jule's story |
I'm a doer. I wanted to get on with my life and St. John's Rehab Hospital helped me get my confidence back."
Despite suffering a serious fall and fracturing both of her wrists nearly 20 years ago, Jule still managed to walk her golden retriever three times a day. In June of last year, she was out for a walk – just like any other day – when she fell and broke her right wrist again.
Jule remembered well the emotional stress and painful recovery process, but experienced lost independence and new feelings of fear. "When I would go up and down the stairs, I was holding on for dear life," she says. "I didn't want to fall again." She struggled with completing everyday tasks like house cleaning, as well as doing the things she loved like writing and playing the piano.
Jule came to St. John's Rehab Hospital to get the therapy she needed to get back to the things – and people – she loved most. A personal exercise regime helped Jule regain the strength in her wrist. Nutritional education helped to improve her bone and muscle health. Support from her occupational therapists helped her re-learn everyday tasks, so she could rebuild her confidence and self-esteem.
Jule's rehab went beyond the hospital. She participated in St. John's Rehab Hospital's falls prevention program to have her home assessed and personalized equipment recommended to prevent future injury. It's ironic that Jule once trained others on how to avoid falls, encouraging them to have their homes inspected for safety. This time, she needed the eyes of an impartial expert to help keep her on her feet.
Recently, Jule has kept her recovery going with the hospital's eight-week Active Living exercise program. She is back to walking her dog and enjoying new hobbies like scrapbooking. She's also giving back to her community and fellow patients as one of the 130 members of St. John's Rehab Hospital's loyal volunteer force.
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how st. john's rehab helps
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