Melvin's Story
On his morning drive to work, Melvin Routon was severely injured in a car accident and an ambulance rushed him to University Medical Center in New Orleans where a trauma team was waiting.
Doctors said he had suffered 11 broken and several fractured ribs, a head contusion and severe damage to his hip requiring reconstruction. Melvin spent six days recovering from surgeries to repair his hip and close his head wound. He was stable but unable to stand or manage simple tasks on his own. His medical team recommended inpatient rehabilitation for further healing, to regain his functional abilities and ultimately, his independence. For that, he choose Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital.
There, Melvin’s physician-led multi-disciplinary team assessed him and put together a plan.
Physical therapy (PT) worked to strengthen his leg muscles using therapy bands and a stationary bicycle. After a few days of getting the blood flowing back to muscles and building some strength, he moved to the parallel bars. Supported by his therapists and holding the bars for stability, Melvin worked on balance while taking steps. Within days, he was covering 30 feet with a rolling walker and a therapist nearby. Astounded with his progress, he applauded his therapy team, “You all are rock stars!”
This praise extended to occupational therapy (OT) as well. Melvin was determined to regain his independence and didn’t want to rely on others to help him with daily tasks. His OT introduced special adaptive tools to assist with self-care needs -- dressing and bathing safely. With a few days of practice and encouragement by his OT and family, he was bathing, dressing and getting ready on his own.
While Melvin dedicated his therapy time to walking and climbing steps, his family completed the hospital’s Care Partner Program to confidently assist him upon his return home.
Melvin hit a couple big milestones. He was able to walk 500 feet and climb 12 steps supported by a railing. He paired that with his ability to care for himself and that’s when he knew he was ready to return home. His care team agreed and he couldn’t have been more grateful for them or that news. “You took me from where I was when I got here and helped me get where I am today.”
Melvin looks forward to spending time outside, in his community and eventually, returning to work. With that goal in mind, he plans to continue building strength and stamina through outpatient therapy.