“Therapy got me back into shape to live a full life again.”

Marlene Peets came to Hillside Heights following a diagnosis of metabolic encephalopathy, a condition that had significantly impacted her mobility and independence. Upon admission, she required physical  assistance for all aspects of her care, including bed mobility, transfers, and daily activities. At that time, she was unable to walk and needed considerable help to perform basic movements. With the goal of regaining her independence and returning to a schedule of her own, Marlene began working closely with the therapy team. Her program focused on rebuilding her strength, balance, and coordination through a structured series of exercises and mobility training. Over time, Marlene’s determination and the expertise of her care team brought remarkable progress. She advanced from needing physical assistance to only requiring supervision for bed mobility and standby assistance for transfers and daily activities. One of her most significant milestones was walking 200 feet with a rolling walker, giving her back much of her freedom.

Now, Marlene is thrilled to return to a life where she can manage her schedule independently. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Therapy got me back into shape to live a full life again.” Her journey highlights the power of perseverance and expert care in transforming challenges into triumphs.