Finding Strength at Adventist Health Acute Physical Rehab

From the moment Lola arrived at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial’s Acute Physical Rehabilitation program, she felt something she deeply needed after a painful injury: reassurance. Surrounded by a care team that listened to, encouraged her and helped her take recovery one step at a time, Lola began to feel confident that healing was possible. 

As a retired respiratory therapist, Lola spent years around healthcare teams. She knew what thoughtful, compassionate care looked like, and she saw it in the people helping her recover. The program felt personal to her needs, with therapists and caregivers guiding her progress without pushing her beyond what she could safely do. 

“This is the best place ever, and words cannot express my gratitude for being able to be here,” Lola shared. She described the physicians and staff as a true team, one that consulted with one another, cared deeply for patients and went above and beyond the average standard of care. 

For Lola, recovery was not only about rebuilding strength. It was also about learning to trust her body again. She encourages others who may need inpatient rehabilitation to come in with an open mind and trust the process. Listening to therapists and care team members, she says, is an important part of regaining strength, confidence and independence. 

Her journey to rehabilitation began after a long weekend in Southern California. Lola and her husband were on their way home when an everyday stop unexpectedly changed the course of the trip. As she tried to get back into the car, her foot became caught in the handle of a purse on the floor. With the car door open, Lola fell to the ground and immediately felt severe pain. 

Unable to get up, she was helped back into the car by her husband. After the drive home, she still could not get out of the vehicle, so her husband brought her to Adventist Health Lodi Memorial. In the emergency department, Lola received an examination and X-rays, which showed she had a femur fracture. She was admitted to the hospital and soon learned that rehabilitation would be an important part of her recovery journey. 

Now, as she looks ahead, Lola is focused on getting back to her old self. With the support of her rehabilitation team, she hopes to move forward with a stronger body, greater confidence and less fear of getting hurt again.