Marlene Jenkins is a fitness and self-care guru with a local presence that stretches far beyond our hometown. While she’s known for teaching fitness classes in the area, her reach extends much further. Marlene frequently travels for fitness conferences and sessions, and her YouTube program, Movement with Mar, is a global resource for seniors looking to stay active. The program features easy-to-follow exercises that anyone can do from the comfort of their own home.
One morning, her regular fitness class met, but Marlene didn’t show. It was unlike her to miss a class without notifying anyone, so the class members quickly became concerned. They called for a wellness check. When first responders arrived, they found Marlene on the floor—she had suffered a stroke. Thankfully, she was quickly transported to a hospital in Erie, where she received treatment and care. Afterward, she was moved to a rehabilitation center to address mobility issues and the weakness in her right arm.
While Marlene was grateful for the care she received in Erie, she longed to be closer to home. She requested to be transferred to Wesbury’s Grace Rehabilitation Center for a short-term stay.
“I was really impressed with the staff at Grace,” Marlene says. “The nursing team was professional, friendly, and accommodating—not just to me, but also to my visitors, and especially to the other residents who needed more care than I did.”
It wasn’t just the nursing staff that made an impact. Marlene is also grateful to the therapists who worked with her every day, helping her regain her independence. “The physical therapy team was amazing. Even when someone had to step away to help another resident, a new team member would jump in without missing a beat.”
Less than two months after her stroke, Marlene is back home. Though she continues therapy at home, she’s also returned to her fitness routine and is once again enjoying her active lifestyle. She even joined a Wesbury Fundraising trip to Spain along the Duro River, marking a new chapter of travel and socializing.
When asked if she would return to Wesbury for any future rehabilitation needs, Marlene answered with a resounding “Yes!” She adds, “Now that I’ve been through the process, I know exactly what to expect. The nursing and therapy staff made all the difference in my recovery, and it’s comforting to know that Wesbury is here if I ever need them again.”
Marlene’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of the right support system. With the care and guidance of exceptional nursing and therapy teams, she made a remarkable recovery and returned to living life on her own terms.
If you’re facing an upcoming procedure or need to preplan for a short-term rehabilitation stay, contact Wesbury’s Admissions Coordinator Macquel Flowers at 814-332-9233. Our compassionate team is ready to guide you through the process and provide the support you need for a smooth recovery. Reach out now to begin your journey toward healing at Wesbury.
