When Mr. Flood first arrived at BridgePoint Healthcare, he required the assistance of two caregivers for even the most basic movements—turning in bed, sitting upright, or transferring to a chair. He was dependent on others for daily activities like dressing and toileting. But what stood out from day one was Mr. Flood’s drive. He wasn’t just determined to heal—he was determined to get back behind the wheel of his cab and return to the life he loved.

Diagnosed with complex medical needs requiring ventilator support and tracheostomy care, Mr. Flood began his journey with respiratory therapy while also working closely with his physical and occupational therapists. Thanks to his remarkable progress and the dedication of his care team, he was successfully decannulated and transitioned to a regular diet.

In therapy, Mr. Flood gradually built strength, improved his balance, and regained his ability to walk—progressing from total assistance to walking 40 to 50 feet at a time with a rolling walker and only minimal assistance. His tolerance for daily activities grew significantly, and he began participating more independently in self-care.

As Mr. Flood's journey continued, one thing remained clear: his motivation. He often spoke about his passion for driving and his eagerness to return to work. Whether his discharge takes him home with health support or to inpatient rehab, he is well on his way to reclaiming the life he envisioned.

His story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of a dedicated care team rallying around a patient who simply refused to give up.

A Journey of Strength and Determination

Background: Mr. Temple, an independent college student and devoted family man, lived an active life, always taking care of his wife and daughters. However, life took an unexpected turn when Mr Temple developed severe stage 4 sacral wounds that required specialized care. His condition led him to seek treatment at BridgePoint Healthcare after transferring from West Jefferson Hospital.

Why BridgePoint Healthcare? Mr. Temple chose BridgePoint Healthcare because of the exceptional reputation of the wound care team. He expressed immense trust and confidence in the staff, knowing that everyone took great care of him and prioritized his well-being.

The Motivation to Recover: Mr. Temple's primary motivation was his desire to regain mobility and return to supporting his family. His daughters served as a constant source of inspiration throughout his recovery journey. He was determined to get stronger and move around independently again, which fueled his perseverance and commitment to healing.

Support from the Care Team: The care provided by the interdisciplinary team at BridgePoint Healthcare played a pivotal role in Mr. Temple's recovery:

• Wound Care: Upon arrival, Mr. Temple expressed concern about his wounds and home situation. However, with the dedicated efforts of the wound care team, he saw significant improvements in the condition of his wounds throughout his stay.

• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Mr. Temple was adamant about getting up and moving. Thanks to the unwavering support from the physical and occupational therapy team, he gained strength and demonstrated tremendous improvement during his stay.

• Nursing Care: The nursing staff noted Mr. Temple's willingness to care for himself and his determination to get better. Their encouragement and expert care further motivated him on his path to recovery.

Goals for the Future: Mr. Temple's ultimate goal is to live independently and resume his life. Although he acknowledges that living alone in a wheelchair can be challenging, his determination to overcome obstacles remains steadfast. Additionally, he is excited to get back to doing what he loves most—cooking for his daughters.

A New Chapter: As Mr. Temple continues his journey, he carries with him the strength and resilience that defined his recovery. BridgePoint Healthcare is proud to have played a part in helping him regain control of his life and return to the people who matter most.

Lauren’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph. Her journey began in 2021 when she was admitted to BridgePoint Continuing Care Hospital after a challenging battle with COVID-19 pneumonia and hypercapnic respiratory failure. This followed a period of medical instability that required critical interventions, including BiPAP therapy, to stabilize her respiratory function.

From the moment she arrived at BridgePoint, Lauren’s care was a collaborative effort tailored to her unique needs. A dedicated multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly to stabilize her health and address her mobility and daily living challenges. Despite facing complex medical conditions and significant limitations, Lauren’s determination and positive spirit were evident as she embraced each step of her rehabilitation journey.

As her health stabilized, Lauren transitioned to BridgePoint Subacute & Rehab National Harborside, where her focus shifted toward regaining independence. With the expert guidance of her therapists, she began an intensive therapy program that addressed her mobility, self-care, and overall functionality.

In physical therapy, Lauren made remarkable progress, mastering functional transfers, ambulation with a walker, and stair navigation. Each session brought her closer to independence, reducing her reliance on assistance and improving her confidence. Occupational therapy was equally transformative, as Lauren worked diligently on daily self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Her advancements—from needing significant support to minimal supervision—highlighted her determination to reclaim her independence.

Lauren’s success is a testament to the power of perseverance, expert care, and a supportive environment. Her journey exemplifies what is possible with a blend of skilled rehabilitation and individual commitment. Today, Lauren is thriving independently in her community, serving as an inspiration to others on similar paths. Her story reminds us all that with dedication and the right support, overcoming significant challenges is not just a goal—it’s an achievable reality.

Warren’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, unwavering determination, and the transformative power of comprehensive care. At just 30 years old, he faced a cascade of life-threatening medical crises—acute hypoxic respiratory failure, multiple strokes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. These challenges left him in critical condition, fully dependent on others for daily tasks and reliant on mechanical respiratory support.

Despite these immense obstacles, Warren’s journey is one of triumph against the odds. His recovery began at BridgePoint Continuing Care Hospital, where a dedicated team of specialists guided him through the most critical stages of his treatment. Initially unable to wean off mechanical ventilation, Warren’s progress astonished everyone as he transitioned to extended periods of independent breathing. With the expert care of speech therapists, he regained his ability to swallow and communicate, eventually being decannulated and returning to functional oral feeding. His recovery continued with focused physical therapy, where every step represented a hard-fought victory.

Warren’s progress accelerated upon transitioning to BridgePoint SubAcute & Rehab. When he first arrived, he required complete assistance for mobility and self-care. Muscle weakness, impaired gait, and lingering effects of his tracheostomy added to the challenges. But Warren’s determination, coupled with a multidisciplinary approach to care, brought about remarkable milestones.

Through intensive physical therapy, Warren went from total dependence to walking 1,000 feet under supervision and climbing stairs with minimal assistance. Occupational therapy empowered him to reclaim everyday activities, such as dressing, bathing, and managing personal care independently—without adaptive equipment. Meanwhile, speech therapy restored his communication and cognitive skills, enabling him to fully engage with the world around him.

By the end of 2024, Warren had achieved a level of independence once thought impossible. He transitioned from needing total assistance to living independently in his private residence. Though his journey with intensive therapy concluded, Warren’s commitment to restorative maintenance programs ensured he could sustain his achievements and continue thriving.

Warren’s journey is a testament to the profound possibilities of expert care and personal perseverance. His transformation from critical illness to independence serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of collaborative, compassionate healthcare. Warren’s story not only brings hope to others facing similar challenges but also celebrates the incredible potential within us all to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

In early October 2020, Mr. Dawkins arrived at BridgePoint Continuing Care Hospital facing significant health challenges. Diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure, paraplegia, and severe muscle weakness, he required full dependence for mobility and daily tasks. His health was further complicated by his reliance on a ventilator for breathing and a G-tube for nutrition. Despite these overwhelming circumstances, Mr. Dawkins approached his rehabilitation with remarkable determination and resilience.

By early November 2020, after just a few weeks of care, Mr. Dawkins achieved a major milestone—he was successfully decannulated, no longer needing the ventilator. This achievement marked the beginning of his transformative rehabilitation journey as he transitioned to BridgePoint Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation.

Initially, Mr. Dawkins was completely dependent on his caregivers for bed mobility, transfers, and basic movement. He could not ambulate independently and needed extensive support for all daily activities. However, with the dedicated efforts of BridgePoint’s physical therapy, occupational therapy, and restorative team, his health and strength gradually improved.

What defined Mr. Dawkins’ recovery was his unwavering commitment. Despite the immense challenges he faced, he consistently engaged in his therapy sessions. He worked diligently in physical therapy to build strength and regain mobility, and he made steady progress in speech therapy, transitioning from G-tube feeding to a normal diet by October 2021. This milestone was a testament to his perseverance and determination.

Between 2021 and 2024, Mr. Dawkins continued to make incremental strides. With the support of BridgePoint’s skilled therapy team, he focused on gait training, weight-shifting exercises, and strength-building interventions. By May 2024, his efforts culminated in significant progress—he was able to perform functional transfers with minimal assistance and ambulate with a rolling walker for distances up to 500 feet, taking rest breaks as needed. This represented a major shift in his mobility and independence.

Mr. Dawkins’ journey from total dependence to modified independence is a testament to his resilience. Today, he can transfer safely with supervision and walk with support over considerable distances. His progress has reduced the level of care he requires, allowing him to move forward with greater autonomy.

As Mr. Dawkins transitions to an assisted living facility in the district, his story stands as an inspiring example of dedication and strength. His remarkable achievements at BridgePoint Healthcare National Harborside are a true success story, offering hope and encouragement to others on their own rehabilitation journeys. We celebrate Mr. Dawkins’ progress and look forward to his continued success on his path to independence!

In 2021, Ms. Felicia’s life took a dramatic and unexpected turn when she arrived at Doctor’s Community Hospital, fighting for every breath. Struggling with acute respiratory distress and requiring 4 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula, her diagnosis was grim: acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Her condition was complicated further by sepsis, and the initial stages of her hospitalization were critical. Despite the severity of her illness, Ms. Felicia responded to treatment and began showing signs of improvement. Yet, her relief was short-lived as she faced a new diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, leading to advanced heart failure. She was fitted with a LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator, to manage this life-threatening condition.

As Ms. Felicia’s medical journey continued, she was transferred to BridgePoint Continued Care Hospital: National Harborside, where her health challenges persisted. In July, her condition worsened once again, as she experienced a setback in her respiratory status. Her breathing became increasingly labored, leading to another stay in the ICU. Despite these obstacles, Ms. Felicia’s strength and determination began to shine through. Slowly, she began to regain her independence—one step at a time.

During her time at BridgePoint, Ms. Felicia achieved milestones that had once seemed impossible. She regained the ability to feed herself, manage her hygiene, and dress her upper body independently. Though she still required some assistance, her progress was undeniable. Her independence in bed mobility returned, and she could move and transfer with greater ease, thanks to contact guard assistance.

By late August 2021, Ms. Felicia transitioned to BridgePoint Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation: National Harborside, marking a new chapter in her journey. Over several months, she focused intensely on improving her functional mobility, strength, and independence in daily activities. Despite the ongoing challenges of shortness of breath, Ms. Felicia demonstrated remarkable determination during physical therapy. Her bilateral lower extremity muscle strength increased, allowing her to achieve independence in transferring from supine to sitting positions. With her functional transfers improving, her fall risk was significantly reduced, providing her with greater mobility and confidence.

Occupational therapy brought similar successes for Ms. Felicia. She progressed from requiring maximum assistance to achieving modified independence in transfers. Through the use of adaptive equipment, she mastered lower body dressing with supervision. Her dynamic standing balance improved, further reducing her fall risk and enhancing her ability to participate in everyday activities.

Between rehabilitation courses, Ms. Felicia remained active in a restorative program, ensuring that the hard-won gains she made were maintained and even built upon. Her dedication to her recovery was unwavering.

Today, Ms. Felicia is preparing for a significant milestone: moving back into the community. In a testament to her resilience and determination, she is giving herself the best birthday present—a new apartment and the promise of independence. With the support of BridgePoint and her own incredible strength, Ms. Felicia is on her way to living her best life, ready to embrace a future filled with possibility.

Her story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, skilled care, and the right support, even the most daunting health challenges can be overcome.

Mr. Hudson, a man who cherished the simple joys of life—food, fishing, and the company of friends and family—experienced a life-altering event that brought him to BridgePoint Healthcare New Orleans. Before his accident, Mr. Hudson was an independent man who loved making memories with his son, particularly those centered around their shared love for the outdoors.

On the day of the accident, Mr. Hudson was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident where his car flipped eight times. The impact was so intense that when he arrived at the hospital, he did not have a pulse. Miraculously, he survived and was stabilized at the University Medical Center. However, his injuries were severe, and his next step was critical for his recovery. The medical team recommended BridgePoint Healthcare, praising it as the best long-term acute care hospital (LTAC) in the area. Trusting their judgment, Mr. Hudson was admitted to BridgePoint on July 17, 2024.

Upon admission, Mr. Hudson faced numerous challenges. He was hemodynamically unstable, dependent on a ventilator, and required a PEG tube for nutrition. His cognitive function was impaired, and he needed total assistance for basic self-care tasks. Despite these obstacles, Mr. Hudson's resolve to recover was unwavering, driven by his deep love for his son and the desire to return to his cherished activities.

The comprehensive care at BridgePoint played a pivotal role in his recovery. The therapy team, nurses, and doctors worked tirelessly to support his progress. Mr. Hudson expressed immense gratitude for the staff, who consistently checked on him, motivated him, and provided excellent care. The therapy team, in particular, had a significant impact on his recovery, pushing him to improve daily. His son was a constant source of inspiration, fueling his determination to regain his strength and independence.

Through the diligent efforts of the medical and rehabilitation teams, Mr. Hudson made remarkable progress. Initially requiring two-person assistance to take a few steps, he gradually built up his strength and endurance. By the time of his discharge, he was able to walk 50 feet with a rolling walker, a testament to his hard work and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program at BridgePoint.

Mr. Hudson's respiratory therapy also marked a significant milestone in his recovery. From being ventilator-dependent, he progressed to using a trach collar, and eventually, he was decannulated and was able to breathe on his own with minimal oxygen support. His ability to consume a regular diet with thin liquids was another major achievement, thanks to the dedicated speech therapy he received.

Mr. Hudson’s incredible progress didn’t go unnoticed. He went from being totally dependent to showing such significant improvement that his insurance company approved him for a transfer to Inpatient Rehab at Ochsner. This next step will be crucial in helping Mr. Hudson gain more independence and hopefully return to his prior level of functioning.

Looking forward, Mr. Hudson is eager to return to his life before the accident. His immediate goal is to continue building his strength and eventually return home to live with his sister. Long-term, he dreams of buying a piece of property and getting back to his favorite pastime—fishing. He looks forward to catching catfish, cleaning them, and enjoying a fish fry with his family, creating new memories with his loved ones.

Mr. Hudson’s journey at BridgePoint Healthcare New Orleans is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of compassionate, comprehensive care. The staff at BridgePoint are honored to have played a part in his recovery, helping him get one step closer to returning to the life he loves.

Franklin began his healing journey at BridgePoint Continuing Care Hospital - National Harborside in May 2022, facing a formidable battle with multifocal cavitary pneumonia. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to intubation and mechanical ventilation, further complicated by pulseless electrical activity arrests. Despite enduring a prolonged and challenging stay in the ICU, Sterling's resilience shone through. He was weaned off the ventilator, though his path was fraught with difficulties, including unsuccessful extubation attempts, which necessitated a tracheostomy.

Franklin's journey was marked by significant challenges. After moving to a medical floor, he suffered a cardiac arrest following PEG tube placement, leading to further setbacks and unstable atrial fibrillation. However, through continuous respiratory treatment, Franklin's condition gradually improved. This progress allowed for the downsizing of his tracheostomy and the application of a speaking valve. By the time he was ready for admission to BridgePoint Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation - National Harborside in August 2022, his tracheostomy had been successfully removed.

When Franklin arrived at BridgePoint Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation, he required maximum assistance for most activities of daily living. He needed total assistance with bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation, although he remained independent with self-feeding and oral hygiene. Through his perseverance and the dedicated care provided at BridgePoint, Sterling made remarkable strides in his recovery. Today, he is completely independent in all activities of daily living and ambulates freely without any assistive devices.

Franklin's journey is not just one of physical recovery but also of rediscovery. He now enjoys spending time outdoors, writing poetry, and socializing with friends. As he transitions to an assisted living facility in Northwest DC, Sterling leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination.

In honor of his journey and love for poetry, Franklin has shared one of his original poems with us. His words are a testament to the strength and spirit that have carried him through this challenging time. We wish Franklin all the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his life. Good luck, Franklin!

Meridian H

Myne fount that is of plashes even to dissolve. (My fountain that splashes evenly)

A worn of tres gusts o nend hem doth sink and it beo bend. (The group of trees that sway in the wind)

Tho, lives sweg at an idul balconee til disagree. (Though merry music lives at an empty balcony until you disagree)

-Franklin S.

In August 2012, Ms. Wanda arrived at BridgePoint National Harborside Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center with a complex array of medical conditions. Managing cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, dysphagia, hypothyroidism, GERD, tremor, ataxia, seizures, chronic atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), degenerative joint disease (DJD), and more, Ms. Wanda faced significant challenges. Before her admission, she did not require any assistive devices, but upon arrival, she was bedbound and entirely dependent on others for mobility and self-care.

Faced with these daunting circumstances, Ms. Wanda’s rehabilitation journey at BridgePoint began. The comprehensive care provided included physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, each tailored to address her specific needs. The interventions focused on therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, self-care training, and wheelchair management.

The progress she made was nothing short of remarkable:

• Bed Mobility: Initially requiring total dependence, Ms. Wanda improved to performing bed mobility tasks with only contact guard assistance (CGA).

• Wheelchair Mobility: From total dependence, she progressed to propelling herself in a wheelchair for 350 feet with minimal assistance.

• Transfers: She advanced from needing full assistance to being able to transfer from supine to sit with minimal help.

• Hygiene and Grooming: Ms. Wanda achieved modified independence, completing hygiene and grooming tasks while seated in a wheelchair.

• Strength and Coordination: Significant improvement in her upper body strength and fine motor coordination enabled her to perform daily living activities more effectively.

Ms. Wanda’s story is one of resilience and determination. Her dedication to the rehabilitation process, combined with the expert care provided by the SNF rehabilitation team at BridgePoint, resulted in a significant improvement in her quality of life. She regained much of her independence, and her outlook for maintaining her current level of function is excellent. She continues to live with increased independence and safety.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Wanda shared, “If you work the therapy program and do your best, it will work for you! I am a prime example! Always believe that you deserve better. Jesus said, ‘By my stripes you are healed’ Believe him!”

Wanda’s success story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of comprehensive care, and the impact of a supportive rehabilitation environment. At BridgePoint National Harborside Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, her journey from dependence to independence stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with determination and the right support system.

On April 1, 2024, Mr. Arcala, a 36-year-old Spanish-speaking man, faced a life-altering event when he was electrocuted while standing on top of a trailer attempting to fix a wire. The force of the electric shock threw him 10-15 feet onto the concrete below, resulting in full thickness burns to his parietal area, right thigh, right hand, partial burns to his bilateral flanks, and multiple skull and facial fractures. With a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 and seizure-like activity observed upon the arrival of EMS, Mr. Alcala was intubated and transferred to University Medical Center of New Orleans.

After his initial acute care, Mr. Alcala was admitted to BridgePoint Healthcare New Orleans on May 24, 2024, to begin a long and challenging journey towards recovery. Upon admission, he was on a ventilator with a tracheostomy in place, requiring A/C mode for his needed breaths and oxygen support. Through diligent daily trach and oral care along with a structured weaning process, he progressed from needing ventilator support to successful trach collar trials. Eventually, Mr. Alcala was able to breathe independently, leading to successful decannulation. Today, he breathes room air and enjoys a regular diet.

Before his hospitalization, Mr. Alcala was a single young man working hard to support his family. During his stay at BridgePoint LTAC, he expressed immense gratitude for the patience, kindness, and encouragement he received from the staff, attributing his recovery to both divine intervention and the exceptional care he received. Clinically, Mr. Alcala transitioned from tube feeds to a regular diet and completed his IV antibiotic course. He continued to make significant strides in physical and occupational therapy and was fully weaned from the ventilator, with his wounds healing infection-free.

Mr. Alcala’s journey in the therapy department was equally remarkable. Initially, he required total assistance for self-care tasks and mobility. However, with a combination of occupational, physical, and speech therapy five days a week, his progress was substantial. Admitted in a condition where he could neither move nor talk, Mr. Alcala has shown incredible determination. He advanced from sitting at the edge of the bed to holding his head up and performing exercises. The team celebrated when he began practicing standing and moving his extremities.

Mr. Alcala gradually tolerated getting out of bed and sitting in a wheelchair, even using his left upper extremity for tasks such as brushing his teeth. With the removal of his tracheostomy and an upgraded diet, he maintained a high level of motivation throughout his stay. His strength, balance, and endurance improved to the extent that he gained approval for inpatient rehabilitation at Touro Inpatient Rehab.

The therapy team at BridgePoint Healthcare is incredibly proud of Mr. Alcala’s accomplishments and is excited for his continued recovery. After completing his rehabilitation, Mr. Alcala will return home to his family, equipped with the strength and resilience he has developed during his time at BridgePoint. His story is a testament to the dedication of the healthcare team and Mr. Alcala’s unwavering determination to overcome his injuries and reclaim his life.