Rehab in Motion Program – Patient Spotlight on Leon S.

Leon S. is a resident of the Rivers Edge by Barclay House facility located in Savannah, GA. If you’ve met Leon, you might say he’s a hard-working man of few words, however; he more than makes up for it in his indominable spirit. With his permission, he has become our first example how hard work and perseverance pays off with the Rehab in Motion Program.

Leon first started physical therapy services at the end of January due to a significant decline in his ability to walk. He had become dependent on a power chair to get to and from the dining room and was having difficulty rising from a chair. Some residents had even expressed concerns over his decline in function and ability to care for himself. Family had made attempts to provide support via caregivers, however Leon wanted to be independent and often refused them. It took the assistance of his physician and a stern conversation that resulted in Leon seeking out the services of Rehab in Motion to help regain his independence.

After starting therapy, Leon attended his therapy appointments consistently and began exercising with weights, walking regularly with his walker, and performing activities aimed at improving his balance and endurance. Within a few weeks, he was rarely seen using his power chair throughout the facility. Although he would still become tired easily and occasionally fall asleep, he demonstrated incremental progress which was noted by all. While Leon still has a good way to go to achieve walking without a walker, he was able to demonstrate that strength, balance, and greater independence can be achieved through consistency in exercise, as he no longer depends on his power chair to get around.