Here, we catch up with Kristin Reade, MPT, who has been Kingsway’s Director of Rehabilitation for nearly two years.
- What did you do before coming to Kingsway?
I moved to this area about 16 years ago and built my expertise by working in a variety of specialty units at area rehabilitation hospitals, including Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital. This included working in Traumatic Brain Injury, Cardiopulmonary, Orthopedic, and Medical/Surgical therapy units. It’s rewarding to see how a well-executed therapy program can positively improve an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being – it’s not just physical! Time and time again, I have seen an individual’s quality of life improve through therapy. For me, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others learn how to help themselves.
- Briefly describe your job.
I oversee rehabilitation services throughout Kingsway Arms, and ensure that the physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy services provided are based on best practice standards and positive outcomes. My team of rehabilitation specialists collaborate so that each resident reaches his/her highest degree of independence. As part of my management strategy, I set aside time each day to work directly with residents. This allows me to keep abreast of patient progress and to implement a personalized care plan for each resident. My role also includes serving the needs of our long-term residents with physical maintenance programs. Our therapy gym is a very busy place as residents use a variety of exercise equipment such as the Nu-step, stationary bikes and more, to retain their strength and mobility, and address their overall well-being.
- What do you love most about your job?
I love getting to know the residents. While the residents participate in therapy programs, we spend a significant amount of time talking which gives us a chance to learn their life stories. It’s amazing to hear what some of the residents have accomplished over the course of their lives! It’s also nice to work for an organization that truly strives to ensure quality care for its residents and make sure the needs of the residents and the staff are met.
- Why would you recommend Kingsway to a senior friend or family member?
For many reasons. Of course, for the high-quality therapy services, but also because of the friendliness and knowledgeability of the staff. Everyone, from the nursing team to social workers and therapists, to the housekeepers, laundry crew as well as the dining and kitchen staff, know the residents’ names and interact with them on a daily basis. The facility is clean, bright and well-kept and I like how residents and families decorate their rooms just as they have their homes.
- What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family is very important, and we enjoy each other’s company, especially when out and about in one of the beautiful natural spaces this region is famous for. In summer, we divide our time between attending my sons’ baseball games and heading up to Lake George. In the winter, my whole family, including my mom and dad, love the winter weather. You name the winter sport – snow shoeing, snowboarding or alpine or Nordic skiing – my entire family loves to stay active out of doors. We are fortunate there are so many great places to choose from in our area.