John Hardy, a 77-year-old retiree from Spartanburg, S.C., lives with Parkinson’s disease. He enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife, a nurse. Following a fall, his wife noticed an increase in the severity of John’s symptoms, which include involuntary movements. This led to a trip to the emergency room where John was diagnosed with sepsis, a severe infection, that was caused by a urinary tract infection.

After initial treatment at a local acute care hospital, John chose to receive specialized rehabilitative care at Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute (SRI) based upon positive feedback from others. “I heard great things about the hospital,” he says.

Upon arriving at SRI, John was unable to walk or move between locations without assistance. He required help with activities of daily living and struggled with vocal projection. He worked with the hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team who created an individualized treatment plan to help him reach his goals of improving and managing his symptoms.

John began participating in the hospital’s Parkinson’s rehabilitation program, working with physical therapists to improve his lower extremity strength, coordination, balance, and gait mechanics. He worked with occupational therapists to increase strength in his upper extremities and gain independence in performing daily activities. His speech therapists helped him enhance his vocal projection and cognitive processing.

“The care here is next to none,” John says. “All the therapists have been wonderful.”

After 17 days, John met all of his goals and proudly walked out of SRI without assistance. He now participates in the hospital’s outpatient physical and speech therapy programs, and has returned to woodworking.

“I’m thrilled to be living life better than before,” John says.