Amazing Rehabilitation Results at Shipley Living in Wilmington

January 10, 2023 | News | Reading Time 3:00 Minutes

Maria Seiler says her experience over the last four months has been extremely positive.

“I keep getting better every day. I keep getting stronger and stronger and am able to do more and more things,” says Maria Seiler. In July, the 78-year-old was returning from a vacation condo in Ocean City, New Jersey, with her husband when she became very ill. She recalled that in a quickly worsening condition, she was flown by helicopter to an area hospital. “I was in a coma for a month, on a ventilator, and using a feeding tube. I could not move at all.” It took a couple of hospital transfers and many tests to determine that she was suffering from sepsis in her neck and spine. She was hospitalized for two months and discharged in August to continue her recovery and regain her strength.

Seeking Effective Rehabilitation

“I hoped for a secure place where I would feel comfortable and could get well,” she says. Because of its close proximity to her daughter’s home, Seiler chose to rehabilitate at Shipley Living. The senior living community in Wilmington, Delaware, offers independent living, assisted living, comprehensive skilled care, and short-term rehabilitation.

Seiler says the experience over the last four months has been extremely positive. “When I got here, I wasn’t able to do anything. They had to help me relearn everything,” she says, adding that the occupational and physical therapists in the rehabilitation department at Shipley have been outstanding. “I know I’ll be able to return to my home and be independent. I’m able to walk and am finding increasing strength.”

Supportive Environment

Seiler comments, “I really like it here at Shipley. Everyone is so nice and helpful. The staff is amazing. They have had confidence in me, which gives me confidence in myself. They’ve gotten me so far, and I feel stronger every day. I know I’m going to get through this. I would recommend it to anyone that needs rehabilitation.” Her only complaint, she quips, is that the food is so good she’s going to have to lose some weight.

Outstanding Rehabilitation Team

Renee Goolday, Regional Healthcare Marketing Specialist for Life Care Services, working with Shipley Living says, “I had the privilege of meeting Marie’s family when they came to look at our community. As I took them around our healthcare center, I was not sure what her outcomes would be, as she was in really bad shape. Seeing and hearing about her progress has been amazing. We truly have dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring staff. I am so proud of our team.”

David LaPera, Director of Rehab at Shipley, agrees that watching Seiler’s progress has been remarkable. “She was in the hospital for a long time, and so many serious things were going on. It’s not always possible with someone in that condition to return to their prior level of independence, but we were determined, and so was she,” he says.

LaPera credits his talented team. “We talk with each other and weigh our different ideas. There are no egos involved; we’re just dedicated to the patient,” he said. He also credits Seiler’s dedication. “She just keeps getting up every morning and working hard. A lot of people would be frustrated and give up, but she just keeps going and making progress.”

About Shipley Living

Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in Wilmington, Delaware, Shipley Living is a full-service, rental, continuing care retirement community offering carefree independent living, the helping hand of assisted living, and comprehensive skilled nursing. Shipley Living is managed by Life Care Services^®, An LCS^® Company. For additional information, visit ShipleyLiving.com or call 302-387-4832.