Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pensacola

08/12/2025

When Lynn Lewis came to our Pensacola rehabilitation hospital after a fall, her goal was about more than recovery—it was about reclaiming her life. Living with Parkinson’s disease had made it harder for her to enjoy the activities she loves, especially dancing.

With the support of her physical therapist, Lindsay Harrison, who is certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Lynn was able to share a special moment during her therapy: A foxtrot with her husband.

Using the Bioness Vector System, Lynn practiced big, coordinated steps in a safe, supportive environment designed to reduce her risk of future falls and build her confidence.

Every person's recovery is unique, and we’re honored to he there to help our patients get back to everyday tasks as well as those that bring them joy.

Thank you, Lynn, for trusting us with your care.

08/11/2025

With summer comes longer, sunnier days and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. But during the hottest months, you may need to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially if you are 65 or older. Learn the symptoms of common heat-related illnesses and get tips on how to prevent them.

08/08/2025

In May 2023, Kathy Estrada and her husband were ready to welcome their son, when what had been a normal pregnancy turned into a medical emergency that almost ended Kathy’s life.

After 30 days in the ICU and having to have all her toes amputated, her doctors determined she was ready for the next step in her recovery. Kathy insisted she go to our rehabilitation hospital in Miami. Afterall, that’s where she is director of pharmacy and experiences the life-changing impact of rehabilitation on a daily basis.

“I felt a sense of urgency,” she said. “The doctor who saved my life reminded me that I almost died, and I needed to stay in the ICU. He helped me remain calm, and about two weeks later he made sure I was admitted to my hospital.”

Today, Kathy is back as director of pharmacy, and her most important job of all, being mom.

After a complicated pregnancy, inpatient rehabilitation helped Kathy reach newfound independence to care for her baby and return to work.

08/07/2025

We're delighted to announce plans to build a freestanding, 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Haslet, Texas. Expected to open in 2027, this state-of-the-art hospital will serve patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other complex orthopedic conditions.

“We are excited to further expand Encompass Health’s presence in Texas,” said Brad Kennedy, Encompass Health group president. “We look forward to beginning construction of the hospital in Haslet so we can progress toward opening its doors and bringing high-quality inpatient rehabilitative care to the community.”

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

08/05/2025

Each quarter, our President and CEO Mark Tarr provides a company update for employees. His latest update includes a conversation about the launch of our new website. Check it out to learn what’s been happening at Encompass Health!

08/05/2025

Meet Mechell Mathews.

After undergoing surgery, Mechell was admitted to our Shreveport, Louisiana hospital to recover from an infection. When she arrived, she needed help with even the simplest daily tasks. But Mechell was determined to regain her independence.

Through hard work, dedication and the support of our incredible rehabilitation team, Mechell made remarkable progress. Now, she’s looking forward to getting back to the things she loves most — like fishing and spending time with her father.

Her journey is a reminder of how inpatient rehabilitation can help people rebuild their strength and return to the life they love. Congratulations, Mechell! 👏

08/04/2025

Staying up to date on vaccinations isn’t just for school-aged children or those traveling to exotic destinations. As you get
older, you could be at a higher risk of developing complications from certain illnesses; immunizations could help protect you and reduce these risks. Learn which ones you should consider getting if you are 50 or older and always consult your doctor when considering which are right for you.

As you age, your immune system declines in its ability to fight off harmful pathogens. Learn more about the benefits and recommendation of vaccines as you get older.

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.

07/30/2025

We are excited to announce that we are expanding our national footprint to Cleveland, Tennessee. This new 40-bed freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital will serve as a satellite location to our Chattanooga, Tennessee hospital and will allow us to help more individuals in need of our care in the area. The hospital is expected to open in 2026, and will serve those recovering from life changing illnesses and injuries, such as stroke, other neurological conditions and complex orthopedic conditions.

07/29/2025

Timothy James was admitted to our hospital after having a stroke. Upon arrival, he could not sit, stand, walk or complete basic activities of daily living. He also had little to no movement in his left leg and arm. Tim shared, "This place is a lifesaver, and the culture here is contagious as each therapist provided stroke education and uplifted me to walk out of here." Thank you, Tim, for choosing Encompass Health for your stroke rehabilitation. Congratulations on meeting your goals of walking and discharging back home!

07/28/2025

Sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of our four-legged friends and family. That’s why our animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy programs at our hospitals are an integral part of the recovery process. From having trained animals assist in your therapy to setting up visits with your own pet, our locations offer a variety of ways to incorporate pets into your rehabilitation.

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.

07/18/2025

Magan Walker, 29, came to Encompass Health Pensacola recovering from a brain bleed. After spending time in an acute care hospital, she transitioned to our inpatient rehabilitation hospital to improve her balance, coordination, vision and overall functional independence. Her bright personality and humor brought joy to everyone in our therapy gym. We are proud to share that with intensive rehabilitation, Magan discharged home independent in all her self-care and mobility tasks, including walking without a walker. She expressed appreciation for the care, knowledge, and expertise our care team provided. Thank you, Magan, for choosing Encompass Health Pensacola.

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.

07/16/2025

Lynn Lewis was admitted to Encompass Health Pensacola following a fall at home. Her history of Parkinson’s disease has made it more difficult for her to participate in the activities she enjoys, including dancing. With the help of Lindsay Harrison, her physical therapist and a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment certified clinician, Lynn was able to participate in a foxtrot with her husband. The Bioness Vector System allows freedom of movement in a safe environment to support Lynn while she focuses on the skills needed to take big, coordinated steps and reduce her risk of falls at home. Thank you for being an inspiration, Lynn, to always keep dancing.

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.

07/01/2025

We would like to recognize Jenni Thomas, our respiratory therapy supervisor, for being named employee of the quarter at Encompass Health Pensacola. Jenni goes above and beyond to provide meaningful resources and guidance to our therapy team. She is an avid collaborator and always willing to go the extra mile to revitalize our hospital initiatives with The Joint Commission and other community partners.

Thank you, Jenni, for making incredible strides at Encompass Health.

06/30/2025

We would like to recognize Maija Evans, our speech therapist, for being named our June employee of the month. She is truly an amazing speech therapist who goes above and beyond for patients. She is a loving mom of two children. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and is an avid jiujitsu enthusiast.

Congratulations, Maija!

06/20/2025

Every year, we love to celebrate our certified nursing assistants at Encompass Health Pensacola. Our nurses hosted a potluck to show appreciation for their unwavering support and hard work.

Thank you to all our CNAs for supporting our patients during their most vulnerable moments.

06/19/2025

During the sweltering summer months, it is vital to stay hydrated, especially for older adults. As we age, our bodies don't retain water as they once did, so hydration is more important than ever. A registered dietitian shares tips to help you and your loved one stay hydrated this summer and beyond.

A registered dietitian explains the link between dehydration and aging and why the risk of dehydration increases with age.