06/10/2026
Andrea suffered from a wound on her right heel that led to osteomyelitis, a bone infection that progressed to septic shock. Her health was further complicated by peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, diastolic congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension.
She was sent to the ICU and received care, then transferred from the short-term acute care hospital to Kindred Hospital New Jersey – Morris County for continued care of her heel wound and additional IV antibiotics.
When Andrea was admitted to Kindred, the wound produced a large amount of drainage, which was managed with calcium alginate, and she couldn’t put weight on it. When the drainage decreased, the wound treatment was changed to Hydrofera Blue with improved wound healing. Kindred’s podiatrist told Andrea to ambulate with only toe touch on her right foot, and occupational and physical therapists worked with her to help her maximize mobility with the toe-touch technique. She did great following the doctor’s orders and ambulating with toe touch. By the time she was discharged, the wound was practically healed, and she could walk 100 feet with a rolling walker.
Kindred’s dietary team coordinated a meal plan to promote wound healing. After her first week, she was able to switch to a normal diet.
She was very excited to get back home, sit in the sun, eat a home-cooked meal, and continue her recovery, with a goal of walking alone again.
“Everyone here was great, and it was a pleasure to meet all of the staff," Andrea said. "The nurses and physical therapy were the best part of the experience.”
To read more patient stories or to learn more about our care, please visit: https://www.kindredhospitals.com/locations/new-jersey/new-jersey-morris-county
