The next steps
Sharon Howe
Oct, 2015
Physicians: Daniel Sohn, MD
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Sharon Howe, 75, a Watervliet resident, was accustomed to living on her own and valued the independence it gave her. That was until she had to have her left knee replaced by orthopedic surgeon Daniel Sohn, MD.
After undergoing a successful surgery, Sharon knew that she wouldn’t be able to immediately return to her multi-level house and care for herself – but she wasn’t sure where else to turn.
“I had never heard of going to a rehabilitation facility after the hospital – I thought that was only for people with serious medical conditions, not someone like myself who needed a little extra temporary assistance,” said Sharon.
After her stay at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, Dr. Sohn suggested that she also participate in physical therapy following her operation and arranged for her to be transferred to Pine Ridge.
Upon her arrival, Sharon said she was pleased by the welcoming atmosphere of the facility and the staff who greeted her, before she even stepped foot in the door.
“While at Pine Ridge I had a complete sense of security that I knew I wouldn’t have had at home,” said Sharon. “I knew the members of my care team were available if I needed them, but I also had the freedom to still enjoy my independence.”
During her week long recovery, Sharon worked with Pine Ridge physical therapist Rie Shimada, who helped prepare her for the tasks she would need to accomplish after once returned home, such as climbing the stairs and getting into the shower.
“Rie pushed me where I needed to be – because of her I believe that I recovered faster than most people in my situation,” said Sharon.
A quick recovery was exactly what Sharon had hoped for since her grandson was getting married the following month and she was determined not to miss any of it.
Since returning home, Sharon continues to care for herself and credits Pine Ridge for the confidence they gave her to return to her normal life after surgery.
“Looking back, the thing I value the most about my stay at Pine Ridge was the sense of privacy I had,” said Sharon. “Because I was still mobile, I had the freedom to take the next step in my recovery. I was able to walk the halls or spend time in the courtyard on my own – and to someone who’s been independent their whole life that meant everything to me.”