Delores' story
At 88, Delores Hall is the mother of six, grandmother of 26, great-grandmother of 16 and great-great grandmother of 14.
She raised her children while cleaning hotels and attending nursing school, proudly showing up for each high school and college graduation. A fixture in her senior living apartment complex, Delores’ neighbors marvel at her spotless and tidy space.
It all slammed to a halt when the Florida native began experiencing shortness of breath, dry cough and abdominal pains. Fearing COVID-19, her family called an ambulance.
At Jackson North Hospital, she tested positive and quickly declined. Viral pneumonia set in, leading to respiratory failure, connection to high-flow oxygen and kidney damage. Worse, her beloved family could not visit and offer support due to pandemic visitation restrictions. Delores began to also decline mentally and eventually could not even speak to her family by phone.
When live-saving intervention was no longer needed, the family was offered information about the next steps in care. They conducted research and chose Select Specialty Hospital – Miami Lakes. The smooth transfer from Jackson North confirmed they’d made the right decision, she said.
Delores arrived with COVID-19 safety precautions in place, and was briefly placed in isolation. After testing negative, she moved to a regular room where family was finally permitted brief visits.
Silvia recalled dropping in about one week into the stay, and Delores said “Oh my baby, my daughter Silvia is here.” Both women broke into huge grins behind their masks. In that moment, Silvia said, she knew she’d get her Mom back.
Physical, occupational and speech therapy services worked together five days a week, putting Delores through a personalized program aimed at restoring mobility and early independence. Range of motion exercises, practicing sitting, getting out of bed and into a chair were significant accomplishments.
At the same time, respiratory therapists began testing whether she could tolerate less oxygen support. Gradually, Delores stepped down to a small tube of nasal oxygen.
One month later, the feisty great-great grandmother was ready for the next step. Everyone was grateful for the support and assistance the Select Specialty Hospital team provided. The ordeal taught Silvia and her family the importance of focusing on the positive, and moving forward with hope.
When told she was going home, Delores declared, “It’s a miracle!”
She couldn’t wait to see and spend time with her loving family again.