Empowering Yourself: A Resident's Message of Resilience and Gratitude
- Patient name: Pamela Pozelnik-Johnson
- Physician: Dr. William Harrigan
- Referral source: The Center at Lincoln
- Admitted for: Weakness, Dialysis and Non-ambulatory
Pam was admitted to Berkley on 05/05/23 following insurance discontinuing her services at The Center of Lincoln. She came to Berkley Manor as a "stepping stone" for regaining her strength. She was on dialysis for roughly 5 months and 3 days/week.
Pam required minimal assist for all ADL/self-care tasks. She required minimal assist from staff to propel her wheelchair to all activities and meals, not yet walking. Meghry, Registered Dietician, assisted her with meal-prep and diet to facilitate better functional outcomes and edema management.
Pam advocated for herself to get therapy services through Kaiser with assistance of Rehab Director, Vanna. Her goals were to walk again, and be self-sufficient. She saw Kaiser Therapy 2x/week as needed. Vanna signed her up for the Restorative Nursing Program 3x/week to prevent decline as well.
Aminata, LTC Social Worker, who worked diligently with Pam's discharge would like to say "Pam is a true testimony of believing it, & you can achieve it!." Taylor, Admissions Director, stated "If you want to know what an inspiration looks like, it's Pam."
Pam will be discharging back to her home on 9/1/23. She has "graduated" from dialysis services, and now walks up to 150ft with no rest-breaks, and completes all ADLs/self-care tasks at an independent level. She has put in hard work both in and out of therapy to reach her goals.
Gladys, nursing unit manager, would like to thank Pam for being "so awesome." Activities Director, Megan stated she will miss her "Bingo champion." Pam would like to thank Lew, our Infection Preventionist, who made her arrival feel welcomed. She will also miss Kim, her BMCC guardian angel, who checked in weekly to meet all her needs.
"Don't ever give up. Believe in yourself that's the most important thing you can do. People care, but you have to care for yourself to succeed. You control your destiny. The Berkley Manor staff and CNAs are unbelievable, and have helped me a lot. I appreciate you all."
