Nancy Bounds, a 70-year-old retiree from Hernando, Mississippi, has always enjoyed an active and fulfilling life. Married for 39 years, she and her husband have one daughter and two grandchildren, and enjoy traveling together. Nancy also enjoys reading, solving jigsaw puzzles, and swimming. But her world changed unexpectedly during a motorcycle road trip when she and her husband were involved in a serious collision.

The accident left Nancy with multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After receiving initial care, the hospital’s case managers recommended that Nancy continue her recovery journey at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH) and then at North Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital (NCRH).

Nancy required critical care services through NCLTAH to address her new oxygen needs, tube feedings, and to gain support to advance her diet. She also needed neurological assessments and extensive pain management because of her injuries. With multiple fractures and several surgeries, she required time to heal before she could engage in more intensive therapies fully.

Speaking about NCLTAH, Nancy says, “The staff was awesome and gave me amazing care. I love how attentive everyone was!”

Upon transitioning to NCRH for rehabilitation, Nancy set her primary goal: to regain the ability to walk once her weight-bearing restrictions were lifted. Throughout her rehabilitation journey, she faced many challenges, but her dedication and the support of the hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team made a difference.

“The staff has all been wonderful and very kind,” she says. “They are always very attentive and respond to call lights quickly. Dr. Arrogante is very knowledgeable and truly cares about me. Everyone here has made a great effort to get to know me, and that has meant so much.”

Two months after her accident, Nancy flew back home to Mississippi. She looks forward to resuming everyday activities like driving and, eventually, swimming again.

“I can’t wait to live my normal life again,” Nancy says.