Swing Bed Program Helps Janet get Back on Her Feet

Just months before an overseas trip to London for her niece's wedding, Janet was hospitalized with a severe illness that left her unable to walk without extensive assistance. After six days at a hospital near Osage Beach, she was discharged—still unable to walk on her own.

Janet chose Hedrick's "swing bed" program, an inpatient rehabilitation service, to help her regain independence. Typically, patients use the swing bed program to be closer to home so family and friends are nearby during their recovery. Having worked as the CFO for both Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center for many years, Janet knew Hedrick was exactly where she wanted to go to do rehabilitation and regain her strength.

Janet arrived at Hedrick on August 16, with her London trip scheduled for October 1.

When she first arrived, she couldn't stand for more than a minute. One of Janet's key goals was to cook in the newly remodeled therapy kitchen. During her rehabilitation, she even made cookies for the staff and took them around to show her appreciation. By the end of her 19-day stay, Janet was able to stand and even walk for longer periods of time.

"It was an incredible feat that made me better and gave me a way to thank the staff," Janet said. "Now, I can go home and cook in my kitchen. I'm not sure I would have been able to do it without them."

Thanks to her progress at Hedrick, Janet was able to enjoy her trip to London, walking up and down stairs and covering longer distances without issues. She credits her success to the rehab team's support and encouragement.

"I want to praise the nursing and rehab staffs for their continued encouragement to do what I needed to make that trip," Janet communicated. "If I hadn't been at Hedrick for those 19 days, I wouldn't have been able to make that trip."