To the editor:
Do you remember times that you worried yourself almost sick about something and then had it turn out so right that you wanted to stand in your yard and shout to the world, “Hey, all is well, actually great”?
This is how I felt after having a total knee replacement surgery and recovering at the Caribou Nursing and Rehab Center. There were four cancellations due to COVID-19 last year as well as personal issues, and finally the surgery.
I had wonderful care from Cary Medical, Dr. Michaud’s office, Caribou Rehab, Professional Home Nursing, and now outpatient. Every unit gave the most professional care you could find anywhere in the state. COVID safety precautions were strict and made total sense. The people were all professional and extremely kind and encouraging. What more could I ask for on the medical level?
Halfway Home volunteers went many extra miles out of their way caring for my home and pets, and picked up extra pet rescue duties I could not do with the pain before surgery and then limitation afterward. No one in this world had better or more comforting support. Thank you all.
I didn’t want to go to rehab after surgery. Even though I’d had previous excellent care there, COVID and one and a half years of keeping myself fairly isolated brought worries of being exposed to so many different people.
Foolish old woman. So my daughter, Vanessa Patenaude, Dr. Michaud and Scott Walton convinced me to go for at least three days. Two weeks later I was at least five times better than if I had isolated myself at home. The physical and occupational therapists are exceptional professionals. Every department is spotless. Patients were made aware of the COVID restrictions on a daily basis. Although short-staffed for CNAs and housekeeping, employees covered any shortage, even working double shifts at times. I cannot imagine better care in any other Maine facility of its kind.
If you are facing medical issues and think you need to head downstate, think again. You can get excellent care right here in your home town and still be close to family and friends for support. How can anything else be better?
Norma Milton
Caribou
