Isabel's Life at McAuley
by Marlo Cohen
We wanted to share a bit about how the incredible staff at McAuley Residence has made a positive impact supporting our daughter, Isabel, and our family during her first year at Misericordia.
When we arrived, we were all a little flustered with the unavoidable whirlwind of activity and our emotions. Then one of Isabel’s nurses quoted us a line from Rocky to help us remember her name. Having someone make you laugh in a stressful moment is a kindness. She lightened the mood, and just like that, it was easier to trust others with Isabel and let go a little.
Since then, we’ve had great interactions with literally all the staff who work in McAuley. We hear these great snippets. A certain resident in Isabel’s neighborhood really likes to hold her hand. Disbelief and joy at how well she can walk in her walker. She’s not having anything to do with circle time in the gym – she wheels off and does what she wants! Isabel is displaying her sassiness, and that tells us she feels at home at Misericordia now. Amazing.
A very special gift from the staff was the party for December birthdays. Grama took Isabel and said the party was exceptionally well planned and executed, the staff were so thoughtful, and everyone had so much fun.
Life isn’t always a party, and subsequently Isabel had her maiden ambulance ride to a hospital for treatment (she’s fine!). McAuley staff were so professional and kept in constant communication with us. Having gone through that once, I know Isabel will be in excellent hands should it happen again.
When we reflect on these moments, we realize they illustrate Misericordia’s mission to provide the highest quality of care, maximize independence, self-determination, and interpersonal relationships, and provide peace of mind to families. Well done, McAuley staff!
With love, the Cohen Family
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