Bob Morgan

Exceptional Care with a Personal Touch

Bob Morgan could barely move and was unable to even wiggle his toes when he came to the Broward Health Rehabilitation Institute at Broward Health North for rehabilitation after back surgery. Two weeks later, the retired Broward County school administrator could walk without assistance thanks to the compassionate and professional care from his rehab physician, physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehab nurses and other hospital caregivers and staff.

When Bob was admitted to Broward Health North to recover from his surgery, he had specific health concerns that required a personalized approach to his care. The 82-year-old was not only recovering from surgery that included posterior spinal fusion, an oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion and a laminectomy, he also suffers from Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder affecting the nervous system.

“I appreciated that they listened to me so I could best manage my Parkinson’s and all the little things they did to make it easier,” said Bob. “For example, I needed to take medicine very early in the morning so it would be effective by the time I went to physical therapy. Since it was well before breakfast, I took the medicine with baked goods my wife brought me and fresh coffee the team delivered every morning. I really appreciated that they always remembered.”

Bob’s wife, Rose-Edith, was by his side every day and says that from the start, the couple appreciated the compassion they were treated to by the caregivers and hospital staff.

“When you see people being kind to someone you love, who is suffering, you are so grateful,” said Rose-Edith. “What stood out to me was that the staff spent time talking and listening, sharing stories and getting to know us. I believe connections from relationships are a big part of rehab. Everyone on the floor was wonderful, from the nurses and therapists to the employees who delivered food. Through their professional care and overall kindness, they brought my husband back to me.”

Bob appreciated the positivity with which his rehabilitation team approached his therapy, and that they celebrated his progress and successes.

“They were great,” said Bob. “Their techniques, i.e., karaoke music and large screen videos, made me feel confident. It got me through the exercises and made a real difference.”

After two weeks of inpatient rehab, Bob was ready to move on to outpatient care. He tried working with a physical therapy provider closer to home but decided to return to Broward Health North to work with the therapy team with whom he bonded.

“After our experience at Broward Health North, we weren’t going to settle for anything but the best for my husband,” said Rose-Edith.

For more information on how Broward Health can help you or a loved one recover from a significant surgery, illness or injury, visit BrowardHealth.org/Rehab.