Success Stories & More

Wanda Tipton was recently hospitalized and needed skilled rehabilitation upon release from the hospital. She came to Durham-Hensley and received skilled services from Physical, Occupational, and Respiratory Therapy. She participated five to six times a week and worked hard to gain strength and increase her activity tolerance.  

Respiratory Therapy worked alongside Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy monitoring her oxygen levels, providing education, and assuring continued progression in her healing process. She stated, “I have been treated well while here. Everyone has been so helpful in my recovery.”  

Wanda, it was a pleasure to work with you and we wish you the best as you continue to heal at home. Thank you for choosing Durham-Hensley for your nursing and rehabilitation needs! 

Meet Our New Staff Member: Marci Dupre

We would like to introduce the newest addition to our Rehab Team, Marci Dupre, Speech Therapist. 

Marci graduated from the Speech Language Pathology Program at East Tennessee State University. She is originally from Louisiana but fell in love with our area and decided to establish roots in the Tri Cities. 

In her free time, Marci enjoys hiking, snowboarding, coloring, and playing her clarinet. Marci is passionate about Speech Therapy and stated, “Communication and eating are such an important part of our lives. As a Speech Therapist, I enjoy having the opportunity to improve and maintain the quality of life for our residents by engaging them in meaningful activities and helping them achieve their goals.”

Welcome to Durham-Hensley Marci! We are so happy to have you on our team and thankful for the difference you make for our residents. 

We would like to congratulate our Night Shift Employee of the Month of July, Sandra Williams!

Sandra has worked at Durham-Hensley as an LPN since 2011. She always goes above and beyond and takes the upmost pride in her work. Sandra is an inspiration to us all!  Thank you, Sandra, for all that you do!

Thao is a resident at Durham-Hensley. She recently expressed an interest in wanting to walk more and she worked with Physical Therapy to improve her walking abilities. 

After finishing therapy, Thao is now able to walk all around the building using a cane with a staff member. She is now participating in our Broad River Restorative Program to maintain her progress and walking abilities. Thao enjoys being able to walk throughout the facility and visit with other residents. She maintains a positive attitude and loves to smile. We are so proud of your progress Thao!

Lula came to Durham-Hensley in January of 2023 due to multiple fractures and needed full assistance from skilled therapists and skilled nurses for her daily care. She participated with therapy initially to improve her strength and activity tolerance as her fractures healed. For several months, she was restricted in weight bearing through her leg and this made mobility and transfers very difficult for her. Since her weight bearing restrictions have been cleared, she has been working again with Physical and Occupational Therapy to further improve her independence with her daily activities of living and mobility. 

Lula has demonstrated excellent progress. She has progressed from dependent assistance with transfers to completing transfers with a rolling walker with assistance. Lula was unable to walk upon admission due to her injuries and weight bearing limitations. Therapy has been working with Lula to improve her strength and today, she was able to take ten steps using a walker with therapy! We are so proud of her progress and Lula truly enjoys working with the therapy department to regain her independence. We look forward to continuing with Lula on her journey and watching her meet her goals. Congratulations!

Yesterday, the staff, residents, and families enjoyed our 4th of July cookout! We could not have asked for better weather or conversation under the pavilion. The “Grill Kings” made some delicious hamburgers and hotdogs! We hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July!

We would like to congratulate our Employee of the Month of June, Tatem Thomas!

Tatem has worked at Durham-Hensley for the last 10 months. She has worn many hats as a CNA Assistant and helps in Housekeeping and Laundry all while juggling her school schedule. Tatem always puts our residents first and always helps in any way that she can!

Thank you, Tatem, for all that you do!

Celebrating Clinical Success : Carrie Blazer

Ms. Blazer came to Durham-Hensley in need of skilled therapy and nursing care after hospitalization. Upon admission, she was experiencing a decrease in strength, activity tolerance, and mobility. She participated in Physical and Occupational Therapy to restore her strength, learn compensatory techniques to safely complete her daily tasks, and learn to walk and transfer safely with training on using an offloading boot. 

Ms. Blazer made excellent progress with therapy and is returning home with independence in mobility using a walker and independence with her daily tasks. She looks forward to continuing her recovery journey with home health and eventually returning to her work as a caregiver. She stated, “Everyone here has been so good. If I ever need therapy again, I will come back to Durham-Hensley.” Congratulations on your success, Ms. Blazer!  

Mr. Unruh came to Durham-Hensley to receive skilled therapy services to allow him to regain his strength and independence. He received Physical, Occupational and Respiratory Therapy for a little over two weeks. 

During this time, he demonstrated excellent gains and was able to discharge home with independence in his mobility and his daily tasks. We are so proud of the progress he has made! He stated that he was more than pleased with the therapy services he received and the care from each department here at Durham-Hensley. Congratulations Mr. Unruh!