Parkwood’s Stroke Rehabilitation Program paves the journey to a momentous homecoming
Floyd Blanchard shares how his recovery was aided by a family atmosphere
By Colleen MacDonald, Dec. 24, 2018
In the fall of 2018, on a day like any other, Floyd Blanchard felt the sudden onset of a piercing headache unlike any other. Seconds later, half his body was paralyzed. The 80-year-old husband, father, and grandfather had suffered a massive stroke.
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Floyd was rushed to an acute care unit where his condition was stabilized. Soon after, he became an inpatient of the Stroke/Neurological Rehabilitation Program at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute. On his first day there, he couldn’t speak, walk, or move his left arm and hand. He couldn’t even swallow.
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Floyd's wife Alice remained at his side throughout his care journey. Though it began with the stress of an uncertain future, the couple soon found comfort and kinship in a rehabilitation unit where staff and patients come together like a supportive family.​​​​​​​​​​​
Alice and Floyd Blanchard prepare for a long-awaited return home, following two months of rehabilitation at the Stroke/Neurological Rehabilitation Program at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute.
The staff cheered on their patients and the patients encouraged one another to persevere through the struggles of recovering well enough to go home. Floyd says, “Everyone has that one focus in mind – going home.”​
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During his first weeks in rehab, Floyd required a feeding tube. Though his gains came in small increments, he knew he was getting better. With daily speech therapy and the guidance of a dietitian, he improved enough to cling to the hope that he might spend Christmas at home. Eighteen days after his rehabilitation began, he was eating on his own.
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Floyd says the satisfaction of measurable progress builds even more motivation. He credits the care team with sustaining the momentum. “I can’t say enough about the therapists, staff, and nurses. They’re all so patient and caring.”
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That care extends to the interaction between the rehab team members. “The staff are so helpful to each other,” Alice says. “They often check in to see if their colleagues have everything they need, and that really helps the patients, too.”
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After two months of therapy tailored to his specific needs, Floyd is now walking with the aid of a walker and can even climb a set of stairs. He has also regained the use of his left arm, and is recovering mobility in his fingers.
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It’s the day before Christmas, and Floyd is being discharged from Parkwood Institute with a heartfelt farewell from his extended rehab family. Alice will take Floyd home to spend the holidays with their family and celebrate an extra special milestone. Christmas Day is also Floyd’s 81st birthday.
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"Being home on my birthday is a double Christmas gift for me.”