Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute

06/08/2026

Patient Success is Our Success: Edna Sowards, an 81-year-old retiree from Rockwall, Texas, enjoys reading and spending time with her family, which includes 12 grandchildren.

Recently, after making dinner, Edna noticed something was wrong and fell, but managed to crawl to her recliner. After seeking care at an acute care hospital, Edna was diagnosed with a stroke. Edna’s family searched online for rehabilitation options and chose Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) after reading positive reviews about the facility and its stroke rehabilitation program. MRI holds a national certification in stroke rehabilitation from The Joint Commission, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to stroke rehabilitation outcomes.

When Edna arrived at MRI, she had weakness on her left side and needed help with daily activities. She worked closely with the hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team, participating in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Physical therapy helped Edna begin taking steps with a walker while improving her strength and confidence. Occupational therapy focused on daily activities, including showering safely and independently, while speech therapy addressed communication and cognitive skills as part of her recovery plan.

After 17 days at MRI, Edna was discharged home. She is now able to shower without assistance and is taking steps with a walker.

Edna Sowards, an 81-year-old retiree from Rockwall, Texas, enjoys reading and spending time with her family, which includes 12 grandchildren.

05/27/2026

According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), about one in four stroke survivors suffers a second one. But it doesn’t have to be that way; preventing a second stroke starts with you.

Treatment options to prevent future strokes can be tailored to individual situations. Work with your doctor to create a plan that reduces your risks and addresses your specific goals, concerns, and circumstances.

The ASA provides the following tips to help prevent a second stroke:

• Work with your doctor to identify the cause of your stroke or previously unknown risk factors. Jointly create a formal program to live a healthier lifestyle that includes exercise, education, and counseling.
• Attend all your follow-up appointments.
• Take recommended medications.
• Manage your risk factors.
• Connect with a support group.

05/25/2026

Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice 🇺🇸. Memorial Day is a reminder to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to our heroes. How are you commemorating this day? Share your moments below.

05/22/2026

Congrats to Kevin for dominating our MRI Step Challenge with 356,501 steps! 🎉👏 Shoutout to Ever and Lori for earning participation prizes—great effort from all! Remember, every step contributes to better health. How do you stay active? Share your favorite tips below! 🚶‍♀️

05/18/2026

The brain controls the body’s movement, senses, thinking, and memory. When a stroke blocks blood flow to part of the brain, that area can be damaged and lead to changes in sensory, motor, or cognitive abilities.

A stroke on the left side of the brain often affects the right side of the body. It can cause speech and language difficulties (aphasia), right-sided weakness or paralysis, challenges with reasoning or memory, and slower behavior.
A stroke on the right side of the brain often affects the left side of the body. It can cause left-sided weakness or paralysis, vision and spatial perception issues, memory problems, and more impulsive behavior.
Understanding these effects helps with stroke awareness and recovery support.

05/14/2026

Hospital Week continues here at MRI and MSH! 🎉 We're celebrating our dedicated team with delicious treats and a special lunch from A1 Renovation. Our staff's commitment makes a difference in patient care every day—thank you! 💙

05/12/2026

Congratulations to HIM Clerk Ryan Wilson on winning the annual Salsa contest! 🌶️🎉 Who's ready to challenge Ryan next year? 👏😊

05/11/2026

We recognize and thank our employees for their commitment to delivering specialized rehabilitative care to patients affected by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions. Your work makes a meaningful difference by supporting healing, improving health, and restoring hope. We appreciate the important role you play in advancing patient care every day.

05/08/2026

More than half a million people experience a stroke every year in the United States. According to the American Stroke Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 80% of strokes may be preventable by managing key risk factors.

The most important steps include controlling high blood pressure, managing diabetes and high cholesterol, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol. Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) should also be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Stroke prevention is often possible with consistent lifestyle changes and proper medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider about your stroke risk and how to reduce it.

04/27/2026

For many people, aging at home is an important goal. Occupational therapists can help older adults maintain safety and independence in their homes, especially following an injury or illness, by:

• Teaching adaptive strategies with dressing, grooming, cooking, or eating
• Recommending home modifications like grab bars, improved lighting, and removal of tripping hazards
• Providing organizational techniques to remember important tasks
• Training individuals on the proper use of adaptive equipment
Through these strategies and others, occupational therapists can help older adults prevent injuries and maintain as much independence and quality of life as possible.