Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield

01/21/2026

January is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Did you know that winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding account for more than 50% of traumatic brain injuries from extreme sports? Before you hit the slopes this winter, make sure you take precautions to prevent a life-changing brain injury.

❄️ Wear a helmet and any other necessary safety equipment
❄️ Know your limits and follow the rules
❄️ Stay alert to weather conditions and icy surfaces

01/20/2026

Renee Olivastri was admitted to our hospital in Atlanta, Georgia after a stroke. During her stay, she worked closely with our occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology teams to build strength and confidence. At discharge, Renee’s speech had improved, and she was walking and completing self-care tasks with assistance.

While at our hospital, Renee celebrated both her birthday and anniversary with us. She left calling our staff her family and friends for a lifetime. We are honored to have shared in both your recovery and in these special moments, Renee!

01/19/2026

Today, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who believed, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
As we honor his legacy of service, we recognize those who serve in our hospitals each day. Today and every day, they help patients regain their strength and independence, so they can get back to their lives and what matters most.

01/16/2026

Wilda Livingston came to our Encompass Health hospital in Texarkana, Texas to regain her strength after a femur fracture. During her stay, she celebrated a remarkable milestone: her 70th wedding anniversary.

To help mark this special occasion, our team surprised Wilda and her spouse with an anniversary celebration, flowers and a gift basket. It was a joyful moment that honored their incredible journey together.

We were honored to be part of such a meaningful celebration and wish them many more happy years together!

01/13/2026

Antoinetta Rollins is a truck driver who was admitted to our hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana after she was involved in an accident. After undergoing emergency surgery to save her leg, she arrived at our hospital with a wound vacuum to help her heal.

Antoinetta is thankful to still have her leg, and her positive attitude has been a driving force in her recovery, leading to her discharge. We’re proud of your hard work, Antoinetta!

01/12/2026

Today is , and we’re celebrating the dedicated pharmacy teams across Encompass Health rehabilitation hospitals. From medication management to patient education, they help ensure our patients feel informed, confident and safe as they recover from a serious illness or injury. We’re grateful for the critical role our pharmacists play in improving patient outcomes.

Join us in recognizing our pharmacists by sharing your appreciation in the comments.

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.

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.