For Patients, Northwest Transitions Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Bridges Gap Between Hospital and Home
9/30/2024
As a retired Air Force nurse, Leslie “Scottie” McGowan, 79, knows what it takes to deliver quality patient care and that; ideally, the best medical treatment plan includes transitioning from inpatient to home and continuing home care when needed. “I'm very picky about care, and Northwest Transitions is exceptional – the dedicated, invested staff, the pleasant, relaxing environment, the advanced equipment, and the delicious food – which tastes like it was catered,” Scottie says as she prepared to leave after a nine-day stay at Northwest Transitions Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.
Northwest Transitions – located on the Northwest Medical Center campus in Tucson – offers inpatient rehabilitative care in a supportive environment, where patients focus on ability rather than disability and regain the confidence they need for recovery and independence.
Scottie’s specific focus was on healing – and on receiving the physical/occupational therapy she needed after spinal fusion surgery – before returning home to her active, busy life with her husband, Ken, and their two golden retrievers.
“I was impressed with everyone and everything in both settings – Northwest Medical Center and the Northwest Transitions rehab. This place is more like a spa,” laughed Scottie.
Scottie appreciated that she was encouraged to invest in her own care, as well. During occupational and physical therapy sessions, staff cheered her on to achieve a higher level of independence each day – and physicians listened carefully to her questions and needs.
As part of the healing process, Scottie and Ken’s two golden retrievers, Sophie and Kelsi, appreciated being allowed to visit Northwest Transitions.
That healing process is still underway, but Scottie is improving in leaps and bounds.
“I think about how I felt on the day I arrived and compare it to today – and my progress and pain management have both been amazing,” she says. “A chart with Xs updating my OT and PT progress was most important to me. In the beginning, most Xs were in the far-left column. Watching them move to the far-right column, indicating that I could do most things alone or with little assistance was encouraging.”
Scottie and Ken were also encouraged by the training he received.
“The facility didn't just focus on my pain management, independence, and recovery – but also on preparing my husband to support me at home,” she says. “He learned how to help me get in and out of bed, shower, and dress. We also learned how to get in and out of the car, preparing us for home and doctor visits.”
Scottie adds that her case manager played a crucial part in her journey by explaining and assisting with admission paperwork, which detailed Scottie’s procedures and scheduling. The case manager also arranged for outpatient and physical therapy to continue at home, ensuring a smooth transition from inpatient rehabilitation care to home recovery.
“This whole experience, from surgery to home recovery, has been seamless, educational, and awe-inspiring,” Scottie says. “As a retired nurse, I know the positive impact of the exceptional care I received throughout the process. If you, a loved one, or a friend anticipates rehab care, Northwest Transitions Inpatient Rehabilitation in Tucson is the best place to be.”
Back