Margaret Matthews_Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital

Margaret suffered a head injury when she tripped at a restaurant. To return home safely, she needed rehabilitation and chose NCRH.

Margaret Matthews, 72, enjoys a quiet, peaceful, retired life with her husband of 50 years, Jim. Together, they live in Windsor, CO, and spent the past 38 years caring for their family. For the past 16 years, Margaret has enjoyed participating in a ladies’ investment group. Together, the couple enjoys going to conditioning class. They also enjoy dining at their favorite restaurants.

Out for a meal one night, Margaret tripped over a folded-up carpet on the ground. She fractured her right ring finger in the fall and hit her head. Margaret remembers the entire accident. Jim brought her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma.

Due to the injury, Margaret would need rehabilitation to safely return home. She chose Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital for her recovery. Many of their friends and family had been patients at NCRH. Margaret and Jim knew she would have an intensive therapy regimen at NCRH.

Jim would be a major influence on Margaret’s recovery. Every day, Jim was with his wife, sharing meals and supporting her. His support allowed Margaret to focus on her recovery.

Margaret also acknowledged the support of the staff at NCRH. “The nurses are so upbeat with a positive attitude,” she noted. “They are always smiling and helpful. The therapists are so patient and know when you are exhausted. And the food was fantastic. They were able to cater to my gluten-free diet.”

“I love how I was treated like an individual!”

Having put in the hard work, Margaret was able to discharge home with Jim. She looks forward to spending more time with him and getting out more often.

After undergoing surgery on his spine, James came to NCRH to regain his strength in order to care for his stepson.

James Heaberlin rarely ever gets sick. The 82-year-old is a living testament to the benefits of an active lifestyle. James, who has lived in Fort Collins for the past 40 years, and has always been healthy. He enjoys daily three-mile walks with his dog and spending time with his family, including his wife, six children, and 16 grandkids. James is a retired military combat veteran who served in the U.S. Army and completed three combat tours. Retired from banking and insurance, James and his wife spend their days caring for their developmentally disabled stepson and doing household chores.

But one of those chores would wind up changing James’ trend of good health. Working on the garage door at his house, James fell from a ladder. In the fall, he suffered an L4 compression fracture.

Initially, James completed an outpatient therapy program to treat his injuries. Unfortunately, the pain only continued to increase. James elected to have a kyphoplasty — a minimally-invasive surgery to treat a spinal compression fracture. After surgery, James would require rehabilitation.

For his rehab, James chose Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. He chose NCRH because of its reputation, as well as the recommendation of a close family member who had success at the hospital.

James came to NCRH fully motivated to recover. “My motivation for recovery is that the Lord told me to marry my wife and take care of my stepson,” James stated. “My one and only goal is to get back on my feet and be strong enough to take care of my stepson.”

Working hard on his recovery, James made great progress while at NCRH. He is glad he chose Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital for his recovery. “I absolutely have loved the physicians,” James said, as he prepared to discharge home. “They have always been so interested in helping me, so warm, and just extraordinary. And the nursing staff have been outstanding and always go above-and-beyond!”