Richard: Back to Cracking Jokes

Richard, 76, lived independently in South Tampa with his wife prior to a fall from a ladder due to a possible cardiac episode in August. Richard was brought unresponsive by EMS to the emergency room of a short-term acute hospital. He was found to have a right side skull fracture, scapular, and rib fractures in addition to a significant traumatic brain injury and elevated troponins, the regulatory proteins integral to muscle contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

During his treatment at the tradition hospital, Richard underwent PEG placement for nutrition, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation. He was unable to follow directives and/or communicate his needs effectively.

At the end of his stay at the traditional hospital, Richard required extended recovery time and was transferred to Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa for continued care on September 20.

Upon admission to Kindred Hospital Richard required supplemental oxygen support via an aerosol trach collar at 28% FIO2 and a PEG for nutrition. Functionally, he required total assistance for bathing, dressing, and grooming; total assistance for mobility and transfers; was unable to walk; and was unable to communicate, follow directions or take food by mouth.

Through the coordinated efforts of the interdisciplinary team Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa, Richard progressed to the point he no longer required high intensity medical care. After 31 days at Kindred Hospital, Richard discharged to a skilled nursing facility.

Upon discharge, he needed no supplemental or artificial respiratory assistance and was completely decannulated without any additional need of O2 support. He was modified independent for all transfers and mobility in and out of his room. He could walk over even and un-even surfaces with rolling walker greater than 250 feet with only supervision.

He ate 100% of his diet of by mouth with soft foods and thin liquids without restrictions. He was able to effectively communicating all his needs and even shared in a few jokes with the staff, enjoying word puzzles in his free time.

Thank you, Rhodes family, for allowing us to serve you.

Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa’s success is apparent in stories like this as well as in our quality scores – our patients and families rate our quality of care at 97.8 percent and over 99 percent would recommend Kindred. Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa is part of a network of three Kindred hospitals in Central Florida, including Kindred Hospital Bay Area – St. Petersburg and Kindred Hospital Central Tampa.