Riverview offers better life for woman with brain injury
Thursday, September 8, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
Kathy Monk has more to sing about these days.

The combination of stimulating activities, companionship and therapy is helping improve her life. Kathy’s sister, Judy Filman, is comforted to see her sibling get out of bed every day, feed herself and sing aloud.

Five years ago Kathy acquired a brain injury and spent up until January 2004 in hospital. The thought of moving her sister to long-term care crossed Judy’s mind several times but she wasn’t sure how Kathy, 47, would fit in to the elderly population. Judy says she wishes she made the decision sooner.

“I knew she had to be here,” says Judy about Riverview Manor, “mainly because of the nursing care, the supportive measures.”

Judy is the nursing administrative services manager at the Peterborough long-term care home. She worked on the floor for 17 years. “The girls have been wonderful with her,” she says. “I’m so pleased and so is the (rest of) the family.”

Judy says staff supports her sister by helping her be more independent, including her and encouraging her to attend activities. Her sister is up and out of bed each day and now requires little assistance with her meals. “She didn’t get out of bed before very much.”

Sarah Richardson, a rehabilitation assistant with Mindworks, a rehabilitation company, supports Kathy for three hours a day three days a week. She has also seen an improvement in Kathy’s life following her move into long-term care.

“She’s more vocal,” Sarah says.

“She just seems happier.” Sarah suspects it’s a combination of “people working with her” and the fact she’s active in the nursing home. Kathy is involved in activities and particularly enjoys bingo.

Sarah works with Kathy on different therapies, including cognitive and speech games, as well as range of motion exercises.

Judy says it’s a good feeling to know her sister is in good hands. “I feel at ease. It’s just comforting.”