BLOGS & NEWS

Stroke Patient Regains Independence

Before her health took a turn, 62-year-old Marjorie Germain from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, was enjoying life. She worked full-time as an outreach coordinator for the city of Albuquerque and enjoyed braiding hair and traveling. Marjorie was fully independent and able to drive without any concerns.

Marjorie’s recent health journey began when she woke up experiencing arm weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and difficulty swallowing. She was taken to a local hospital where she was diagnosed as having a stroke. After initial treatment, she was referred to acute rehabilitation for continuing care.

Following her diagnosis, Marjorie says she felt scared and like her life had just ended. She was discouraged because she was in a wheelchair. “I didn’t recognize myself,” she says. Marjorie initially didn’t want to receive inpatient rehabilitation, but with her daughter’s encouragement, she chose to receive care at ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Rio Rancho.

At ClearSky Rio Rancho, an interdisciplinary healthcare team customized a care plan for Marjorie so she could make a safe transition home as she recovered from the stroke. Marjorie received specialized rehabilitative care that included 15 hours a week of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. By the time Marjorie was discharged, she was able to perform most of her daily activities and walk independently.

“I feel so blessed to have been here,” Marjorie says. “I always felt safe and never felt excluded just because I had a stroke. I’m so happy that I can still be independent. I came in a wheelchair, and now I’m leaving on my feet.”

Marjorie now looks forward to returning to her home, to her job, and traveling again soon. “Every day is a new day,” she says.