When Mr. Michelson broke his leg, the damage was so extensive he required surgery in Good Samaritan Hospital. After the surgery, he learned that he would need three months of intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and movement in the leg.
“The physical therapy staff at Pine Valley is outstanding!” exclaims Mr. Michelson. “They were very encouraging and they worked with me day in and day out until I could do it on my own.”
“While the therapy was challenging and it was difficult not being home, they really went out of their way to make it as pleasant as possible,” Mr. Michelson elaborates. The administrators bend over backwards to help. They’re constantly asking, ‘What can we do for you?’ All the nursing aides went out of their way to be accommodating and to make me comfortable.”
Its hard for anyone to spend time away from home, but Shabbos can be a particularly challenging time. The facility takes extra steps to provide a comfortable atmosphere for residents. That includes employing a full time resident liaison – Shabsi Broyde. Shabsi’s job is to help get whatever the patients’ need.
“Every Friday, Shabsi would come over to me to ask what I wanted for Shabbos,” says Mr. Michelson. “My wife would often stay nearby in New Square and come over on Shabbos. We would eat the delicious meals in the special family room together with the other people. Even though I left Pine Valley months ago, I still stay in touch with some of the people who were there. We remain friends to this day!”
