May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center

Playground Aide Returns to School with
New Hip and New Energy
Meridian Health
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
20
When Ocean Township resident Gail
Caruso visited a friend recovering
from a hip replacement at Meridian
Nursing & Rehabilitation at
Shrewsbury, she was impressed by the
beautiful facility and the quality of
care her friend received. So two years
later, when Gail herself had a hip
replaced and needed rehabilitation,
she knew just where to go.
“My friend raved about the
physical therapy at Meridian Nursing &
Rehabilitation at Shrewsbury,” says Gail,
69. “After my surgery, I thought, ‘Gee,
I’d like to go there — it’s not that far.’
It’s about a 20-minute drive from my
home and only 10 if there’s no traffic.
“There are closer facilities — there
is one about five minutes away,”
she adds. “But I couldn’t have been
happier with my decision.”
Road to Wellness
Anthony Costa, M.D., an orthopedic
surgeon on staff at Riverview Medical
Center, replaced Gail’s left hip on
August 10, 2012. Three days later, she
checked into Meridian Nursing &
Rehabilitation at Shrewsbury. With
both the hospital and rehab facility
part of Meridian Health, Gail enjoyed
a seamless coordination of care after
her surgery.
“Gail was pretty sick the first
four days with a lot of nausea and
vomiting,” recalls Stacey Curtis,
Gail’s physical therapist. “Doctors
quickly discovered her medications
needed to be changed. After that,
she returned to the rehab facility and
then aced through her therapy.”
Gail worked diligently with Stacey
and occupational therapist Melynda
Eastman to strengthen her hip
joint, increase her range of motion,
and improve her balance, gradually
regaining daily living skills. “Like all hip
replacement patients, Gail once
again had to learn everything
from how to get in and out of
the shower safely and dressing
independently to walking
normally and climbing stairs,”
Melynda says.
Since her hip replacement
two years ago, Gail Caruso is
able to keep up with the kids
she works with as an aide at a
nearby elementary school.
Anthony J. Costa, M.D.
Board certified in Orthopedic
Surgery
Red Bank • 732-741-2313
Safe and Secure
Gail says the trust she had in her
therapists made a big difference in
her recovery. “Both Melynda and
Stacey are so caring and committed
to all their patients,” Gail says. “They
watched us so closely and were
always so encouraging, and it really
helped make me feel secure.”
Gail returned home 19 days later.
She then continued with outpatient
physical therapy for two months at
a facility in Little Silver. In November
2012, strong and sure on her feet, she
returned to her job as a playground
aide at Ocean Township Elementary
School.
Lasting Relationship
The family continues its relationship
with Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation
at Shrewsbury. When Gail’s 95-yearold
mother-in-law fell during
Hurricane Sandy and needed nursing
care, the family chose the same
facility that has served them so well.
“In my job, I need to be on my feet
at least three hours a day, walking
and guiding children,” Gail says.
“Thanks to the great care I received at
Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation at
Shrewsbury, I’m able to keep up with
the kids and get back to a normal
lifestyle.”
A Home Away from Home
In a comfortable setting, Meridian
Health’s subacute rehabilitation
and skilled nursing facilities offer
long-term care, short-term rehabilitation,
and much more. To learn more about our
nursing and rehabilitation centers, visit
www.MeridianHealth.com/subacute.