Even in the midst of a pandemic, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital is providing an easier path toward wholeness for individuals whose lives have been affected by physical trauma, such as Mike and Karen McCleary.
No one wants to lie in a bed, isolated from loved ones and wondering how long it will be before they can get back to life as they once knew it.
At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Marion County’s only inpatient rehab, survivors of traumatic injuries and debilitating illness receive a higher level of care while also having visits with friends and family.
One of 136 Encompass Health hospitals, which are accredited by the Joint Commission, the local hospital has more than 30 physicians and a team of therapists, registered nurses and nursing technicians who provide comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care using state-of-the-art technologies.
“Research shows patients live longer and have a better quality of life after an inpatient rehabilitation stay,” notes Jill Christy, business development director. “At Encompass Health we pride ourselves in providing a higher level of care. The right rehabilitation program can make all the difference in how quickly our patients return home or to their community after an illness or injury.”
Mike and Karen McCleary know what it’s like to have their world turned upside down. Previously in good health and independent, they suffered numerous broken bones when a car broadsided their motorcycle in September.
After their individual operations, the McClearys requested Encompass Health for their rehabilitation.
“The staff is excellent,” praises Karen. “Everybody was just as nice as could be. They work you hard, but they also celebrate even the smallest victories.”
The 80-bed hospital has private rooms, each with a view, a welcome relief to patients at a time when some post-acute care facilities have gone into serious lockdown. Fortunately for the McClearys, they were given rooms directly across the hall from each other.
“We were a unique story—a husband and wife in there together,” Mike says with a laugh. “We were in true quarantine, but fortunately we like each other. Both of us were bedridden, but they made it so it was at least tolerable.”
In addition to their individual therapies, the McClearys also worked on their daily living skills. For Mike, that meant learning to make a grilled cheese sandwich and being able to bathe without assistance.
“It seems kind of silly, but they make sure that you’re ready to go home and be independent,” he states. “From the time we hit the pavement all the way through our treatment with Encompass there were nothing but positives. There’s no reason we can’t expect to be fully recovered.”
Tours of the facility are available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call (352) 282-4000 or visit encompasshealth.com/ocalarehab