After being diagnosed with bone cancer in his jaw, Dick King had extensive surgery that required removing his jawbone and replacing it with bone from his right leg. Dick stated that he was in bad shape after being released from the ICU. He knew he would need intensive therapy and felt that the Swing Bed Program at Pershing Health System (PHS) would be the right fit to help him get back on track and return home as quickly as possible.
“Pershing was great,” Dick stated. “The nurses were outstanding; I can’t say enough good things about them. The Occupational and Physical Therapy Departments were phenomenal. Thanks to them, I recovered much faster than I would have if I had been elsewhere.” Due to Dick’s extreme weakness and low endurance upon his arrival to PHS, he had to work hard while in the Swing Bed Program and then eventually Out-Patient Therapy services to regain his strength. He was able to return to his prior level of function and enjoy life again.
When asked if he would recommend the Swing Bed Program, Dick stated, “I would recommend the Swing Bed Program and the hospital overall to anyone, especially after being released from larger hospitals. I could have gone to a nursing home, but I’m thankful I went to Pershing Health System, and I would recommend PHS in Brookfield to anyone. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
Upon his initial arrival to Pershing Health System, Dick demonstrated difficulties in his standing balance, endurance with activity, and overall strength. These setbacks altered various daily activities in his life such as showering, toileting, dressing, etc. Dick is an active individual who enjoys spending his time mowing his yard and being in the community, so these deficits made it hard to complete these tasks. Collin Thudium, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant from the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department, commented that throughout Dick’s time spent in the swing bed unit, he was always very willing to work hard in all therapeutic activities. Dick was challenged daily with OT and PT activities – and continued to steadily improve, all while understanding his potential for growth and building strength during this portion of recovery.
Dick’s family members and friends visited him each day and he was proud to show off the progress he was making. “Pershing was very accommodating to our entire family and excellent with Dad,” stated Dick’s daughter, Dana Tarpening. “Dr. Babatunde (the attending Hospitalist) was dedicated and committed to his profession of caring and healing! Dad had a couple of setbacks, and Dr. Babatunde was determined to find the source of the issues, which he promptly did. Dad received the best nursing, dietitian, administration, and therapy services. On behalf of the family, we are very grateful for Pershing Hospital’s services.”
