Jeanne Backe – Medical Care Miracle

“I actually didn’t think I was going to get better!”

That was Jeanne’s thought three years ago when she was bedridden at another nursing center, requiring a lift to get out of bed and suffering unpleasant side effects from the massive steroids she was taking to treat polymyositis. The chronic condition paralyzes muscles, causing her to fall and thus ending up in skilled nursing care.

Fortunately, Jeanne’s daughter found The Lodge and got her on the waitlist. Six weeks after arriving at Cypress Cove, Jeanne was walking and off steroids.

“I started standing, then transferring to a chair, and then, with the help of therapy, proper medication, and God, I was getting out of bed by myself and walking with a walker.”

To her surprise, Transitions of Care Manager Lynn Huber talked to her one day to start a conversation about making a move to The Inn.

“I was so nervous at the thought of being on my own more,” Jeanne confided.

A few days later Hurricane Ian came barreling toward Florida, and the healthcare residents were evacuated to Lee Health Regional Cancer Center. For Jeanne, it was an adventure she would never forget.

“They were all wonderful, nurses and staff,” she recalled. “They kept us safe and well-fed. We all worked together and received great care the whole time.”

Once back on campus, Jeanne was delighted to room with the new friend she had made at the cancer center. Throughout the post-storm renovations, she had plenty of time to continue therapy, which took place behind the dining room while Mead was closed, and think about moving to The Inn.

By the time her home was ready on the first floor of The Inn, she was ready to move in.

“After I got used to the routine here, I was fine,” she said. “Everything was good. My room is lovely. I’m pleased.”

She bought a used electric wheelchair to get around campus, inside and outside. She quickly learned to enjoy meals in the dining room, where she sits at different tables so she can get to know other residents. She also plays bridge as frequently as possible.

“Everyone is quite nice and interesting to talk to,” Jeanne said.

Jeanne feels blessed that she can get around well and has a daughter nearby to take her out shopping and dining on the weekends. Sometimes they even go to their favorite places in Naples or Sarasota. When Jeanne turned 90 earlier this year, she traveled to her hometown, Atlanta, to celebrate with extended family.

“I feel good and very grateful for what I can do at 90,” she said. “I have a lot of good blessings that even younger people don’t have. It’s very humbling.”

A little about Jeanne

Jeanne’s twin sister contracted polio at age two. Living with a sibling with a disability and witnessing her struggles helped Jean overcome challenges she faced later in life.

“God puts people in your life so you can learn from them to deal with your own struggles,” she said.

Tragically widowed at a young age while still raising a family, Jeanne led group discussions during therapy sessions for widowed and divorced people for many years.

Her favorite hobby is knitting items for advocacy and respite centers where she has volunteered or where someone she knows works.

Jeanne moved to Southwest Florida from a retirement community in Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic, and lived with her daughter in Cape Coral until developing health issues.

Meet Jeanne and see part of her home in this YouTube video.