Peter “Pete” Thompson of Dover, Delaware, defines quality of life as “being able to do the things I want to do.” He enjoys spending time with family including seven grandchildren, driving his cherished white Corvette, playing the guitar and tinkering with his model train set.
Not once, but twice has Pete turned to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown in Delaware for rehabilitative care. His first visit occurred on Dec. 15, 2014, the hospital’s opening day, for which he proudly touts being the hospital’s second patient following his knee replacement surgery. Then on Feb. 17, 2018, he returned for rehabilitative care for Parkinson’s disease. His team of clinical experts worked with him on balance, muscle stretches and coordination to help reduce the side effects of Parkinson’s and gain more control of his body. Results started happening quickly thanks to his determination. Upon admission, Pete’s balance score was a 14/56; and by day 6 of treatment, he was already measuring at 47/56.
Despite his condition, the former high school marketing teacher and owner of a promotional product business, retains a positive outlook on life and does not want to stop being active. He hopes to return to driving his Corvette and wants to maintain his past hobbies and activities.
When asked why he chose to return to the hospital a second time, he earnestly responded it was because he “knew what they could do.”
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