By Annette Pinder

Kevin Harrod is feeling fortunate these days. Despite receiving what he characterizes as exemplary rehabilitative care at Buffalo Center on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, he is glad to be going home for the first time since suffering a stroke in June. At the time, Kevin was teaching swimming and lifeguarding at Henninger High School in Syracuse, and coaching the Syracuse Chargers Swim team.

“While using the exercise bike at the gym, I noticed some weakness on my left side,” says Kevin. “After I drove home, I began noticing weakness in my left hand. Thinking I was tired or hadn’t had enough water to drink, I tried taking a nap, but couldn’t sleep. I tried, but couldn’t get up, called out to my cat, and noticed that my voice didn’t sound normal. My wife Cindy also confirmed that I sounded terrible during a phone call, and I suddenly remembered the acronym F.A.S.T. from my first-aid training, which stands for Face, Arm, Speech, and Time. Realizing I was having a stroke and there was no time to waste, I called 911, then notified Cindy, who met me at the hospital.” Kevin suffered from a hypertensive stroke that affected his left side, and he remained in the hospital for a month before being transferred to a rehab facility.

Since Cindy had accepted a new position as principal at a high school in Silver Creek, requiring them to move to Hamburg, the couple limited their research to finding rehab centers in Erie and Cattaraugus counties. Learning of the high ratings of Buffalo Centers Healthcare, and the fact that a bed was available, made the choice easy. “The rehab team, physical, and occupational therapists have been amazing. They helped me with my goal, of becoming 100% independent. After just two months, I am semi-independent, can stand and transfer, dress myself, use a hemi-walker, and have a more normal gait. I still have a ways to go with my arm, but grip and range of motion are improving,” says Kevin.

Once home at the couple’s new Hamburg apartment, Kevin will receive outpatient therapy and a home health aide who will work with him toward achieving independence. He now looks forward to coaching at the Hamburg Swim Club. He says, “I have that job already lined up and waiting for me, and look forward to working with the parents, kids, coaches, and meeting everyone in person. Between the great and knowledgeable therapists and equipment at Buffalo Center, I am grateful to everyone who worked so diligently to get me to where I am right now.”

According to Medicare.gov, Buffalo Center has a 5-star rating for rehabilitation, and 87% of its short-term residents improve their mobility, compared to the national average of 76.8%, the 78.5% New York state average.

Learn more about Rehabilitative Care at Buffalo Centers Healthcare at https://buffalo-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/rehab, or call 716-883-6782.