Success Story

Irmy and Glenn: Marking a Milestone

On September 12, 2008, Irmy and Glenn W. celebrated their 61^st anniversary.

When Irmy was admitted to Rainier Vista Care Center in February she was very ill. She had been diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome and it had hit her hard. She was on a ventilator, could not take food and was unable to perform any self-care or be mobile in any way. She was starting from scratch and had a long way to go to be back to the way she was. Her recovery would have to be a team effort including the center’s staff, her family and of course Irmy herself. There had been other challenges in her life and her recovery would be another. There was something big to shoot for – a grand anniversary!

Glenn was in the Army and stationed in Europe during World War II. He met Irmy in Salzburg, Austria, where Irmy was not only a physician but also an interpreter for the Americans. Their romance continued during his service. They were married in the American Consulate but as the war ended there were obstacles to her coming back to the United States with Glenn. Glenn extended his service so that he would be available to continue the difficult process. Finally, the red tape cleared and they returned to the U.S. where they would experience all of the fun and challenges of raising a family.

Each week at Rainier Vista, Irmy achieved a new goal. The nursing staff took care of health issues. The respiratory and rehab departments did their part working on goals such as eating and improved self-care and mobility. By September Irmy had progressed so that she could take some food orally and was assisting with some self-care and transfers.

Glenn and their daughters (and their families) gave great encouragement along the way and tried to find out more about Guillan-Barre Syndrome, even attending a national conference to learn more.

As their anniversary approached in September, Glenn and family worked with ED Linda Larson and her staff to put together something special. Finally, on September 12 – amid family that traveled to town – Irmy and Glenn celebrated their anniversary with fine China and linen, beautiful flowers, a gorgeous cake and the food they requested – salmon, rib eye steak, potatoes and Caesar salad. It was a memorable day for a very devoted husband, family and staff at Rainier Vista and a VERY special anniversary. ^.

Brenda: Odds on Recovery

Brenda, an active 46-year-old, loved shopping and gambling at the casinos. And she was very good at both! But her life changed drastically the day she experienced a stroke.

Brenda had an intracranial bleed, which can take many functions away from a person as it strikes the brain. The aftermath left Brenda totally dependent on others for her mobility and self-care and she was unable to speak or eat. She arrived at Rainer Vista Care Center with a lot to do and no path to follow – yet.

The nursing and rehabilitation teams conducted their assessments and care plans. There would be roadblocks and a large distance Brenda would have to travel to be “whole” again but the path was set.

Brenda got to work and would not give up. She was seen for intensive physical and occupational therapies and speech-language pathology and made little gains day by day. There was much encouragement from the staff and her family and friends.

Along the way there were milestones – an increased ability to make her needs/wants known, standing at the parallel bars, getting dressed with less assistance than before and eating solid food. Thirty days turned into fifty and fifty to eighty and then one hundred days of hard work.

Brenda has now progressed in her ability to walk with a walker, complete much of her morning and evening self-care and eat 100% of regular food. She can also make all of her needs known verbally. Her special personality is bubbling to the surface and she is funny and caring to those around her.

Brenda has much to look forward to, including taking off the blue helmet she has to wear for protection once she has surgery for a permanent piece of her skull to be replaced. It looks as though she will be able to move to an adult family home soon to practice her independence. All of us at Rainer Vista Care Center are proud to have been a part of her successful recovery. Look out, Vegas, Brenda the gambler might be there soon!