The Scoop from a Rehab Veteran

“A dear friend who is a doctor visited me shortly after my hip replacement surgery a year ago. I was talking with the social worker about where to go for rehab at the time and asked for his opinion. He said Episcopal Church Home would take good care of me. They did. That’s why I chose to come back after my femur fracture. When I’m done with rehab, Iris Park Commons would be just right for me.”

            Mary Catherine Laughlin

            Former Rehab Patient, Current Resident of Iris Park Commons

Mary Catherine Laughlin is no stranger to rehab. Right hip replacement. Right knee replacement. Left knee replacement. Left hip fracture. Left hip replacement. And now the left femur fracture. “I have weak bones,” she says. “My doctor can’t decide whether I fractured my femur because I fell or fell because my femur fractured.”

In the course of her six surgeries, Mary Catherine has learned two things. First, rehab therapy is the key to regaining one’s strength and abilities. Second, not all rehab facilities are created equal. “I received good care at three and had a bad experience at one. This is the fifth rehab facility I’ve been to and it is the only one I’ve chosen to come back to. I’ve recommended the Church Home to several friends, and they all had positive experiences here as well. Excellent people, excellent food. My only nit is the chicken. Too dry.” Mary Catherine pauses. “Can you tell that I’m Irish? Once you get me talking, you can’t get me to stop! Did I tell you about my 90th birthday party?”

The party was a gala event hosted by some of Mary Catherine’s closest friends. It was held at the St. John Vianney seminary on the St. Thomas campus. 100 people attended, even though Mary Catherine couldn’t be there herself. Many were from her church, Nativity of Our Lord, and many were from her 42-year career at what is now called Ameriprise Financial. “I never married because God put me here to care for my mother, but I ended up with a big family anyway.”

Speaking of families, when Mary Catherine graduated from rehab, she did indeed become part of the Iris Park Commons family. An enthusiastic part. Mary Catherine is always among the first to welcome new neighbors, and her letter-writing is the reason that Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn is now visiting our campus to say Mass twice a year.