Exercise Programs
Even very small changes in muscle size can make a big difference in strength, especially in people who already have lost a lot of muscle. An increase in muscle that's not even visible to the eye can be all it takes to improve your ability to do things like get up from a chair or climb stairs.
At Nightingale's Nursing & Attendants, exercise programs are set up and supervised by professional nurses at no cost to you. Personalized exercise programs, tailored to your exact needs, are also available.
Ask about our special program for paralyzed clients.
Willie McMillan
Little River, South Carolina
While working on a farm in February 2003, Willie McMillan fell 36 feet in a grain bin. Due to this misfortunate accident, Willie became a quadriplegic with many challenges ahead of him.
With the help of Nightingale’s staff, Willie has taken a difficult situation and has improved his quality of life. In his spare time, Willie enjoys eating out, spending time with friends, and going to baseball games.
Starting his day on the exercise bike for one hour, Willie then walks with the help of a walker two times a day.
He ends his day on a Nightingale-designed workout bench. Willie works his upper and lower body for strength building: he is able to lift forty pound weights on each leg for 200 repetitions.
Ceasar
This is one of our favorite clients to brag on. His name is Ceasar and he is being visited on this day by Brandi Gaskins, LPN supervisor. Ceasar helped develop an untraditional exercise pulley system that has helped many others learn how to exercise their lower limbs even if they were paralyzed below the chest, as he is.
Ceasar was injured while diving into shallow waters at Santee in an area he was familiar with and had been swimming in for years. He has survived his injury and the subsequent loss of his spouse by turning to a strong faith in Christ and pumping up his muscles. Ceasar has been able to reduce his use of muscle spasm medication which in turn lessened his gastric irritation and allowed him to be more awake during the day through the use of exercise. He also went from having trouble lifting a 2 pound weight to being able to do angel wing curls with both arms with 40 pound weights! He is Buff!
Not only did the exercise program increase his endorphins and mentally help him feel better, his strong upper body strength allows him to assist with his own transfers, etc. Now Ceasar is easily cared for by smaller caregivers because he is able to help them tremendously! We are looking to help Ceasar get a modified van so he can start to drive himself again. Anyone that would be willing to help should contact our office for information on how to do so.