications. Upon closer examination, doctors discovered a wound located on his right lower inner thigh that would need proper care to begin the healing process. Within the first 24 hours, he was greeted by clinicians, therapists, physicians, administrative staff and many other valued members of the team to welcome him to Bethany and answer any questions that he or his family may have had. His wife and family had a great deal of hope that he could return home within a few months.

After a successful procedure, Mr. McCauley was notified that he would require extensive rehabilitation to treat his Acute Kidney Injury. He also received wound care and restorative rehab to help improve his strength and ability to function independently at home. As an integral part of the patient’s care plan, the family was in the process of transforming the first floor of the home to better serve his needs. On November 13, 2018, the patient and his wife were informed that he was not making the progress therapy had hoped for and a discussion was held regarding the potential for long term care. She agreed and began the process realizing this may actually be a longer process then she’d imagine. With Mr. McCauley understanding the decision to convert to long term care, he was renewed in his determination to reach his stretch goal of regaining his strength with the ability to walk again.

After many long days, leading into months, Mr. McCauley made progress daily. He gained the ability to stand and walk within 2 months and his wound continued to heal. Nothing could possibly get in the way of his determination for better health. He learned to push himself and those around him were of great encouragement. He would show his support, daily, to his fellow colleagues, when participating in various activities. Every day he would wake up and attend therapy, prepared to take on a new challenge. Many times we would take notice of him on the exercise bike showing off his master skills of how far he could go.

He participated in several therapeutic exercises with the physical therapist, Richmond Tooley, and occupational therapist, Jonathan Parker, including bed mobility training, transfer training and gait training to practice walking increasing distances and surfaces with a rolling walker. Obstacle negotiation and brake lock and unlock strategies were educated and practiced and strength training to improve bike resistance for increased endurance and lower extremity strength.

Mr. McCauley could brighten anyone’s day. He had a tremendous amount of support surrounding him. He welcomed so many of us here at Bethany, as new employees, with open arms. We are forever grateful for the impact he has made on everyone. Keep smiling and we will miss your amazing personality. Mr. McCauley’s goal was to return home in June and you did just that. He was discharged home on June 21, 2019…Congratulations!!!