Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital

09/17/2025

In one week, Joseph Rowland went from being active and independent to becoming almost completely paralyzed. “I could hardly wiggle my little finger,” he said. Joe was diagnosed with Guillain Barré, a rare neurological condition that can cause sudden paralysis.

He needed intensive therapy to regain some movement, so he could live on his own again. He chose Encompass Health for inpatient rehabilitation, where he would receive three hours of therapy a day, five days a week.

In one week, he went from being unable to sit up or even feed himself, to gradually regaining movement in his hands and legs, enough so that by discharge, he could maneuver himself in a wheelchair and even walk some with a walker — both of which he couldn’t have imagined when he arrived at Encompass Health.

09/16/2025

As a football and track coach at Heritage High School in Catoosa County, Georgia, David Gibson was accustomed to being on his feet. After serious complications from a back surgery, though, he was unsure if he would ever walk again.

“I was supposed to be in outpatient,” he recalled. “Next thing I knew, I woke up and couldn’t feel my legs.”

His doctors referred him to Encompass Health for inpatient rehabilitation. David said he’d almost lost hope, but then he found himself in the therapy gym standing and taking his first steps again. After about a month of intensive therapy at our rehabilitation hospital, David was walking with assistance. Today, nearly a year after his surgery, he’s back on the sidelines, doing what he loves.

09/15/2025

As president and CEO of Encompass Health, Mark Tarr understands the power of inpatient rehabilitation and the role it plays in transforming our patients’ lives after a serious injury or illness. However, as we kickoff National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, the best way to tell the story and raise awareness to what inpatient rehabilitation can do, is to hear from our patients. Join us the remainder of this week as we meet some of our former patients — one recovering from a spinal cord injury, one from amputation and another from Guillain Barré — and here from them as they describe how rehabilitation helped them get back to their lives and what matters most to them.

09/10/2025

Staying social as you age can improve your health both physically and mentally. However, as you get older, sometimes it's not as easy as it once was.
You no longer have the day-to-day routine that working once brought, and family and friends may have moved away or passed on, leaving you feeling lonely and isolated.
As an older adult, you don't have to go it alone.

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.

09/02/2025

Alvin came to our Kingsport, Tennessee rehabilitation hospital recovering from a spinal cord injury. He was determined to walk again. Through intensive therapy and the support of his wife, Alvin made remarkable progress. He recently returned to Encompass Health, where he and his wife walked out together during a special Code Champion celebration.
We’re so proud of you, Alvin!

08/28/2025

Today we celebrated the grand opening of our first hospital in Connecticut. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Danbury will begin seeing patients next month. This 40-bed rehabilitation hospital will provide rehabilitative care to those recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and more.

With private rooms, advanced therapy technologies and a compassionate team of experts, we look forward to meeting the rehabilitation needs of the Danbury community.

08/26/2025

After a serious car accident and spinal surgery, Michael was admitted to our Kissimmee, Florida rehabilitation hospital. When he arrived, he needed assistance just to move and complete daily tasks.

As a devoted husband and father, his motivation to regain his independence was unwavering. Through hard work, determination and the support of his care team, Michael has made incredible progress.

He’s now completing daily activities with minimal assistance and continues to improve his mobility every day.

Inpatient rehabilitation can be life-changing — Michael is proof. We’re so proud of you, Michael. Thank you for letting us be part of your recovery.

08/25/2025

Fernanda Ibarra, human resources assistant, has been named our August hospital operations employee of the month at Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital.

Fernanda plays a vital role in supporting the human resources department, where her strong organizational skills help manage a variety of tasks and systems. She serves on several committees, including the hospital diversity committee, where she leads monthly board updates and prepares educational materials. She is also an active member of the patient rounding committee and the cardiopulmonary resuscitation committee.

Fernanda consistently focuses on the positive, bringing a pleasant and responsive approach to her communication with staff and leadership. She leads with empathy, following our No Pass Zone policy by assisting patients to their rooms after meals and responding to call lights.

We are proud to recognize Fernanda for her dedication, compassion and outstanding contributions to our hospital community.

08/22/2025

After an illness or injury, every patient’s goal is different. For 30-year-old Casie Henrikson, hers was to walk again. More specifically, she wanted to be able to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding.

“I didn’t want to limp, experience pain while walking or have people wondering what happened to me. I wanted the attention to be on the bride,” she said.

Learn how Casie achieved her recovery goal and so much more at our rehabilitation hospital in Anderson, South Carolina.

As a therapist, Casie Henrikson spent her time advocating for children with autism and their families. The 30-year-old connected them with resources that could improve their lives and overall health.

08/22/2025

Hunter Harkrider has been named our August therapy employee of the month. Since joining Encompass Health, Hunter has consistently been a collaborative team member, demonstrating our values through his willingness to support others and show that we are stronger together.

He sets the standard by focusing on patients’ needs, goals and functional outcomes. Hunter leads with empathy in every interaction, especially with patients and their families. He is frequently recognized in patient satisfaction surveys and on our patient experience CPR cards for the excellent care he provides.

Hunter is also an active contributor to the The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Hip Fracture Program and played a key role in our recent recertification through his engagement in patient education and discharge planning related to lower body dressing outcomes.

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.

08/20/2025

Today, we celebrated the grand opening of our newest hospital, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida–Sumter County. With the opening of this 50-bed hospital, we will be able to better meet the growing need for inpatient rehabilitation in this community.

With private rooms, advanced therapy technologies and a compassionate team of experts, we look forward to serving patients in the greater Sumter County area beginning in September!

08/20/2025

Kimberly “Kimmie” Gregorio has been named our August nursing employee of the month. She has been with Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital for two years and is known for her compassion and dedication to patient care. Patients often recognize her for being helpful, kind and empathetic, reflecting the value of leading with empathy.

She also lives out the value of being stronger together by supporting her colleagues and actively participating in our pain management committee. In addition, she serves as a champion of the peritoneal dialysis program, further demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and excellence.

08/15/2025

When Steven Crabb came to our Tucson, Arizona rehabilitation hospital after a stroke, he brought with him positivity and determination.

After working hard in therapy, including sessions using the Vector system to improve his balance and walking, Steven made incredible progress. The day he was discharged was nothing short of a celebration. As he rang the discharge bell, he walked down a hallway lined with cheering team members, high-fiving each one on his way home.

Steven has had many hospital stays in the past and said his time at Encompass Health stood out. He felt truly seen and supported by a team he described as empathetic, respectful and positive. He even said the food felt like a home-cooked meal every time.

At our hospitals, we know that recovery is personal. That’s why we celebrate every milestone — big or small — and work to help each patient return to the life and the people they love.

Congratulations, Steven! Your energy and kindness left a lasting impression, and we’re so proud to have been part of your recovery.

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.

07/10/2025

Congratulations to our nursing employee of the month, Maribel. Maribel joined Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital in August 2022 bringing experience and a passion for nursing. She achieved her certified rehabilitation registered nurse credential and most recently was promoted to certified rehabilitation registered nurse level IV. Her peers shared that she is always willing to help, and patients praise her cheerfulness and the encouragement she provides them. Thank you for all you do, Maribel!

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.

07/07/2025

Congratulations to Jenny for being named hospital operations employee of the month for May 2025.

Jenny works in the cafeteria department as a kitchen aide and joined Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital in 2023. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion and respect in her interactions with both patients and coworkers.

In addition to her regular duties, Jenny also serves as a clerk on weekends, playing an important role in patient satisfaction. She takes time to listen to patients’ needs and preferences, helping to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

Known for her positive attitude and cheerful spirit, Jenny often sings while she works, bringing joy to those around her. She leads by example and gives her full effort in every task, including working double shifts when needed, always with a smile.

We thank Jenny for her dedication and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

07/04/2025

Congratulations to Kelsea for being named our therapy employee of the month for June and for the second quarter of 2025!

Kelsea has been a valued member of Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital since 2012 and was recently promoted to senior physical therapist. She serves as a co-champion for our hip fracture program and plays a key role in our student program, serving as a clinical instructor for multiple students each year. Kelsea actively collaborates with therapy and case management teams to help identify and overcome patients’ barriers to returning home safely.

She has also been instrumental in improving our quality outcomes by working closely with patient assessment standards coordinators and nursing staff for accurate scoring and by educating her peers. Kelsea is frequently recognized by patients, their families and her colleagues. She is a true team player, known for her positivity and contagious laugh that brings a smile to everyone around her.

We are proud to have Kelsea on our therapy team and truly appreciate her dedication, leadership and compassionate care. Congratulations, Kelsea!