Rehabilitation Patient Thankful for Expert Staff at Crane’s Mill

Following an illness, injury, or surgery that requires a hospital stay, a person may be eligible for sub-acute rehabilitation. This important step in a patient’s recovery involves therapy, rest, and evaluation to make certain that when the patient returns home, they are ready to do so safely.

When Don, a 73-year-old photographer from Summit, suffered a medical setback, he found himself having trouble walking and speaking. He also required care for a complex wound. A hospital recommendation and a fond memory led to his choosing Crane’s Mill for rehabilitation.

“Back in 2005, I was part of a photography exhibit at Crane’s Mill,” he shared. “I remembered it being a beautiful community. When I saw the community’s name on the hospital’s preferred provider list, I decided it might be a good place for my recovery.”

When he arrived at Crane’s Mill, he had a long road of recuperation ahead of him. Most of Don’s days at Crane’s Mill were busy working hard with the rehabilitation staff and participating in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Day by day, Don began to improve.

He became very close to the staff responsible for his care. “There is a core group in the rehabilitation department: Jeremy, Umesh, Homer, Danielle, and Christine,” said Don. “They saw me every day.”

“The nursing team also deserves plenty of credit for helping me every day during my stay,” he added, specifically calling out the team who helped care for his wound. “Janet, Jessica, Grace, and Leon deserve special recognition.”

Don’s health has improved dramatically after three months of daily therapy and care. He is considerably stronger, now walking more than 150 feet at a time, and his speech is phenomenal. He thanks the Crane’s Mill staff for his progress.

 “Many people don’t realize you can rehab at Crane’s Mill. I took part in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Their wound vac program is outstanding.” Don continued: “The whole staff is amazing. They are experienced and caring. They are the main reason I was able to get better.”

“Don praises our staff for helping him recover, but he deserves the lion’s share of the credit,” said Alexandra Smolarova, Associate Executive Director at Crane’s Mill. “He was determined to make a full recovery, he put in months of hard work and dedication, and he succeeded. We are proud to see him doing so well.”

He will soon return home to Summit and plans to continue his creative passions of photography and Photoshop instruction in the very near future.

“I’m thankful to the people here at Crane’s Mill. Their expertise made all the difference in my recovery,” he continued. “I would absolutely recommend Crane’s Mill to anyone in need of rehabilitation.”

About Crane’s Mill

Crane’s Mill is a life plan retirement community located on 48 scenic acres in West Caldwell, New Jersey. A part of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey, Crane’s Mill offers independent living apartments and cottages with the promise of excellent healthcare for the future. Levels of care include assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and long-term skilled nursing. For more information, visit www.www.cranesmill.org or call (973) 276-6700.