I caught COVID-19, and combined with my diabetes and COPD, it really hit me hard. I was very weak and I couldn’t trust my legs to keep me balanced. It was frightening. As soon as I was admitted to Topeka Center, I started to feel better. Everyone there welcomed me with a smile and promised me they would get me back on my feet. The nurses, therapists, dietitian, recreation department—everyone there took part in my recovery and rehab. Topeka Center made a promise to me—and they kept it. Within three weeks I was stronger, and able to get around on my own with the help of a walker. COVID-19 beat me down, but with the help of Topeka Center I beat it back, and now I’m home again!

I had a stroke, and I lost the ability to walk. I couldn’t do the simplest things. I was totally dependent on others. I was very unhappy and frustrated. I didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, the team at Topeka Center knew exactly what to do. They designed a plan specifically for me. The therapists did remarkable work; they motivated and encouraged me, and before long I was feeling stronger. They taught me how to get around in a wheelchair and within three months, I was back home and on my own. Topeka Center came through in a big way. Not only did they get me going again, they provided a road map for going forward with home health services. I highly recommend Topeka Center!

A serious accident at work left me in very bad shape. I had multiple wounds to my upper body and I had undergone an operation to amputate my left leg at the knee. Complicating the whole situation even more, I needed dialysis three times a week. When I left the hospital, I needed hospital-quality rehab. Topeka Center came through in spectacular fashion. As soon as I arrived, the medical team here discussed my case with my doctor and the hospital. They designed a medical and rehab plan personalized for me. Aside from the great care I’m getting, I love the people at Topeka Center. I look forward to participating in therapy, socializing with residents, and creating positive rapport with the staff. I’ve been to skilled nursing and rehab facilities all over east Kansas, and, against medical advice, I left them all. And good thing: I’d come back to Topeka Center in a heartbeat!

I was tired all the time, with muscle spasms and difficulty moving. I have multiple sclerosis, diabetes and problems with my heart. And then I got COVID-19. I was anxious and depressed. It felt like I was going downhill…until I was admitted to Topeka Center. The team there was warm and welcoming. The medical staff and therapy team put together a plan designed to help me get around on my own again. Within a few weeks I was feeling the difference—stronger and healthier. But it wasn’t just a physical improvement. They got me involved in activities, and I was feeling better emotionally, as well. After six weeks, I was ready to return to my apartment in an Independent Living facility, and the social workers at Topeka Center helped me with the transition. The entire team worked together to get me home and back to my life!

A series of medical complications—all connected—have made life difficult for me. I have diabetes and, because of renal failure, I need dialysis. Some time ago I had my right leg amputated below the knee. After recovering from that, I needed the same done to my left leg. I was weak, in pain, and in need of help. Being admitted to Topeka Center was the best thing that could have happened to me. The therapists helped me get stronger, while the medical staff developed a pain management plan for me. Everyone at Topeka Center is totally professional, patient and compassionate. They taught me how to move around in my wheelchair and perform daily tasks. They even designed a home exercise program for me. And I am back home with my family, thanks to the Topeka Center team.

I was not feeling well at all. I was dizzy and unable to keep my balance. I was falling a lot and because of that, injuring myself. My doctor said I had to go into rehab before I got seriously hurt. That’s how I ended up at Topeka Center, which turned out to be the best place for me. The team made me feel welcome right away, and the therapy, which started within one day of my arrival was excellent. I miss being with my family, but the staff was like family, somebody always stopping by to chat. I like meeting new people and enjoyed talking to the other residents, as well. I’ve improved 100%. No more falls and I’ve got my balance back. That’s what I’d say about Topeka Center: They put my life back in balance.

I was in terrible shape. I had no strength or stamina. Walking was out of the question. I was bedridden. My doctor said I needed to go to a rehab facility, but I wasn’t thrilled by the idea. The Topeka Center team eased my fears. They were personable and always friendly. All of my needs were met. The therapy was tremendous. We set goals and achieved them with hard work. Also, I want to add that my room was great, very comfortable. In short, my stay was excellent. If not for the Topeka Center team, I wouldn’t be home now. I have done great and am still at home 5 months later!

I was awakened by a loud noise. When I looked around, I saw my son’s room was on fire, and he was trying to put it out. I told him to run, nothing is more important than you. I ran toward the back door, but tripped over my walker and couldn’t get up. I passed out. I woke up six weeks later in the Kansas University Burn Center. The pain was unbearable. I was having hallucinations. But the worst was still to come…when they told me my son had died. I couldn’t understand why God took his life and not mine. In February I was transferred to Select Hospital in Kansas City and stayed there for a month. Then I was moved to Topeka Center for my rehab. I still had unhealed burns on 30 percent of my body, and the pain—physical, emotional and mental—was excruciating. But the nurses and therapists—the entire staff—were so patient, loving and compassionate. They encouraged me, were there for me 24 hours a day. The Recreation Director came to my room every day and sang for me. She has a beautiful voice, and it brought tears to my eyes. My son’s death left a hole in my heart, but Topeka Center has healed me in so many ways. They have made life worth living.

I was 24 years old when I was admitted to Topeka Center over a year ago. I was bedbound with stage 4 pressure wounds and was struggling with Major Depressive Disorder. I was seriously discouraged, unmotivated, and completely dependent on the staff. It was no way to live. The Topeka Center team was there for me in so many ways. I participated in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy—all of which helped me set goals for my health and independence. I received counseling and psychiatric services, which was key to stabilizing my depression and overall mood. As my wounds improved, so did my outlook on life. I enjoyed talking with the staff and really looked forward to Topeka Center’s great activities. I trusted the therapists and nurses, and they dramatically transformed the quality of my life. The staff helped me get back on my feet, literally. They motivated me and encouraged me throughout the rehabilitation process. I have come so far and I am so thankful. I am wound free and completely independent. I am so excited by how far I have come. When I was first admitted, I never thought that I would have made this much progress. For the first time I am excited about my future and the possibilities it holds. Thank you, Topeka Center staff!