Concierge Director: Laura Verruso
Patient: Lon Shomer
Patient age: 60
Admission date: 2/18/2022
Discharge date: 3/4/2022
Discharged to: Home environment
Length of stay: 14 days
Reason for stay: Cervical discectomy C3-4, Laminectomy L5-S1.
How did the patient hear about Water’s Edge? Social Worker at St. Charles Hospital referred the patient.

Details of Experience:

When his accident occurred, Mr. Lon Shomer, an extremely talented actor/musician, had just landed the lead role in his local musical theater group’s production of The Titanic. On his way home from rehearsals, he slipped on ice and fell. He lay on the ice in the bitter cold for hours hoping someone would help. He couldn’t move, and he knew something was terribly wrong, but his faith and positive attitude kept him conscious. Luckily, he was found by a neighbor and rushed to St. Charles Hospital.

Mr. Shomer arrived at Water’s Edge Rehab and Nursing Center on February 18, 2022. Our nurses, physical therapists, social workers, physician, and administrative staff greeted him. After warmly welcoming Lon to our community, he expressed how determined he was to “get back home to his family and continue with musical theater.” Mr. Shomer chose Water’s Edge with the help of his daughter, Lori, who is a physical therapist. Lon stated, “I know what to expect, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Our physical therapists developed both long and short-term goals for Lon. Some of these included: safely performing bed mobility tasks, performing functional transfers, going up and down stairs using handrails, completing hygiene and grooming tasks, increasing sitting and standing balance to reduce the risk of falls, and performing functional mobility during activities of daily living. His personal goal remained, “I want to get stronger so I can go home.”

Lon was able to achieve his goals by using different treatment approaches during therapy, including therapeutic exercises and activities, neuromuscular reeducation, self-care management, wheelchair management, gait training therapy, and manual therapy techniques. He always mentioned how much he loved working with the rehab team here at Water’s Edge. “They’ve helped me so much and guided me through it all.”

Lon received intensive physical and occupational therapy. After only a week of hard work and perseverance, he was able to get in and out of bed, transfer to all surfaces, perform all his self-care tasks, and eventually walk over 100 feet using a quad cane. Lon also participated in all activities, including singing for our February birthday celebration! “I’m going to come back and perform for the patients and residents soon!” Between Lon’s determination and drive and the hard work of our rehab team, he was successful in being able to return home.

Mr. Lon Shomer was safely and successfully discharged on March 4, 2022. Team Water’s Edge will miss Lon’s positivity and determination. We wish him all the best in the future!