I was admitted to Brooke Grove Nursing and Rehab Center after a week at Holy Cross Hospital. I had a fractured T-10 vertebra from a stairway fall. I was taken to Brooke Grove by ambulance. My upper body was stabilized by tortoise-shell braces, front and back. I looked like a 'Ninja Turtle,' without the powers.
Prior to my arrival, I had been able to take just few tentative steps using a walker at Holy Cross. I had looked at the Brooke Grove website, which showed a gymnasium. I doubted that it would be accessible/useful by me.
By my second day, I was navigating the hallways with my walker; to the gym, where I was introduced to the Physical Therapy that they have. I learned that I would have 2 hours of therapy 5 days a week. I found the Physical Therapists to be fabulous. They were well-trained, very patient, and never bored. They had a wide variety of exercise routines that were always appropriate to my evolving circumstances. On the third day, we were at a 2-flight staircase. I was afraid I would be invited to climb it, and I was. I took 1 step and a second step, I could do no more. The very next day I was invited to climb the staircase again. I was amazed that I could go all the way up the 2 flights and down! Good Job, I was told. I thought so, thanks to the PT that I had received.
I was there for 3 weeks. When I departed, I could use just a cane instead of a walker.
The amenities during the 3 weeks were more than satisfactory. The food was surprisingly good. They have a menu of choices that are always available. I opted for the 'Special of the Day.' Lunch and Dinner changed every day during a week. The next week had a different series of specials. The variety of "Special' meals was surprisingly eclectic. There were some that I liked very much because they were rather spicy/tasty.
I was impressed that they were included among the Specials. I remember someone shouting in the dining room, 'This is Too Spicy. I can't eat it.! My reaction was 'poor soul.'
Then there was the custodial care I received while there, nurses and so on. My own experience was stellar. The primary nurses assigned to me were Rod and Heather. They performed beyond reasonable expectation. Those that attended to me when Rod and Heather were not on-shift, were also excellent. read more
