Mary C.’s Circle of Care

Why Partners in Care?: "Very seldom
have I seen the kind of excellent service and coordination between various members of a
team of professionals."

What I've Learned: "My physical therapist made sure I was doing my exercises correctly."   

Hometown: Roosevelt Island

Research indicates that patients who receive health care at home from familiar, yet still highly skilled, professionals tend to be happier, healthier, and spend less time in and out of hospitals. Mary C., an 89-year-old historical fiction writer, would certainly agree. Last September, Mary tripped on her way to the bathroom in the middle of the night and sustained a deep gash on her left leg.

In Mary’s case, a team of highly specialized clinicians from VNSNY and Partners in Care worked to get her back on her feet while allowing her to remain in her home. For nearly two months, Carol, a registered nurse, visited Mary every day to change the dressing on her leg wound. Nathalie, Mary’s physical therapist, didn’t merely hand her a sheet with exercises but worked with her to ensure that Mary was moving correctly. “She even gave me useful tips for walking in general, like: ‘Take small steps when you’re going downhill and large steps when you’re going up.’” And of her interactions with Partners in Care, she couldn’t have been more complimentary. “Gloria, my home health aide, was willing to do whatever was needed, and by golly, she turned out to be a great cook, too! Her delicious roast chicken allowed me to invite a friend to dinner one evening,” exclaimed Mary.

These days, Mary’s leg has fully healed, and she’s busy compiling research for her next novel, as well as planning her next trip out to California to visit her son. Ultimately, Mary is extremely grateful—and happy—to have received such extraordinary care throughout her healing process.

How has Partners in Care made a difference in your life? Please email us your story!