Case Study: Water’s Edge Rehab & Nursing Center at Port Jefferson (December 2019)

Concierge Director: Rachel Loevner
Patient’s Name: Robert Gabler
Patient’s Age: 92-years-old
Admission Date: 10/19/2019
Discharge Date: 12/17/2019
Discharged To: Assisted Living
Length of Stay: 59 days
Reason for Stay: Diagnosis of dementia, peripheral vision loss, syncope.
How did this patient hear about Water’s Edge?: Hospital referral


Details of Experience:
Mr. Robert Gabler is a loving husband to his beautiful wife, Sarah. They spent the majority of their time simply enjoying each other’s company because as long as they were together, nothing else seemed to matter. He took care of her and she took care of him. Whatever they couldn’t do, they had family and friends to help. Mr. Gabler was used to being an independent man, so when the day came where he started to become forgetful and dependent, it was unbelievably frustrating for him.

One day, Robert seemed increasingly agitated and forgetful, which concerned his wife, Sarah. After much consideration, she made the executive decision that Robert needed to be evaluated in the hospital. Upon being admitted, Mr. Gabler was diagnosed with dementia, peripheral vision loss, and syncope. Sarah was unsure of what would happen next. After spending a few days in the hospital, Robert was ready for discharge, and it was recommended that he transfer to a subacute rehabilitation center. At rehab, he would be able to gain strength through physical therapy, regain his ability to speak and swallow correctly. Sarah and her family chose Water’s Edge, as it was close to their home.

Upon admission, Robert Gabler was greeted by a number of Water’s Edge interdisciplinary staff. Everyone was available to support Mr. and Mrs. Gabler with Robert’s transition into our community. Sarah was worried. She wanted only the best for her husband, but after a one on one conversation with our Concierge, she felt more confident that she would be getting just that. Our concierge took the time to find out the ins and outs of Mr. Gabler’s every day and then shared that information with the rest of our team, in hopes to make Robert’s stay comfortable. Our nursing staff was very attentive and knowledgeable in regards to all of Sarah’s concerns and Robert’s needs.

After leaving the hospital, Robert was totally dependent on people for assistance with all functions. Robert worked daily with physical therapy, speech, and occupational therapy to ensure the most progress during his stay at Water’s Edge. After a few weeks, Mr. Gabler was making progress, although Sarah was concerned that their house was no longer a functional living space for him.

Sarah needed to make a decision. With the support of family, friends and our team at Water’s Edge Sarah decided the best move for her husband was to work towards transferring to an assisted living. Our team of social workers collaborated with Sarah and her family on choosing the best place. Sarah was thrilled to be working together with someone who wanted the same as she did for Mr. Gabler.

After a few more weeks of continual strides towards meeting his goals, Mr. Gabler was ready for discharge. He was no longer completely dependent on people but still needed a little assistance. He progressed from a puree diet to a regular diet and was now able to drink regular liquids. Robert was evaluated by the assisted living that they chose and was cleared for discharge.

Robert & Sarah were both extremely grateful for their stay at Water’s Edge. They are eager to see the leaps and bounds he will continue to make. We wish nothing but the best for Robert and his entire family.