Encompass Health - Lakeland

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

08/06/2025

Fred’s life changed in an instant when he had a stroke. He had significant weakness on the left side of his body. Both his upper and lower extremities were impacted, making everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, standing and walking extremely difficult. Once fully independent and a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Fred suddenly required substantial assistance to complete even the most basic tasks.

He was admitted to Encompass Health Lakeland for intensive inpatient rehabilitation. Upon arrival, he faced major challenges, including poor balance, limited coordination and a loss of mobility that would have discouraged even the strongest among us. But Fred met every therapy session with determination, resilience and a smile.

With the support of his dedicated team, Fred made remarkable progress. Fittingly, he returned home on Independence Day — more physically capable, more confident and ready to live life on his own terms.

We are so proud of you, Fred!

08/01/2025

We’re grateful to have had Kaitlyn Carret from VITAS Healthcare join us for an insightful session at Encompass Health Lakeland. She shared valuable strategies for delivering educational insights and compassionate care to patients, emphasizing the importance of comfort, family involvement and support during critical moments. Her guidance strengthens our holistic, patient-centered approach and empowered our team to make a meaningful impact every day.

Thank you, Kaitlyn, for helping us grow stronger together!

08/01/2025

Encompass Health Lakeland welcomed community members to a Friday morning breakfast meeting focused on supporting seniors. Guests shared valuable resources and services to promote wellness, safety and independence. It was a meaningful morning of connection, collaboration and care.

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.

07/29/2025

We’re excited to welcome Jigisha Masani, a third-year pharmacy student from Western England University, to our team! Jigisha brings a strong eagerness to learn and grow in clinical practice, with a focus on anticoagulation management, antibiotic stewardship and conducting pharmacy medication interviews with our patients. Her dedication to expanding her knowledge and supporting patient care makes her a fantastic addition to our pharmacy team.

Welcome to the team, Jigisha!

07/24/2025

Did you know that playing board games could improve brain health and help prevent dementia in older adults? It is a great way to increase working memory and cognitive function as you age. So grab a partner and pick your favorite game. Whether it’s Chess, Scrabble or Checkers, let us know your favorite in the comments.

Games of your youth may be valuable as you age. Play these brain games to prevent dementia and exercise the mind.

07/17/2025

After a life-changing diagnosis, it may be difficult to think of all the questions to ask your physician. You may be wondering about your next steps and where to go if you need additional medical care. Ask your doctor these four important questions to help you understand your care and make an informed decision.

After a serious illness or injury, your doctor may recommend post-acute care. Understand the settings, so you can advocate for your care.

07/10/2025

Did you know 15% of caregivers are long-distance? Being a caregiver often comes without a warning after a loved one experiences an accident or illness. It is possible to still care for your loved ones even if you live far away.

Long-distance caregiving can be challenging, but there are ways to stay connected and keep your loved one save, even from afar.

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day from Encompass Health! Today, we celebrate freedom in every form — especially the hard-earned victories of our patients as they regain strength, confidence and independence.

Across our hospitals, ringing the independence bell marks more than a discharge — it’s a powerful symbol of determination, recovery and the next chapter. Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful and hopeful Fourth of July!

07/03/2025

The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home and the center of family gatherings. Because of that, it is essential to ensure it’s a safe, accessible space, especially for older adults. Falls and burns are the leading causes of household injuries amongst seniors. These tips can help you address safety concerns in the home early.


The kitchen can become unsafe as you get older. Kitchen safety for seniors is possible if you follow some of these tips.

06/27/2025

Lisa Whitman is a bilateral amputee who has faced a long road to recovery. She proudly shares that her mobility and strength have greatly improved since coming to our hospital. Lisa is incredibly pleased with the progress she made during her stay and says she couldn’t have done it without the support and dedication of the entire team.