03/19/2026
Not all long-term acute care hospitals are capable of managing the unique needs of a patient who relies on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) to keep his heart pumping blood effectively. But Kindred Hospital North Florida is equipped to do so, and Kindred’s team was there to help 72-year-old Thomas recover from a serious health scare.
Thomas, whose complex medical history includes use of an LVAD since 2020, was admitted to Kindred’s ICU after being treated at UF Health Shands Hospital for knee pain caused by a sepsis infection that was forming an abscess. Thomas also was suffering from an acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
When he arrived at Kindred, Thomas required full assistance for all out-of-bed activities, and he began physical and occupational therapy. Under a cardiologist’s oversight, caregivers worked with Thomas while closely monitoring his cardiac and LVAD status and fluid balance.
Thomas steadily increased his strength, endurance, and tolerance for activity, and he achieved a major milestone by meeting the criteria for a transfer to an acute rehabilitation unit (ARU). In the ARU, Thomas continued therapy, further advancing his independence.
Thomas ultimately reached his goal of being discharged to home.
Thomas’s journey highlights the impact of specialized long-term acute care combined with progressive rehabilitation. His recovery reflects resilience, expert interdisciplinary care, and the transformative role of therapy in restoring function, independence, and quality of life.
To read more inspiring success stories and to learn more about our care, visit https://www.kindredhospitals.com/locations/florida/north-florida
