Case Study: The Paramount at Somers Case Study (Q4 2025)
Concierge: Dovid Koval
Age of Patient: 66 Years
Admission Date: 9/17/2025
Admitted From: Danbury Hospital
Discharge Date: 12/24/2025
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 98 Days
Reason for Stay: Rehabilitation Below-Knee Amputation
Heard About Our Community: From Danbury Hospital

Details of Experience:

Audrey S. is a 66-year-old father and grandfather whose rehabilitation journey reflects determination and a remarkably positive outlook. His experience with a limb loss began in 2013, when an infection in his left leg ultimately required a below-knee amputation. He adapted quickly with a prosthesis, returned to work, and maintained an active, family-centered lifestyle. In 2025, Audrey faced a new challenge when an infection that began in a toe on his right leg worsened, despite treatment, leading to a second below-knee amputation. After spending two weeks in the hospital, he was admitted to our skilled nursing and rehabilitation community. His therapy evaluation took place on September 18th, followed by his first full day of skilled physical and occupational therapy on September 19th.

At admission, Audrey required supervision to light assistance for bed mobility, maximum assistance for transfers, and was not yet ambulatory. Occupational therapy assessed him as needing maximal assistance for toileting, moderate to maximal assistance for lower-body dressing, and supervision for upper-body dressing. While prosthetic gait training typically begins once the residual limb is fully healed, Audrey was able to begin early mobility training through the Amputee Walking School, a nationally recognized program partnered with CareRite Centers to enhance amputee rehabilitation outcomes across the network. Working with Dennis Oehler, a below-knee amputee and Todd Schaffhauser, an above-knee amputee…both having achieved Gold Medal status at the Paralympics, Audrey began early weight-shifting, balance training, and gait mechanics using a specialized full-leg apparatus. Through this CareRite-affiliated program, Dennis and Todd have trained thousands of amputees nationwide, providing advanced gait, balance, and life-skills training that promotes early functional progress and confidence.

Their energy matched Audrey’s perfectly. His upbeat personality, humor, and unwavering confidence made such an impression that Dennis and Todd encouraged him more than once to consider becoming a motivational speaker for new amputees. Very quickly, Audrey became a source of inspiration in the therapy gym, lifting morale, encouraging others, and bringing genuine positivity into the room. Rather than speaking about the future in “hopes” or “goals,” Audrey speaks in the present tense. “He is walking, driving, and returning to the life he loves.”

Throughout his stay, Audrey consistently expressed gratitude for the supportive care he received from the staff. As a proud father and grandfather, his motivation to regain independence remained unwavering, and his commitment to the therapy was evident daily. By discharge, Audrey S. achieved independence across physical and occupational therapy domains, requiring assistance only for ambulation.

He was discharged with his new prosthetic legs and is now walking with the aid of a walker. He will continue outpatient therapy at home to further improve his gait and work toward walking independently without the use of an assistive device. Audrey is eager to return to work, resume driving, and fully reengage in his life, all while expressing deep appreciation for the support he received throughout his rehabilitation journey. We are incredibly proud of Audrey’s progress and determination and wish him continued success as he moves forward, walking into the next chapter of his life with strength and confidence.