In a quiet hallway of Aase Haugen nursing home, amidst the hum of conversation and the soft shuffling of feet, a story of recovery unfolded with each step, each stretch, and each carefully executed movement by Susan Hove and physical therapist, Arnie Larson, PT, on her journey to walk again.
Susan, an independent woman who lives at Aase Haugen, suffered a broken hip that caused mobility challenges. She says, “When I came back after surgery, I didn’t want visitors and I thought, ‘this is no fun,’ I want to do better and walk.” And with the skilled guidance and encouragement from the therapists, she found hope and is successfully back on her feet.
The first sessions weren’t easy, yet Arnie, with his unwavering patience and positive encouragement, guided Susan through each exercise, breaking down complex movements into manageable steps. “I feel fortunate to have worked in this community for so many years and now I feel equally fortunate to help serve the needs of the residents at Aase Haugen,” says Larson. “The strength and tenacity of people like Susan, and the support of the Aase staff really make the therapy here very successful.”
With each therapy session, Susan gained a bit more independence, first mastering the ability to stand with support, then confidently navigating the hallways with a walker. “I have worked very hard,” says Susan. “I am here every morning for my therapy, and I come in on weekends with the restorative team to keep moving and gaining strength.”
Aase Haugen partnered with Fox Therapy in 2024 to revitalize the therapy programming at the nursing home. Fox specializes in physical, occupational, and speech therapy for long-term residents and people needing short-term skilled recovery. Local therapists working at Aase include Arnie Larson, PT, Robyn Hanson, PTA, Nicole O’Gara, OT, and Rylee Malone, SLP. Working closely with Aase’s restorative therapy team, they make sure folks have options for therapy seven days a week. Fox also manages the facility therapy reimbursement program. “Many people may shy from looking for therapy at a nursing facility,” says Larson. “But the team at Aase is proving it is the best choice for recovery in the area. We are looking forward to the new building and being able to provide even more therapy options for the community in the coming months.”
Aase Haugen Senior Services is a top employer in Winneshiek County and has been serving the community since 1915. Aase Haugen Senior Services is an all-embracing, all- inclusive senior living organization, providing a continuing care retirement community in a Christian environment, which nurtures the body, mind and soul, leading to healing and hope for all.