The collaboration between care partners Accura HealthCare, Blue Stone Therapy, NuMotion, and Woodlyn Heights Senior Living community is a true reflection of community, compassion, and teamwork. This united effort was inspired by Chad, a resident facing the challenges of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Chad’s diagnosis had significantly limited his mobility, and as his condition progressed, a wheelchair became essential for him to regain independence and enhance his quality of life.

Initially, Chad faced only minor challenges, but by 2017, he began using a wheelchair part-time, gradually increasing its use as the disease advanced. Despite his determination to remain active, gallbladder surgery in 2021 proved to be a turning point. Following the procedure, Chad found himself unable to transfer into his wheelchair independently— a skill he had previously mastered. This setback led him to seek therapy to rebuild the strength and mobility necessary for daily activities.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, called myelin. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, and vision problems. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, though it is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In the United States alone, approximately 1 million people are living with MS, and globally, the number reaches around 2.5 million. With nearly 200 new cases diagnosed each week, MS affects individuals in varying degrees—some experience mild symptoms, while others may face significant disability over time.

Though Chad had worked with several therapy providers in the past, his experience at Woodlyn Heights Senior Living has proven to be a game-changer. He entered the community in 2022, where his recovery took on a new trajectory. Chad’s stay has been a pivotal chapter in his rehabilitation, as he works toward regaining his independence. The Woodlyn Heights transitional care unit has become more than just a place for physical recovery—it’s where he has received a level of personalized care he hadn’t found elsewhere. Despite some additional challenges, Chad remains focused on his recovery and on the goal of returning home.

One of the most significant aspects of Chad’s experience has been the consistency of his care team. He praises the therapists for their dedication, saying that the continuity of care has made a world of difference. In contrast to his past experiences, where frequent staff turnover led to slow progress, the team at Woodlyn Heights takes the time to truly understand him as a person, not just a patient. This in-depth, patient-centered approach has given Chad renewed hope for achieving his goals.

The therapy team—led by Ashlie, the Rehab Director, and supported by physical therapists Molly and Kristin—has become an integral part of Chad’s daily life. They not only guide him through rigorous rehabilitation but also build a rapport with him that goes beyond the clinical setting. Chad highlights that this personal connection has been crucial in maintaining his motivation and progress. “The care team here treats me more like family than anything. They’ve gotten to know me and what my goals are in life,” he says. “They customize things for me and don’t treat me like just another patient.”

Though Chad is grateful for the expert care he receives at Woodlyn Heights, the emotional toll of being away from his family has been a challenge. His children, unable to visit as often as he would like, are on his mind frequently. Yet, Chad remains committed to his goal of returning home to work at his mother’s candy shop, which opened in 2021. The shop, which has become a central part of Chad’s life, represents not only his professional aspirations but also his desire to reconnect with a sense of normalcy and purpose.

A major milestone in Chad’s journey came with the introduction of a Numotion Power Chair Permobil F5 Corpus VS, a life-changing technology that has revolutionized his ability to stand independently. The idea to pursue this chair was sparked by Kristin Kuhn, a Physical Therapist Assistant at Woodlyn Heights, who attended a conference in February and discovered the Numotion mobility innovation. She immediately thought of Chad, whose MS had severely limited his ability to stand or perform basic tasks like stocking shelves at the candy shop.

After discussing the potential benefits of the chair with Chad, Kristin reached out to Numotion to begin the process. The company’s involvement was thorough and hands-on, ensuring that the chair would meet Chad’s needs. A demo chair was brought to Woodlyn Heights for Chad to try, allowing the therapy team to assess how the chair could fit into his daily routine. Modifications were made to customize the chair, and Numotion worked closely with Chad’s insurance to secure approval. With their help, Chad was able to incorporate the chair into his therapy program, making it an essential tool for his rehabilitation.

Chad credits Kristin for her persistence in getting the chair for him and guiding him through the entire process. “Kristin should get a promotion,” he jokes. “She really went above and beyond to make this happen.”

The Numotion power chair has made a huge difference in Chad’s life, allowing him to stand and perform tasks that were previously impossible. Standing provides numerous health benefits, including improved bone density and wound care, and it allows Chad to engage in everyday activities with greater ease. He looks forward to using the chair to work in his mother’s shop, where he will be able to stock shelves and interact with customers while standing, something he hasn’t been able to do for years. It will also help him participate more fully in family events, standing alongside his children rather than being relegated to sitting.

Chad’s advice to others facing similar challenges is simple: “Move as much as you can to keep your strength up, and get the Numotion chair to help you stand and stay active.” He encourages others to be proactive in seeking innovative solutions like the power chair, which can improve both mobility and quality of life.

The success of Chad’s journey is also a testament to the dedication of the rehab team at Woodlyn Heights, which has worked together for over five years. The facility is partnered with Blue Stone Therapy, a company that values patient-centered care and consistency. Ashlie, Molly, and Kristin form a cohesive team that shares a strong bond and commitment to helping residents achieve their goals. Kristin, who has worked at Woodlyn Heights for 13 years, appreciates the smaller, close-knit environment, where staff can develop deeper relationships with long-term residents. “It’s the kind of place where you really get to know the residents,” she says. “That makes all the difference.”

Woodlyn Heights’ therapy team, along with the support of Accura HealthCare and Blue Stone Therapy, has helped more than 20 patients like Chad receive power chairs through Numotion. The process, though complex, has been made easier thanks to Numotion’s responsive and people-focused approach. Heather Hedgecock, an Assistive Technology Professional from Numotion, takes the time to learn about each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that every step of the process goes smoothly.

For Chad, the combination of Woodlyn Heights’ exceptional care and Numotion’s innovative technology has enabled him to regain his independence and continue working toward his goals. He eagerly anticipates the day when he can return home, fully capable of standing on his own, and continue working at the candy shop. The journey may have been long and challenging, but with the help of his therapy team and the right tools, Chad is well on his way to a more independent and fulfilling life.

Watch the video on YouTube or learn more about Woodlyn Heights, Blue Stone Therapy, and Numotion.