Alexander Jenkins, 54
Alexander Jenkins came to Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare in the fall of 2023 with one goal in mind, “I want to walk again.” In the months leading up to his admission, he admits he had not been making the best lifestyle decisions. He often brings up his poor dietary choices and minimal physical fitness involvement. Mr. Jenkins came to us after a stroke; he was unable to walk and had muscle weakness in his extremities, especially on his left side. He states that it was a “big wakeup call” and that he needed to make a big change in his life. Unable to move around independently he became very motivated to change his situation. With the help of our wonderful rehabilitation department and the other supporting interdisciplinary teams such as life enrichment, he was able to make his goals known to his team and work towards them as well as be supported by his peers.
Here is what Mr. Jenkins has to say about how each department was able to help achieve his goals.
Rehabilitation Team – “They were a huge part of my success; they gave me the tools I needed to be able to not just stand up, but to walk. Everything I know how to do now, is because of them.”
Life Enrichment Team – “They bring us together, keep us busy, and make us smile. I have met a lot of residents through activities, residents who I consider very good friends of mine, by getting to know them, it feels like we have a small community here.
Mr. Jenkins’ journey is so inspiring to those around him that even the group of friends he made here at Woodbine are making a more conscious effort to get more physical movement in their day as well as making or purchasing healthier snack options.
Mr. Jenkins continues to be a fighter; he works hard at achieving his goals with his care team. During the summer of 2025, the rehabilitation team had Mr. Jenkins begin trials with a mobile walker. He now can walk around the building as he pleases; he hopes to continue his journey and eventually not need the walker. He admits that he pushes himself but also knows how important it is to listen to your body when it is telling you to slow down.
Here is his bit of advice for anyone who finds themselves in a hard situation and is now working on regaining their strength back, “You must keep sight of where you want to go, it was pretty easy for me, since my motivation came from my children. But one must find their own motivation. It can be easy for people to come into a facility like this and become depressed, but you must keep pushing yourself even in the moments when you find it hard to put in the work. It might be a pain in the butt when you do it, the results are worth it!
Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare, Alexandria
