ARU Stay Helps Cooper Regain Independence After Surgery
October 13, 2023
Clifford Cooper had been struggling with weakness in his arm and hand affecting his ability to stand, walk and even open bottles. The problem had progressively gotten worse to the point that he required surgery on his neck to address it. Following his procedure, Cooper needed assistance with basic self-care activities. He turned to the Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) at EAMC-Lanier to help regain his independence.
During his two-week stay, Cooper was determined to work hard so he could get back to his old self. Before his surgery, he could drive, walk with a cane and perform all of his basic self-care activities without help. He tackled his rehab sessions with tenacity, and soon he was able to walk while only needing the assistance of a walker.
At the end of Cooper’s stay, he had regained his ability to complete all self-care activities and was cleared to go home.
When looking back on his time at the ARU, Cooper says, “it was great, and all the people that I met are so nice and helpful.”
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About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,600 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.
