Non‑Discrimination Policy
Returning to Independence
Posted May 12, 2016
Karen Streb was referred to Hale Makua Health Services following a cerebrovascular accident and a three week stay at Maui Memorial Medical Center. At 54, Karen lived alone in a condo and worked as a Stand Up Paddle Board instructor. When she arrived at Hale Makua Karen needed a feeding tube to eat. She required assistance to maintain sitting on the edge of the bed, get in and out of bed, use the bathroom, dress, she was unable to walk, had difficulty expressing her wants and needs, eating, and difficulty with memory. Karen was also unable to get in/out of a car, grocery shop, prepare meals, and bathe.
Our team of therapists and nursing staff created a comprehensive treatment plan to help Karen get her independence and life back. Her treatment plan included physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and nursing. Each area focused on strengthening different parts of Karen's body and mind. After three months of hard work, all of these areas came together and Karen reached her goals.
Karen successfully returned home in March with family and friends to check on her as well as home health services. She walks with a cane and is able to use the bathroom and dress herself independently. Karen is also able to negotiate her community safely including going to the beach and shopping. Karen is seen in the photo above (center) with several of our physical and occupational therapists that helped her get her life back.
The month of May celebrates National Better Hearing and Speech. We want to thank our speech therapists for their continued commitment to helping our residents regain or improve their ability to speak, eat, problem solve and much more. Speech therapy consists of four areas--speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. Many of us take simple things in life such as speaking or enjoying a cup of coffee for granted, until we are no longer able to do so. Speech therapy can literally save someone's life and make those in need become a whole person again.