Tim Darling

Tim Darling is an athlete. A one time Olympic-level gymnast, he was still doing handstands at the age of 59. That changed last November when a stroke left him unable to move the left side of his body.

After several weeks in intensive care, Tim was transferred to Grand View Health’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit, which includes 14 private rooms and offers a higher level of rehabilitation for people recovering from stroke and other conditions. Tim and his wife Jessica chose Grand View because it is close to home, has a great reputation and offers everything Tim needed, like speech, occupational and physical therapies.

“When I had a question, I always felt like I was being heard. Even with a lot of people coming and going, it felt like we had a whole team there just for us,” recalls Jessica. Tim was in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit for about a month where he says doctors, nurses, therapists and other hospital staff helped him regain his ability to walk, read and take care of himself.

Tim believes being able to receive excellent care so close to home made all the difference in his recovery. “My wife was able to be with me every day. If I was struggling or having a hard time, I could call and she’d be here in a matter of minutes.” And while Tim has made great progress already, he still has one goal he plans to achieve. “I’m going to come back to Grand View and do a handstand,” he says. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll do it.”

Grand View Hospital is a certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center for its comprehensive approach to treating and helping people recover from stroke. Grand View also received a certificate of distinction by the American Stroke Association for Outstanding Achievement in stroke care.