When Shelly Johnson came to Sholom’s Transitional Care Unit after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, she faced a long road to recovery. She had suddenly lost the ability to talk, walk, or use her hands to feed herself. In the Harold and Sylvia Liefschultz Rehabilitation Therapies Program, Shelly began a three-month regimen of speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
At one point, Shelly had the opportunity to move to another rehabilitation facility, but she chose to stay with Sholom because of the staff. “The whole thing about Sholom is that I loved the people,” she said. “They really know what they’re doing, and they are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Sholom is not the newest place in the world but, in my mind, because of their staff and care teams, it’s the best.”
Shelly’s positive attitude was a key ingredient for her recovery. Her care team dubbed her “The Star” in recognition of her great progress. With her remarkable recovery, she was able to return home with continued support from Sholom home therapy services. “Because of home therapy services, I have regained my balance and confidence,” Shelly said.
Today, she lives independently at home and occasionally returns to Sholom’s Ackerberg Campus to visit members of her former care team.