Hospital: PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Miamisburg and PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miamisburg
Diagnosis: Respiratory failure with complications
Sarah Crowe-Hoak got sick with Influenza A and then pneumonia. Her condition continued to worsen, and she was hospitalized in February 2025. She was in respiratory failure and acute kidney injury and had a tracheostomy, feeding tube, and central line catheter placed. Mrs. Crowe-Hoak eventually came to our long-term acute care (LTAC) unit at PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of Miamisburg. Her husband toured our hospital before choosing us and felt confident our state-of-the-art amenities would be the best setting for his wife’s recovery.
Mrs. Crowe-Hoak arrived at PAM Health still dependent on ventilator support. A further decline in respiratory function, exacerbated by anxiety, sent her back to the acute care hospital, but when she eventually returned to PAM Health, her progress took off. Mrs. Crowe-Hoak began using a speaking valve and just a week later, had her trach removed, a tremendous milestone. As she transitioned to our rehabilitation unit, she focused on regaining strength, mobility, and independence. Through electrical stimulation therapy, she regained movement in her right hand, which had become paralyzed during her illness and hospitalization. Remarkably, after just one week at our rehab, Mrs. Crowe-Hoak was walking and performing stairs. She recalled that standing on her own two feet and showering, both for the first time since becoming sick, were unforgettable moments for her. Mrs. Crowe-Hoak expressed appreciation for everyone involved in her care, including LTAC nurse Ashley; respiratory therapist Katie for her ongoing support; Amber for helping with trach/ventilator care; and occupational therapist Ryan who did electrical stimulation with Mrs. Crowe-Hoak’s right hand.
After all she’s endured the past several months, Mrs. Crowe-Hoak looks forward to returning home to see her dog and nine cats and sleeping in her own bed again. She and her husband are planning a trip to Hilton Head, SC soon to renew their vows. We are so thrilled for Mrs. Crowe-Hoak and wish her continued health and happiness!
