How Broward Health’s Occupational Therapists Help Patients Reclaim Their Lives After a Stroke
By Hannah Gulics
From imbalance to cognitive impairment, strokes often leave life-altering effects. Therapy is crucial in helping people relearn how to live their lives with independence, purpose and dignity after this traumatic brain injury.
Following a life-altering stroke, 29-year-old Jaqavius Rogers discovered the power of occupational therapy through his work with Broward Health Occupational Therapist, Crystal Moss, MS, OTR/L.
When Jaqavius arrived at Broward Health Medical Center in July 2024, his vitals were alarming. He was suffering from nausea, shortness of breath, high blood pressure and abdominal pain. Soon after admission, he became confused, lost movement on the left side of his body and could no longer speak. Doctors determined Jaqavius was experiencing a major right-sided stroke.
Broward Health Physician Group neurointerventional specialist Celso Agner, M.D., performed an emergency thrombectomy to restore blood flow to his brain, which saved his life.
Jaqavius spent two months in the hospital, and when he was discharged, he left in a wheelchair without voluntary movement in his left arm.
After completing physical therapy, Jaqavius began outpatient occupational therapy with Moss.
Rather than focusing solely on exercises, Moss built therapy around real-life scenarios. Together, they practiced everyday tasks like pouring water, vacuuming and relearning fine motor skills needed for eating, grooming and self-care.
Jaqavius attended therapy twice a week for nearly a year and practiced relentlessly.
Moss estimates he has regained 75% to 80% of his function, a remarkable recovery after such a severe stroke. Today, he drives, manages most daily activities on his own and is considering returning to work or school.
Broward Health rehabilitation therapists support individuals at every stage of recovery, with a shared goal of helping patients return to the activities that matter most to them.
To learn more about Broward Health’s comprehensive stroke care, visit BrowardHealth.org/Stroke.
To learn more about Broward Health’s rehab services, visit BrowardHealth.org/Rehab.