Becki Rucker

Becki Rucker led an independent life dedicated to her work and family. She oversaw two campuses as the director of development for one of the largest private schools in the area. Then, Becki’s life was turned upside down when she suffered a stroke. The stroke left her with slurred speech and weakness on the whole right side of her body.

To regain her independence, Becki was admitted to Southern Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital. She arrived unable to lift her hand and leg on the right side. Her condition required two people to assist her with things like going to the restroom.

When she felt scared, Becki turned to her friends and family for comfort. They would visit regularly and bring food, flowers, and gifts. Her husband and son were with her every day and most days would come twice to lift her spirits. She also found support in her therapists as they helped get her back to better.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the therapists here,” Becki said. “All the therapists were wonderful, especially Miranda and Mary Beth.”

Working with her therapists, Becki developed specific goals. “I want to be able to walk, participate in daily activities such as cooking, drive a car, and go back to work.” Over her four-week inpatient stay, Becki achieved her recovery milestones before discharging home.

But Becki’s recovery journey wasn’t yet complete. She had close friends and family that completed the outpatient program at SIRH after knee surgeries. At their referral, she chose to continue her rehabilitation care. “It is the place to be if you need rehab,” she added.

Choosing outpatient therapy over home health allowed Becki to work on specific goals. She focused on things like getting up, getting ready for the day, and getting out of the house just like she would be doing once she returned to work. “I didn’t want home health because I knew SIRH had the equipment. I love the intense therapy here.”

After starting in a wheelchair, Becki has progressed to using a walker in outpatient therapy. She has set a goal to be off her walker and on a cane in the upcoming weeks.