Testimonial

When Pat McNamara took a fall that would land him in the hospital for a month, he didn’t realize his outlook on the hospital and the community would change so drastically. After spending one week in the hospital and three weeks at Lewis County General Hospital Residential Health Care Facility as a Short Term Rehab resident, Pat learned there is a lot to be said about those that work at LCGH/RHCF as well as the residents.

At first, Pat was hesitant to even leave his hospital bed on the 2nd floor of the nursing home at RHCF. He figured he was there for one thing: to go to physical and occupational therapy and get better so he could quickly go home to his family. Once the nurses got to know him a little better, they pushed him to get out on the floor and interact with the residents he was temporarily living with. He gave it a try and decided he would visit some of the residents and maybe learn a little about their story.

Pat realized then, “The more you understand others around you, the more you understand yourself.” He spoke of several residents at the RHCF that had interesting stories that were motivating to him. Like one man who Pat interacted with quite frequently whose gestures and expressions taught Pat a lot about human communication. During his stay at the RHCF, Pat had also played his guitar and sang for the residents and said, “I want to continue interacting with residents at RHCF after I am discharged.”

The staff and administration at the facility was exceptional, Pat thought.  Speaking of the Rehabilitation Services staff, Pat said, “The wealth of knowledge is unbelievable.” He noted he actually looked forward each day to seeing certain people who make the physical and occupational therapy experience a little more enjoyable. Also remarkable, he said, was the knowledge of the residents of the extended care/rehabilitation unit. For a more in depth look at how Pat felt about his stay at RHCF, read what he wrote:

“This facility is a needed part of our community. I am talking about not only the hospital, but also the extended residential facility and the rehab unit. While my stay here has been relatively brief, I have observed many positive encounters with patients, residents and staff. The professionalism of all these individuals who are involved with human care is to be commended. The staff here is outstanding. Personally, I think the rehabilitation of a patient and/or resident relies not only with family and friends but also heavily on the positive attitudes (including caring, understanding, laughter, etc.) of the people who work here. Again, I am not talking about just doctors but also volunteers, nurses, nurses assistants, therapists, cleaners, maintenance, custodians, etc. All of these people give human support to the residents and patients. The main word is humanity of service. The people who work here demonstrate a willingness to improve in a positive manner the mental and physical well being of the residents and patients. Too many times in our world we see individuals becoming a number rather than a name. This is not the case here. The real truth is we are family here. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone.”

Pat, 55, his wife, Cathy, and daughters Kayla, 18, and Sara, 15, live in Copenhagen, NY. Pat gained his Liberal Arts degree from JCC in 1974 and then went on to obtain his BA in Psychology from Potsdam in 1977. He then continued on to achieve his Masters in Education from Potsdam in 1982. Pat taught 6th grade at St. Peter’s for 18 years until he went on to be a GED instructor at the Jefferson/Lewis BOCES in 1998. Today, he continues at BOCES in Lowville as a GED instructor and is actively teaching guitar and piano lessons and tutoring as well in the Lowville, Carthage and Copenhagen areas.

Lewis County General Hospital and Residential Health Care Facility is committed to providing high quality health care services in response to the needs of our communities. For more information about the Residential Health Care Facility, please contact Joe Todora, RHCF Administrator, at 376-5482.