Sherry Amos, who was a patient at Regency Park Health and Rehabilitation in Dalton, has worked tirelessly through a “one-step-at-a-time” approach to regain her mobility after a stroke and a fall set her back.
Amos, a Chatsworth resident who worked as a paraprofessional at Eton Elementary School, worked with occupational and physical therapists to regain her ability to walk. Staff at Regency provided her with adaptive equipment, a targeted exercise program and plenty of encouragement to make her recovery successful.
“She began by walking inside parallel bars a few feet at a time, but worked tirelessly to make progress each day,” said Andrew Hames, physical therapy assistant. “Ms. Amos was extremely driven, positive and hardworking. She was constantly looking for new ways to improve while working through a variety of strengthening exercises to regain the use of her leg and arm.”
When Amos had a stroke, she was left with less mobility on her left side. She later fell and injured her hip, knee and ankle. She entered rehabilitation to recover her ability to move normally following the stroke and a fractured knee. Unable to place weight on her side, she struggled with performing daily activities and had a grim prognosis.
Physical, occupational and speech therapy were brought in to help address challenges like balance, safety education and caregiver training. Physical therapy then worked with her to decrease the risk of decline in function while she waited to heal enough to be able to place weight on her left side. Gradually, she was able to stand again. Next, she regained her ability to walk using a quad cane, and eventually she could do personal care tasks on her own. Now, she can also do simple meal preparation with supervision.
She encourages others going through a similar challenge to “trust in God and give all you got.”
Aimee Raley, certified occupational therapy assistant, said Amos took small, consistent steps to gradually regain strength. She also said the rehab team is committed to tailoring individual rehabilitation needs and goals through the scope of programs and services.
“Our expert care, treatment and genuine concern for our patients and their loved ones help patients overcome medical, physical, cognitive and social challenges,” said Cherryl Berdos-Rosser, doctor of physical therapy and director of Rehab Services at Regency. “We help patients regain strength, skills and the strategies to move forward in life by making sure they are the center of their own rehab program.”
Submitted by Hamilton Health Care System.