Reason for Admission: Neurological and generalized weakness
Length of Stay: About 12 days
Discharge Location: Home with home health
Hospital: PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson
Betty Downey’s medical journey began 48 years ago when she was only 30 years old and injured herself while working out at the gym. Over the years, she has had 22 surgeries, the first one being at Stanford and the last one in March 2023. When she first arrived at PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson in early February 2025, she had been unable to walk or stand on her own for 2.5 years.
Betty was admitted to the hospital for generalized weakness, vomiting, and fevers before transferring to PAM Health for intensive therapy to help her regain strength and function. Thanks to her therapists, she was able to stand again! Although she is not one to cry easily, she cried tears of joy at that moment. She was especially excited to stand in the shower to wash her hair with the hot water running over her. Betty joked she was tempted to use all the hot water from staying in there so long. She was also able to wear pants again as the hospital staff helped her get dressed and assisted with other activities of daily living. Betty had never been to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital before and was thankful for this type of care. “We need this place,” she said.
She mentioned that all staff members were helpful in their own way. Throughout her medical journey, Betty has been to many renowned healthcare facilities but said that PAM Health Henderson was “far and away, head and shoulders” above anywhere else. After years of living with her medical issues, she said she was accustomed to feeling disappointed, but in no way felt like that at PAM Health. She said every person has been a gift to her and the experience rocked her world. Beyond the therapy, Betty appreciated the kindness of the Henderson team. For instance, she celebrated her birthday while in the hospital and said this birthday was the best birthday of her life. She said she had never had a real birthday party before and this one lasted days!
After 12 days at PAM Health, Betty was able to return home with home health. She was looking forward to sitting in her chair on the front porch, rain or shine, all by herself, relaxing. Additionally, she was eager to get in her new car and go to her favorite casino, Dotty’s, which is just down the street, so everyone can see her out and about again. Betty mentioned that it will be the first time she will be leaving her house on her own without medical transport. We are sure her friends will be just as excited to see her as we are for her continued success.
