IRMO, SC — Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo has celebrated a major milestone by graduating its first patient, marking an important moment for the new facility.
Sandy Corrier of Lexington had lived a very independent life until she suffered a serious fall, fracturing her femur in three places. Facing a challenging recovery, she sought specialized rehabilitation care and became one of the first patients admitted to the new 49-bed hospital, which provides treatment for individuals recovering from accidents, surgeries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and neurological conditions.
“I almost felt like a child having to relearn everything such as getting dressed and putting on socks,” Corrier said of her first days in therapy. “It was a little scary.”
She praised the around-the-clock care she received, as well as the quality of meals and attention to detail. “My doctor recommended that I check into a rehabilitation hospital for recovery, and this is where I preferred to go,” she said. “They are so safety conscious here and look after every little thing.”
Nicole Woods, the hospital’s first CEO, oversees operations for both the Irmo facility and the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia. She said Corrier set a strong example as the hospital’s first patient.
“Sandy was a great first patient,” Woods said. “She came to us ready to see her treatment through, and now she’s leaving stronger than ever.”
Woods emphasized that rehabilitation care is highly individualized. “Each patient is unique, and we treat them accordingly,” she said.
During her stay, Corrier worked closely with occupational therapist Austin Blankenship, focusing on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and mobility.
“We worked with Sandy three hours a day, five days a week,” Blankenship said. “Day one is always the hardest, but tomorrow will be easier.”
Through consistent therapy, Corrier progressed from basic mobility tasks—such as transferring from bed to wheelchair—to regaining independence in everyday routines. Before discharge, she successfully completed a final evaluation.
“I was so excited when I passed,” she said. “I never thought that simple things would become so difficult.”
The new hospital includes an Activities of Daily Living suite designed to simulate real-life environments, featuring a kitchen, living area, laundry room, bedroom, and bathroom to help patients prepare for returning home. All rooms are private and equipped with televisions and Wi-Fi. The facility also offers a fully equipped therapy gym, outdoor garden, day room, and accommodations for service dogs.
“They never woke me up during the night here,” Corrier said. “But they did get me up early and moving every day.”
Reflecting on her experience, she added, “I would say they waited on me hand and foot, but that’s not entirely true—or I wouldn’t be strong enough to go home.”
Encompass Health operates more than 170 rehabilitation hospitals nationwide and treats over a quarter million patients annually, bringing more than 40 years of experience in inpatient rehabilitation care.
The Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo is located at 108 Evergreen Drive and can be reached at 839-313-4000. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
