Touching Lives Brings Holiday Joy

Betty Naylor, therapeutic recreation manager at Ashlar of Newtown, gets many calls from schools, civic organizations, and volunteers this time of year offering to spend quality time with residents to help bring holiday cheer. So it did not seem out of the ordinary when she received a call from Pat Soomaa asking if she and her husband Arved could distribute Christmas gifts to residents on the third floor. But Pat’s request was far from ordinary.

Pat Soomaa has lived with diabetes for 53 years. Last year she suffered from an infection in her foot, which, because of her diabetes, would result in her leg being amputated. She knew an important component of her recovery would be the physical therapy she would need. Like most people, Mrs Soomaa asked those she knew for recommendations for a facility close to home.

As a member of the Newtown Congregational Church, she spoke with Janice Touloukian, the associate minister, and Dick and Pat Hubert, who both mentioned Ashlar of Newtown’s Short-Term Rehabilitation Center.

As a resident of Monroe, Pat Soomaa has a few ties to Ashlar of Newtown. Her mother-in-law was a resident and a friend of her used to work here.

“Since it was so close to home, I knew it was just the place for me,” Mrs Soomaa said. “The care, we were told, is very good. I didn’t know anything about the physical therapy offered.”

Confident everything was in place, Pat Soomaa had her surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital and was discharged to Ashlar of Newtown for her recovery. Over the next three months, she found herself creating friendships with everyone she met.

“It started with my roommate Chris; she was wonderful,” Mrs Soomaa said. “And, at therapy, I would encourage people.”

Pat Soomaa did not stop her uplifting attitude at physical therapy. She often spent time visiting with others who did not have family close by.

“After awhile, I went down to the long-term care side and introduced myself. I am a people person.” Soon Pat was friends with all the staff, residents, and even some family members who came to visit. As her time at Ashlar of Newtown ended, she said goodbye and vowed to return again.

She kept her promise. A few days after Christmas, bearing brightly colored red and green Christmas bags, Pat and Arved Soomaa arranged for the residents of the third floor to meet in the dining room for a special celebration. Once everyone had gathered, Mrs Soomaa entered the room and made a moving presentation, wishing everyone “Peace and Joy to come to you” before distributing the gifts. Everyone’s face lit up as they unwrapped the Christmas goodies. Before her visit was over, she and Arved made door-to-door visits to those who could not meet her. They visited with nurses and the therapy department and a few assisted living residents at Lockwood Lodge, as well.

“I feel bad I couldn’t spend more time with them, but it was nice to see their faces smile. They made it good for me to be there and helped me. It was good for them to see people come back. I will definitely be back again.”