Penny Humphrey has a magic number on the brain: 60.
Right now, she’s sitting at 56 steps per minute on the NuStep during therapy. Four little steps might sound like small potatoes to the rest of us, but Penny knows the work and determination it takes to bridge that gap.
“I’m going to do it,” she says. And she’s putting in the work to get there.
At Edgewood Sioux Falls Prairie Crossings, Penny is known for two things: her absolute refusal to quit and her warmth. She’s the unofficial welcome wagon, inviting new neighbors to join her at lunch and making sure there’s always room for one more at the dining table.
Getting back to doing what she loves took determination, encouragement, and plenty of hard work. Having therapy available right where she lives has made it easier to keep putting in that work, with more energy left for the life she wants to enjoy.
Explore Prairie Crossings
Penny moved into Edgewood Sioux Falls Prairie Crossings in December 2017. Chronic back pain, multiple falls, and arm weakness had made everyday tasks increasingly difficult.
After five back surgeries and a frightening fall with her walker, she relied on a wheelchair to get around. Getting dressed, managing personal care, and even holding utensils had become major challenges.
Penny had some important goals in mind. She wanted to walk again, regain her independence in the mornings, and spend more quality time with her family outside her apartment.
In November 2018, she met CaringEdge occupational therapist Alaina Young, who now serves as the Sioux Falls Outpatient Therapy Team Lead. With physical and occupational therapy available right inside her community, Penny could work toward her goals without having to travel for appointments.
For someone rebuilding strength and confidence, getting to an appointment can be a challenge of its own. Having therapy right where she lives allowed Penny to focus on her progress without arranging transportation. Three times a week, she worked on strength, balance, endurance, and everyday skills to help her regain independence.
“Right off the bat, Penny was willing to do whatever it took,” Alaina says.
Today, Penny walks to meals using a front-wheeled walker. She can tie her shoes, manage her personal hygiene, maintain her apartment, and sleep in her own bed every night.
These everyday accomplishments have opened the door to greater independence and more opportunities to enjoy the life she loves. Penny can get ready on her own terms, head down to lunch to catch up with neighbors, and safely get in and out of vehicles for outings with family.
While her progress has been remarkable, it hasn’t always come easily. On difficult days, Penny has relied on the encouragement of her therapy team and the people around her.
For Penny, having people who believe in her abilities has made all the difference as she continues working toward new goals.
The whole team roots you on. They’ve got my back. They don’t make me; they guide me.
These days, Penny has places to go, people to see, and a calendar that rarely stays empty.
She’s a familiar face at bingo, where she can now pick up and place the chips herself. She also enjoys crafts, Friday happy hours, and community outings that give her plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends. Her adventures have included boat rides, library visits, trips to the Sioux Empire Fair, and even seeing Hairball perform live! Penny certainly isn’t one to turn down a little excitement.
When her birthday rolls around, however, she knows exactly how she likes to celebrate. A trip to T.C. Referee’s for country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy is her idea of a perfect birthday meal.
For Penny, regaining independence has meant more than reaching milestones in therapy. It’s given her the freedom to enjoy her favorite activities, make new memories, and say yes to another adventure, preferably one that includes a little extra gravy.
Back at Edgewood Sioux Falls Prairie Crossings, Penny isn’t just enjoying community life; she’s helping shape it.
She regularly shares thoughtful feedback, participates in activities, and makes a point of welcoming new residents. According to Carmen Dougherty, Executive Director at Edgewood Sioux Falls Prairie Crossings, Penny is deeply involved in the community and rarely misses an opportunity to participate.
Her willingness to reach out to others has made her an important part of what makes Edgewood feel like home. Whether she’s inviting someone to join her for lunch or offering a friendly introduction, Penny understands how much a small gesture can mean to someone settling into unfamiliar surroundings.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of her journey is that the independence she’s worked so hard to regain has given her more opportunities to show up for others.
For someone who’s always ready to pull up another chair, that’s a pretty wonderful place to be.
Penny is the kind of person who makes a place feel like family.
Still Moving Forward
This National Physical Therapy Month, Penny’s story reminds us how much life can fit into a therapy goal. Progress means walking to lunch, visiting family, enjoying favorite activities, and welcoming a new neighbor to the dining table. Having therapy available where she lives makes it easier to keep working toward those moments.
At Edgewood Sioux Falls Prairie Crossings, Penny has found a home where she can keep growing, contributing, and getting the support she needs along the way. She’s still chasing those 60 steps, and every bit of progress gives her more freedom to do what matters to her.
Looking for an assisted living community where meaningful connections and supportive healthcare resources come together?
Reach out to info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more.
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