Rosemary/Connelly: A Fun-Loving Group
by Linda Buchalo
The Rosemary and Connelly Homes were built in 2001, funded by several benefactors. This living area consists of two adjoining buildings situated on the Misericordia campus. The homes were originally built to meet the needs of 32 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and significant physical challenges. The homes are now licensed for adults only and have a combined population of 32 adults. The homes are co-ed, and its residents are non-ambulatory. Each house has a dedicated group of trained staff who work to provide specialized care and support for each resident, and to create a comfortable, safe home environment.
The exterior of each home is brick, designed with large windows for the residents to easily see outdoors. The interior consists of a living room, dining room, bedrooms, accessible bathrooms, basement, and a QIDP office. The basement is used primarily by staff as a break room, but sometimes staff accompany a small group to that area to play games or work on art projects. The laundry is in the basement and residents help with some of the laundry chores. Each home has spacious areas for positioning equipment and therapy needs.
A garden area is included, where families share in planting flowers. Residents enjoy watching the flowers and herbs bloom and grow that they helped to plant. At this time of year, everyone is anxiously awaiting warmer weather.
Although each home is unique, the residents of both have several things in common. They are a noticeably happy group, who care for each other and bring great joy to all around them. It’s an upbeat, positive environment. Residents at Rosemary/Connelly agree that staff make Misericordia a great place to live, and staff feel blessed to work with this wonderful group of residents.
The residents at Rosemary/Connelly love to party and celebrate many different occasions throughout the year. Birthday parties are abundant and recent celebrations included Super Bowl Sunday and a Valentine’s Day party. On St. Patrick’s Day, residents enjoyed themselves at a combined birthday/holiday party. Food is a big part of these celebrations, which typically include cake. Learning about and helping to prepare the food is as much fun as eating.
At Christmas time, the City Heat motorcycle group participated in a parade on campus and made a special stop to visit with the Rosemary/Connelly residents. A fun time was had by all!
In addition to frequent parties, residents participate in a reading group, sing-along sessions, watching sporting events, and games—both board games and game shows. Disney tunes are a favorite, with everyone joining in. Outside of their homes, the residents attend Mass, go for walks outdoors, participate in adaptive bowling, and get exercise at both the pool and fitness center. Occupational and physical therapy add more beneficial activity to everyone’s schedule.
Developmental training provides vocational activity for the Rosemary/Connelly residents. Gardening is another hands-on activity that provides a fun learning experience.
The residents take great pride in sharing responsibilities at their homes. They help with setting the table for dinner, cleaning up afterwards, preparing lunches for the following day, and helping staff to stock areas with towels and other supplies. Everyone is encouraged to participate as they are able, thus achieving a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
The residents interact with other homes on campus by participating in parades, meeting virtually for sing-along sessions and reading group, and playing bocce ball with their neighbors at McGowan.
Residents at Rosemary/Connelly are fun-loving and fun to be around. At Connelly, you’ll probably get “fired” by Jack, who likes to be in charge. Alex’s enthusiasm will warm your heart, and Jake will engage you in a serious conversation about his day. Sarah will make you laugh, and Ross can tell you anything you want to know about sports. At Rosemary, David will let you know when dinner has arrived and will be the first person in the kitchen. Danny wants to know what you are doing mañana and is always excited to hear everyone’s plans. Gabby’s smile is contagious, and you’ll find Pam and Brian always next to each other in the day room.
As in the other living areas on campus, each person has special talents and qualities. Max is the technical expert and could probably teach everyone his skills. Katie knows every Backstreet Boys song by heart. Sarah is prompt and always at the door with her coat on when it’s time to go somewhere. Ernie is a renaissance man, wanting to learn about everything and participating in many campus activities. Sean and Michael often help with paperwork in the supervisor’s office.
If you spend any time in this area, you might witness a bit of mischief. The residents like to tell you that you have something on your shirt and then laugh at your gullibility as you look down. Hiding the TV remote is another favorite joke, but it’s all in good fun and keeps everyone on their toes!
Send yours to
