Rehab Success Stories

At St. Barnabas, your success is our success! 

The rehabilitation therapy program at St. Barnabas routinely transitions short-term patients back to their homes. The staff at St. Barnabas is priveleged to assist in our patients' independence!

Inspirational Therapy

Businesswoman Carolyn Lawrence came to St. Barnabas for rehab therapy following hip replacement surgery. For almost two weeks she worked diligently with her therapists to regain mobility and independence. Her constant pain gradually diminished; soon she was walking up stairs and transitioning to a straight cane.

"My family all say I'm hard to please, probably because I'm a business owner and want things done right," says Ms. Lawrence. "But I'm very pleased with my experience at St. Barnabas. The therapy was inspirational and the building was clean and well-kept."

Chance Encounter

Leaving work one evening, Allen Chesney slipped down a stairway and tore a patella tendon. In a medicated post-surgical haze, he heard someone say "St. Barnabas" and "rehab," and that's when he first realized the nursing facility offered therapy services.

"I'd often thought I needed to visit the new building," says Mr. Chesney, a Times Free Press copy editor. "I finally got the chance to do it!"

Therapists focused on building up Mr. Chesney's overall physical capacity so he could do for himself during the three-month recovery period. After a brief stay at St. Barnabas, Mr. Chesney was able to return home and to work.

"I'm very impressed with the therapy staff," says Mr. Chesney.  

From Ignorance to Bliss

Deborah Gann underwent surgery to remove a cranial aneurysm and contracted MRSA in the wound. After a prolonged stay in two hospitals and a stint in the ICU, she came to St. Barnabas for rehabilitation therapy.

Very debilitated for her young age of 56, Ms. Gann had significant balance disturbance, general weakness, and difficulty ambulating. As soon as the MRSA cleared up, intensive therapy sessions began. Soon she was walking blocks around the building, lifting weights, and happy to be going home to her three cats.

"I didn't even know there was a St. Barnabas," says Ms. Gann. "But this is the best therapy, the best nursing, and the best housekeeping! Everything was just wonderful!"

Small is Beautiful

Multiple surgeries, falls, and pain management were a way of life for Samy Attala since he became disabled more than three years ago. Nevertheless, his condition worsened to the point that he was facing total paralysis and his doctor advised neck surgery. As his last hope, Mr. Atalla agreed.

When Mr. Atalla came to St. Barnabas for rehab therapy, he was completely immobile - and not especially impressed with his new environment.

"My first thought was, 'What can they do for me? They are so small!'," says Mr. Atalla of St. Barnabas. "But very shortly I realized this was the best place I've ever been in."

Within weeks, Mr. Atalla improved from his helpless condition to walking well, and soon went home.

"The care I received at St. Barnabas was absolutely wonderful," says Mr. Atalla. "I wish St. Barnabas all the best."

Best Place Next to Home

A head-on auto collision landed 17-year-old biker Trent Creswell in the hospital with multiple fractures. He came to St. Barnabas for rehab, and two weeks later was taking his first steps since the accident. Trent was thrilled with his progress and excited about continuing his therapy at Siskin Hospital.

"My recovery went a lot quicker than I expected," says Trent. "I'm really excited to be moving on. But St. Barnabas has been wonderful. If I couldn't be at home, I'd want to be here. It's a very healing place, and everyone's so positive."