Finding Bliss
Tim Bliss is a 37-year Army Veteran who suffered a Spinal Cord Injury, resulting in years of neck and back surgeries, totaling 27 different hospital stays.
In January of 2023, Mr. Bliss became a resident on CLC-3 in Bath. Upon admission, Tim was unable to walk or transfer, relying solely on staff and a mechanical lift, and using a wheelchair for mobility. Tim started working with physical therapy but experienced illness after illness, losing any progress that was made. Tim’s mood and motivation were dismal. Losing his independence, having no choice but to leave his home, and being dependent on others left Mr. Bliss withdrawn and depressed.
In the fall of 2023, Tim decided he wanted to visit home for the holiday season. Mr. Bliss wanted nothing more than to see his grandchildren open their gifts on Christmas morning. It was at this point he realized that to visit home would become his goal. Tim’s VA care team recognized his needs and began focusing on his personalized road to recovery.
Amanda O’Bryan, Nursing Assistant, is one of the team members who helped Mr. Bliss get the care and motivation he needed. The pair worked together to meet his daily care requirements, ultimately preparing him for his next step of physical therapy.
Tim started working closely with VA Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), Jenn Hart. Although it wasn’t easy or simple, Tim committed to his goal, and started showing up mentally and physically for daily therapy. Through hours and weeks of hard work and dedication, Tim became independent in transfers and enjoyed spending Christmas Day at home with his family.
Tim speaks highly about the support and quality of care he has received from his CLC team, especially from his Nursing and PT team. Tim is one of the main reasons both staff love coming to work each day. PTA, Jenn hart states she believes the key to Tim’s success is his drive and commitment to his health. Jenn enjoys watching Tim push himself every day and loves that he is always up to try something new.
Today, Tim wakes up with purpose and a new goal of walking out the doors of the VA and returning home for good. The once somber and withdrawn Army Veteran is now out conversing with his peers, encouraging others, and joking with staff. Tim can be seen dancing in his wheelchair or behind his walker while blasting classic oldies, beginning every day with exercise. Ms. Hart believes with Tim’s strong work ethic and determination his dream of walking again will become a reality. Tim’s advice is to get up and do something, even if you don’t want to. Things may turn out better than you think, give yourself a chance.