Independence is important to all of us. The caregivers at LNHA member facilities encourage independence because it improves the resident’s overall health and well-being and provides an opportunity to maintain a better quality of life.

Ms. Cora, a 51-year-old lady, was admitted to Meadowview Healthcare and Rehab Center after contracting gangrene which resulted in the lower part of her left leg being amputated.Consequently, she developed poor strength and endurance, an inability to walk for extended periods of time, and she depended on others to complete daily tasks.

When asked what she was most looking forward to after completing therapy, Ms. Cora stated, “I want to continue working on my leg. I also look forward to cooking again and visiting with my family.”

After working diligently to improve her gait, endurance, and strength, she can now complete day-to-day tasks on her own. Ms. Cora has regained her independence and has a new prosthetic that allows her to walk on her own.

LNHA member facilities serve more than 10,000 veterans. What a special honor it is to serve and provide quality health care services for individuals like Mr. Henry who served in the U.S.Navy for four years. He served in Vietnam, China, the Philippines, as well as Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California.

Mr. Henry has been a resident at Meadowview Health and Rehab for three years. During this time he had neck, back, and hip surgeries with therapy following each surgery. Mr. Henry enjoys the therapy program at the facility and likes participating in the many activities offered at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center.

Spouses often become caregivers for one another as they begin to develop health issues and find it harder to manage the activities of daily living. Mr. Howard, 84, and Mrs. Juanita, 81, both from Minden, Louisiana, are an example of one such couple. During their marriage, Mr. Howard worked as a carpenter while Mrs. Juanita was a homemaker caring for their four daughters. Mr. Howard arrived at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center after suffering from pneumonia complications. When he arrived, he was extremely weak and experienced poor endurance and balance. He was wheelchair-bound and unable to complete daily living activities on his own. Mrs. Juanita joined him at the facility a year later after becoming extremely weak and unable to care for herself. She was also in a wheelchair, relying on the staff to complete daily tasks.

Throughout therapy, Mr. Howard and Mrs. Juanita participated in strengthening exercises and worked tirelessly to complete their day-to-day activities by themselves. Mr. Howard focused on problem-solving and intelligibility exercises, while Mrs. Juanita worked on core strengthening. Both of them have come a long way and regained their confidence, and neither of them relies solely on staff to fulfill their basic needs. Mrs. Juanita can now walk freely and even walks to the gym twice a week; she also washes their laundry. Mr. Howard has regained his strength and uses a rolling walker to get around the building. When asked what they were looking forward to most upon completing therapy, they said they couldn’t wait to renew their wedding vows. They will be renewing them at Meadowview, and it is sure to be a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations, Mr. Howard and Mrs. Juanita!