Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield

01/09/2026

Kenneth Bradley was admitted to our hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, after a life-threatening battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome left him immobile and made swallowing and eating difficult. His goals were simple yet profound: to walk again and enjoy a hamburger before discharge.

Through hard work and determination, Kenneth made remarkable progress. He regained strength, learned to walk, navigated stairs and returned to his self-care routine. He even passed his swallow study and celebrated with that long-awaited hamburger!

Kenneth’s journey didn’t stop there — he proudly flexed in the mirror with his restored arm strength and left the hospital walking independently, just in time for the holidays!

01/06/2026

Our hospital in Lake Worth, Florida opened to patients in December, and we are honored to recognize the hospital’s first patient! Artie Ascoli is a decorated veteran with a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star. He is also a retired New Jersey state trooper.

Artie started his rehabilitation at our hospital due to a below-knee amputation. When he arrived, our team presented Artie with a message of honor and gratitude and a Veteran’s Challenge Coin. The coin serves as a small gesture of Encompass Health’s appreciation for Artie’s service and signifies our commitment to support him through his rehabilitation journey.

01/02/2026

After a stroke, Elidio was admitted to our hospital in Libertyville, Illinois. The stroke left him unable to stand, move the left side of his body and made speaking and eating difficult.

With determination and the support of his therapy team, Elidio made remarkable progress. By the time he was discharged, he could chew his food, speak clearly, walk with assistance — and even dance with his wife. Elidio gave a heartfelt shoutout to his therapists, calling them “angels on earth.”

We’re honored to have helped you return to the music and moments that matter, Elidio! Thank you for trusting Encompass Health with your recovery!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! We’re welcoming in 2026 and celebrating the successes of the past year. In 2025, we were able to grow our footprint, adding eight new hospitals to our national network. This dynamic growth allowed us to serve even more individuals recovering from a serious illness or injury.

We’re especially grateful for our incredible employees, whose dedication, compassion and expertise made every celebration possible. We look forward to continued expansion in 2026, so we can meet the rehabilitation needs of even more individuals and help them get back to what matters most.

12/30/2025

Quin Khan came to our Encompass Health hospital in Cape Coral, Florida after a stroke left him with weakness and limited mobility. From day one, he made his goal clear: “I want to be 110 percent better when I leave.”

With the support of his care team, Quin progressed from walking with a cane to walking independently. On discharge day, his hard work paid off as he walked out with his hands raised, high-fiving staff along the way.

Thank you, Quin, for trusting Encompass Health with your recovery.

12/26/2025

Encompass Health hospitals around the country brought the holiday spirit to their patients with rehabilitation goals in mind. Our hospitals planned activities with holiday flair designed to help patients improve motor skills, strength and balance.

From decorating trees to crafting holiday decorations, we loved celebrating the season with our patients and their families.

12/25/2025

Happy holidays from Encompass Health! As the leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation, we’re honored to help our patients return to the activities they love after a serious illness or injury. This season, we hope your days are filled with the people and moments that bring you joy and meaning.

12/19/2025

Love was truly in the air at our Encompass Health hospital in Harmarville, Pennsylvania! Jennifer Jirsa, a patient recovering post-surgery, thought she was simply enjoying a crisp autumn afternoon in the hospital courtyard with her boyfriend, Michael Ladik.

In a heartfelt moment, he dropped to one knee and asked Jennifer to marry him. The surprise proposal brought smiles and happy tears to everyone nearby, and our staff couldn’t be more thrilled for the happy couple. Congratulations, Jennifer and Michael!

Your love story has touched all of us, and we’re honored Encompass Health could be part of this beautiful chapter in your journey.

12/16/2025

Meet Gary and Lilly Lutker, an incredible couple who have shared 63 wonderful years of marriage — and recently, a unique journey of recovery together at one of our hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri. Gary had been dealing with hip pain and knew he needed a replacement. When the family learned Lilly also needed a knee replacement, they saw an opportunity to recover side by side, knowing they wouldn’t want to be apart.

Their unwavering support for one another inspired everyone around them and reminded us what true partnership looks like — in health, in healing and in life. Together, they worked with our therapy team to regain mobility, function and independence.

Thank you, Gary and Lilly, for trusting Encompass Health with your care. Your story is a beautiful reminder of the power of love and determination.

12/12/2025

After sustaining a fall while in China, Mark experienced severe neck pain and weakness that made it impossible for him to stand, walk or move independently. He was diagnosed with a cervical fracture and underwent spinal cord surgery.

When Mark first arrived at our Encompass Health hospital in Cypress, Texas, he was unable to stand or walk. Through hard work, determination and collaboration with his therapy team — along with support from innovative technology like the Aretech ZeroG 3D system — Mark made incredible progress. He became independent with transfers and was able to walk and climb stairs on his own.

We are so proud of Mark’s dedication and perseverance, and we thank him for trusting Encompass Health with his recovery.

11/20/2025

Living with multiple sclerosis can make everyday movements like walking or standing feel daunting. Foot drop, a common symptom of MS, can add to those challenges. The good news? It’s manageable. Our expert care team, including physicians, nurses, therapists and more, is here to help you or your loved one take the first step toward better mobility.

Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/4rcCgtm

11/06/2025

Parasympathetic breathing is a powerful technique that supports movement and enhances overall well-being. Whether you're recovering from an injury or illness, simple breathing exercises can make a meaningful difference. At Encompass Health, we’re committed to helping you or your loved one regain independence, one breath at a time.

Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/4oOG9CA

10/30/2025

Being a caregiver comes with its own set of challenges, especially after a loved one experiences a stroke. While stress affects everyone differently, one thing remains the same: caregivers need support, too.

At Encompass Health, we’re committed to ensuring that both our patients and their families leave with the tools and resources essential for long-term success. Whether it’s emotional support, educational materials or practical strategies for daily care, we’re here to help every step of the way.

A stroke caregiver can face many challenges. Get advice and tips for caring for a loved one after a stroke, as well as resources to help you.

10/23/2025

We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in its initiative to show that stroke is treatable, beatable and preventable. We are a national supporter of the AHA/ASA's Together to End Stroke initiative, and we’re sharing resources to help survivors regain their independence. Whether you're recovering from a stroke or supporting someone who is, these simple exercise tips can make a meaningful difference in recovery after a stroke.



Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/3WFaUhD

10/16/2025

At Encompass Health, we specialize in treating each patient’s unique needs. Aphasia, like other communication disorders, can significantly impact an individual’s ability to express themselves and understand others following an illness or injury. Discover these strategies and tips to help your loved one find their voice again.

https://ehc.rehab/491a3yY

10/09/2025

At Encompass Health, we recognize that rehabilitation is never one-size-fits-all. Orthotics are a critical component in restoring mobility and independence after an injury or illness. These specialized tools improve alignment, reduce pain and enhance movement. Learn how we integrate orthotics into personalized care plans to help patients regain their independence.

Serious injuries or conditions may lead therapists to recommend orthotics for mobility and function during post-acute rehabilitation care. Read about the types of orthotics and why using them may help with recovery

10/07/2025

We are honored to be named among the 2025 America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers list by Newsweek and Statista. The list includes a record-breaking 66 Encompass Health hospitals across 27 states — earning Encompass Health the companywide title of “America’s Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation” for the sixth consecutive year. Rankings are based on quality metrics, accreditation data, a national survey of industry experts and Google reviews from patients.

https://ehc.rehab/3KylmEE

09/04/2025

Coping with a life-changing diagnosis can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. It is possible to manage these emotions and find the right support to live a thriving and fulfilling life. Learn how to manage your emotional well-being and find strength and joy beyond the diagnosis.

Experiencing a life-changing diagnosis can impact your well-being. Explore holistic strategies for coping, recovering, and finding hope through post-acute care.

08/21/2025

Did you know 25% of U.S. adults live with chronic pain? For many, it’s more than discomfort — it’s a daily challenge that affects independence and quality of life. Learn how chronic pain management can help improve your overall well-being.

Chronic pain management can be complicated, but there are non-medicinal options out there. Learn how education and physical therapy can help.

08/14/2025

Exercise after a stroke has a number of benefits. It can increase strength, mobility and endurance, while boosting your confidence and independence. Learn how exercise could support your recovery and how to get started.

After recovering from a stroke, exercise plays a vital role in continued function and independence. Learn more about the benefits and types of exercises that help most.

08/07/2025

Your furry friend does more than bring joy; they can also benefit your heart. Whether it’s getting in a brisk walk with your furry friend or just having a companion, pets can encourage movement and reduce stress. Learn how your pet may be boosting your heart health.

Research shows that owning a pet has positive health benefits

07/31/2025

Have you noticed the foods you once enjoyed don’t quite taste the same? As you get older, your taste buds change for many reasons — some natural, others linked to health conditions or medications. Without the right guidance, these changes can affect your appetite and overall well-being. A registered dietitian shares tips on how to keep your meals tasty as well as healthy as you age.

Why Does Your Sense of Taste Change as You Age? Find out how aging, the olfactory system and other factors can affect taste.