Concierge Director: Yaakov Goldstein
Patient Age: 53
Admission Date: 7/22/2021
Admitted From: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Discharge Date: 11/06/2021
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 3.5 months
Reason for Stay: Amputation Leg
How did this patient hear about The Chateau? Her daughter researched on Google.

Details of experience:

Mrs. Gail Skeete was admitted to The Chateau at Brooklyn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on July 22nd, 2021. She is fun to be around, positive, and always respectful. Unfortunately, Mrs. Skeete required amputation of her leg. After the procedure was completed and the patient was stable, the doctors felt it was best for Mrs. Skeete to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Her daughter heard this and did some research to find the best facility. They chose The Chateau because of its cleanliness, terrific nursing staff, and above all, the best rehab team.

When Mrs. Skeete was admitted, she was immediately greeted by the warm receptionist and concierge. From that point on, she knew she was in the right place. She said her first impressions were that the staff was very welcoming, and the lobby was clean and bright. Once she settled in her room, the rest of the departments introduced themselves and explained how they would help her through her stay. When the rehab team came to do their evaluations, they asked her for her wish. Mrs. Skeete began to break down in tears. After a few minutes, she was able to get out the words, “I just want to walk again.” The community was determined to help fulfill that wish. They immediately called Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler, two Paralympic gold medalists, who created the Amputee Walking School.

Within the next two days, Todd and Dennis made their way to Brooklyn to meet Mrs. Skeete and explain their process to her. They wanted to make sure she knew that this was not the end, rather a new beginning. From day one of meeting Todd and Dennis, Mrs. Skeete knew she would get better. She felt she was in a similar situation as they were, and they went on to do great things. That was all the motivation she needed. Before she could start walking, her wound had to heal. Even when she was not ready to walk, Todd and Dennis often visited to ensure Mrs. Skeete did not feel forgotten. It was important to them to make her feel that we were with her every step of the way.

After her wound healed entirely, Mrs. Skeete was ready to get the process started. She was first seen by a representative who fit her for a sleeve for her leg that would make the prosthetic feel comfortable. Once that was in place, they were able to size her right for the leg. While this was all going on, Mrs. Skeete was working out to make sure she was strong enough to use her legs. After getting the proper prosthetic, it was on to the next stage and learning how to walk again.

At first, it was difficult, but Mrs. Skeete looked around the room and saw how everyone was there supporting her. She began by doing some exercises to learn how to use the prosthesis. After perfecting that, she was on to the next step; walking. Mrs. Skeete started by doing a few feet a day. After two weeks, she was doing almost 100 steps. She kept pushing herself and started doing stairs, as well. Nearly three weeks later, Mrs. Skeete was ready to go home.

A discharge date was set for November 6th. Before she left, Mrs. Skeete wanted to make sure she thanked everyone that helped her through this journey. She said, “I cannot thank the staff at The Chateau enough. From the concierge to the nursing staff to the rehab team, without them, I will not be where I am today. Todd and Dennis were wonderful and inspirational. They gave me hope. If I could give 10 stars, I would. This facility is amazing, and I will come back to visit and show my appreciation to everyone who helped me fulfill my wishes.”

The Chateau wishes Mrs. Skeete the best, and we are honored to be able to have helped another amazing woman make her wishes come true!