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Woman able to move back home thanks to family, Complete Senior Care

by jmaloni
Fri, Mar 22nd 2013 02:50 pm

Mary Pizzi, a 72-year-old Youngstown resident, spent a year in a local long-term care facility after suffering a stroke. Thanks to her dedicated family, including her husband Guy, and the additional supports provided by the Complete Senior Care program, she was able to go back to her home.

"Mary looks forward to going to the day center three days a week," says Guy. "I schedule my appointments for when she is there, like my doctor visits, shopping and banking."

At the center, Mary has lunch, participates in activities, and socializes with participants and staff, which is something she enjoys.

"Mary has always been social," comments Guy. "Besides going to the center three days a week, I also take her out every day...including picking up our granddaughter from school."

Mary also benefits from one of the program's unique features: on-site therapy and medical clinics operated by Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center.

"Mary is on a restorative program," says Lauren Martin, occupational therapist at Complete Senior Care, "and she has really come a long way. For example, Mary is now more independent with her dressing and self-care."

Dave Bluett, physical therapist at Complete Senior Care, also comments on Mary's progress: "She can now walk longer distances by herself, can self-propel in her wheelchair, and can get in and out of bed independently."

Both Bluett and Martin attribute a few things to Mary's success: the therapy she received prior to Complete Senior Care, her diligence with her home exercise program as well as her hard work in the center clinic, and her positive attitude. "Mary is definitely one of our most enthusiastic participants!" adds Martin.

Additionally, Complete Senior Care provides Mary with aide services in her home during the week to assist with such things as personal care. On the mornings Mary comes to the day center, an aide helps get her cleaned up and ready for the van service to pick her up and take her to the center.

Complete Senior Care is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Eligible participants must be at least 55 years old, need a nursing home level of care, be expected to need the program's services for at least 120 days, and live in Niagara County. There are no income requirements; Medicare and/or Medicaid, long term care insurance and private pay are all accepted. Call Virginia McAuliffe at 716-285-8248 for more information, to set up an assessment or schedule a tour.

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