The Springs puts former executive back on her feet
At one time in her life, Carol Nutt was putting in 60 hours a week as a marketing coordinator for McDonald's and loving every minute of the back-breaking work. Ten years later, at the beginning of this year, the retired executive literally broke her back and had to learn to walk all over again.
That formidable journey was aided by therapists at The Springs at Monarch Landing health, wellness and rehab community in Naperville, who also coached her back to speaking above a whisper after surgical intubation.
"I had totally awesome physical, occupational and speech therapy five or six times a week," said Nutt, who returned home April 23 after four months of post-surgical rehab at The Springs. "They pushed me safely all the time to do more, extend myself further, supporting and encouraging me every step of the way."
While her first jaunts around The Springs were in a wheelchair without foot rests to strengthen her legs, Nutt progressed to using a walker for about 20 feet at a time. By the time she left The Springs, she could walk at least 300 feet. "The fantastic therapists talked to me while I walked, so I kept going further and further, enjoying the socialization," she said.
She also immensely enjoyed the mingling that came at meal time, when guests can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in a communal dining room. Said Nutt, "Not only was the food awesome, with great selections, but I loved being able to get out of my room and visit with other guests. The staff put our tables together, so we could get even closer and check in with one another on our progress."
In addition to The Springs' "gorgeous" common areas, Nutt appreciated having a private room and private full bathroom. One certified nursing assistant urged her to use her walker at night to get to the bathroom instead of a wheelchair. "'A walker?' I asked. He said, 'Oh, yes, you're more than ready.' He really took his time with me, like everyone at The Springs," said Nutt, whose at-home exercises are the same as they were at The Springs, but she is doing them from a standing position.
During the day at The Springs, Nutt particularly enjoyed the speech therapy she received. "I really looked forward to that. My therapist was extremely enthusiastic, always talking with me, and I really enjoyed our conversations. Sometimes, we'd sing too!" she said.
A resident of Naperville who has rehabbed at other places following an earlier surgery for scoliosis, Nutt asserts that her stay at The Springs tops any other rehab experience. "I would recommend The Springs to anyone, 100 percent, absolutely."
Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity, and "the best city for early retirement" by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant life style for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers assisted living memory support, enriched living, respite, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.