Joanne Blanchard has been a patient here at Civita Danbury since July of 2025. Prior she was in another nursing home for therapy, in hopes to become more medically stable and stronger to return to her home. She has pushed through multiple obstacles medically, physically and mentally. Joanne now can walk 200ft with a cane independently and preparing to go home. She also is able to negotiate 10 stairs with one rail and a
straight cane. It was just a few months ago that therapy and social services were working on a safe discharge home which would have included a Hoyer lift, hospital bed, wheelchair and home modifications including a stair lift installed. Now she will just need a cane and can manage her stairs herself to get to every room of her home! Her primary therapists Saul Vasquez and Amanda Huntly have been very instrumental in her progress,
making a difference in her healing journey.

“My journey began when I had a serious operation on both feet due to a bacterial infection. My doctor informed me that I may have to have amputation due to the extent of the injury as the heel of my left foot was down to the bone, as well as the right side of my right foot. I did heal but it was after a long time restricted to my bed. My bones had atrophied and it was exceedingly difficult to stand, let alone walk even with a walker.
Saul Vasquez never gave up on me. He persevered and encouraged me along the way. Thank to him and the entire physical therapy team, Kirsten (Head of the PT Team), Chris (Physical Therapist), Amanda (my Occupational Therapist), Erin and Adam, I am now walking with a walker and have started with a cane as well.
I can even climb stairs. I want to extend a great big thank you to Saul and the entire PT team. I now have my life back.
Thank you,

Joanne Blanchard