Mary: Restoring Independence, Self-Confidence and Spirit
“Mary” (not her real name) was depressed and grieving her beloved husband’s death when she entered the Volunteers of America of Minnesota Assisted Living program at Parker Skyview Apartments in northeast Minneapolis. Her only stepson was serving time in prison, which left Mary with no family to speak of for emotional, physical or spiritual support. As a result, Mary felt extremely isolated. She spent nearly every day alone, hopeless, bored and inactive. Physically, she was not in good shape either. At age 69, degenerative joint disease had reeked havoc on her knees making it difficult for Mary to walk and nearly impossible to bend her legs. To make things worse, Mary was frail and recuperating from colon cancer treatment.
From the start, our Assisted Living program staff provided Mary with bathing assistance and helped her with routine tasks such as housekeeping and laundry duties. They made certain that Mary took her numerous medications and ate well-balanced, nutritious meals to help regain her strength. What’s more, our Assisted Living staff offered Mary words of encouragement and urged her to become involved in activities including an exercise group, arts and crafts class, coffee club and Bingo night. Soon, Mary’s spirits were lifted. She became more active and outgoing, and developed friendships with many other building residents.
About eight months after entering our Assisted Living program, Mary underwent orthopedic surgery to replace one knee. Her rehabilitation required a one-month nursing home stay. Each day that Mary was away, our Assisted Living staff telephoned to check on how she was feeling and offered heartfelt words of encouragement. Mary revealed how eager she was to get back home and back to our Assisted Living program.
Today, Mary is thriving and is able to walk more quickly. In fact, there may even be a spring in her step! She enjoys an obvious sense of self-confidence, independence and prides herself on her abilities to manage most of her own personal care. Mary has been able to find a sense of belonging that has not only improved her physical capabilities, but has also nourished her spirit and sense of self-worth.