The Pulse

Patient Information: Female, Age 74

Diagnosis: Urinary Incontinence / Hip Fracture

History: This woman was admitted to a skilled nursing facility with significant decline in mobility
and function after an extended hospitalization due to a fall and subsequent fractured hip. Prior to her fall she lived at home with her family. Due to the severe decline in her function, she received rehabilitation services for one month prior to the continence program being added to her plan of care. Urinary incontinence had been an issue for years, but got significantly worse over the course of her hospitalization.

Patient Information: Female, Age 72

Diagnosis: Urge and Stress Incontinence

History: This woman, an independent living resident, referred herself to therapy for incontinence rehabilitation after attending a facility open house where she learned of the program. She reported gradual decreased control of urine with both stress incontinence (inability to hold back urine leakage with increases in abdominal pressure caused by laughing and sneezing) and urge incontinence (inability to stop unexpected and urgent urine flow) over the past year.

Patient Information: Male, Age 50

Diagnosis: Below Knee Amputation

History: This gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility for physical and occupational therapy services after hospitalization due to a non-healing diabetic ulcer on the right foot resulting in a below the knee amputation. Prior to the amputation, he lived at home and was independent with walking and driving.

Patient Information: Female, Age 78

Diagnosis: Stroke / Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

History: This woman with a history of several strokes had a subsequent stroke that resulted in severe oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). She had weakness in her lips, tongue, and muscles involved in her swallow, and required a feeding tube for all nutrition and hydration. She was admitted to a skilled nursing facility after discharge from the hospital. Prior to her most recent stroke she ate a normal diet with thin liquids.

Patient Information: Female, Age 85

Diagnosis: Falls / Back Pain

History: This woman, a long-term skilled nursing facility resident, was referred to therapy by the
nursing staff due to a recent fall in her room, decreased safety awareness, unsafe transfers,
and increased pain in her back and legs. Prior to the fall this woman required supervision to safely get in and out of bed and maximal assistance to walk.