James the Fighter

James is a retired Navy F4 pilot who survived two wars. The husband, father and grandfather became ill in March. He was placed on a ventilator for breathing support at the short-term acute care hospital where he was initially admitted. Unable to fully recover at the traditional hospital, James transferred to Kindred Hospital Scottsdale for vent weaning and rehabilitation.

When James arrived at Kindred Hospital, the respiratory team was able to quickly and successfully wean him. He began an extensive treatment program of physical and occupational therapy.

While initially James required maximal assistance to activities of daily living or get up out of bed, occupational therapists worked with him until he regained the ability to feed himself and take care of his basic needs. Physical therapists concentrated on improving his strength and balance to help him walk again, having him stand on a tilt table to get strengthen his legs.

After 30 days at Kindred Hospital Scottsdale James was able to go on to a lower intensity of care at a local rehabilitation hospital for more therapy. The Kindred team remembers James for his remarkable drive and motivation to become stronger and better every day, never giving up.

Kindred Hospital Scottsdale’s success is apparent in stories like these as well as in our quality scores – over 91 percent of our patients and families would recommend Kindred.