Frank Parish from Firestone, Colorado, is a 41-year-old sales representative. A devoted husband and father of two, he enjoys working out, biking, and hiking. Life took an unexpected turn this past spring when he suffered cardiac arrest that led to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and respiratory failure.

After weeks in an acute care hospital, Frank was referred to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital (NCRH) because of its brain injury rehabilitation program. NCRH earned The Joint Commission’s national brain injury certification after a rigorous evaluation of the hospital’s practices, programs, and patient outcomes, demonstrating adherence to national standards and evidence-based clinical practices.

When Frank arrived at NCRH, his main goals were to return to work and drive again. He worked with the hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team, engaging in intensive therapy sessions, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The rehabilitation team worked closely with Frank and his family to create an individualized treatment plan, allowing him to progress at his own ability levels.

“The staff treated me with warmth and love,” Frank says. “Nancy, a physician assistant, was wonderful. She listened to all my concerns, was nonjudgmental, and helped me feel comfortable and relaxed. The custodian team was also very friendly and talkative, and kept my room clean.”

In addition to the support of the hospital staff, Frank discovered a community of fellow patients who shared similar struggles. “I made great friends who were also patients,” he says. “We still talk.”

After a couple of weeks, Frank was discharged from the hospital and decided to participate in NCRH’s outpatient program, which allowed him to continue with therapy treatments for his recovery while living at home. He credits the outpatient staff for his ongoing progress, highlighting the support from Connie, the outpatient coordinator, and Alyssa, a speech-language therapist.

“Connie was an amazing liaison for me and would always get me quick responses; she’s great at her job,” Frank says. “And Alyssa is amazing — very organic and deliberate. The speech therapy sessions have provided me with building blocks to get back to work, which I’ve been able to do!”

In addition to his return to work, Frank feels his experience has made him calmer and more deliberate. He says he now knows not to get frustrated and to live in the moment. His focus remains on his family, and he has started working out and hiking again.