Parsons Hill Resident Shares Recovery Story: “This Place Did Save My Life”
WORCESTER, M.A. — Lindalee G. was sober for 20 years until she got a call in April of 2022 that her sister died. She was living independently in Worcester, and she took the news hard. Substances, like cocaine, were also accessible to her. She knew she needed help and quickly called supportive resources in the community to find a place for help.
Cindy Christian, Dir. of Therapeutic Recreation, alongside Lindalee
Since learning of her sister’s death, she moved between five different locations for help and experienced frequent falls. Eventually, she arrived at Parsons Hill Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Worcester in September 2022. Seeking both nursing care and therapy typical of a skilled nursing center, but she also needed assistance managing her substance use disorder. Parsons Hill proved to be the ideal solution.
When she arrived at Parsons, Lindalee was unable to walk. Staff used a Hoyer lift to help get her in and out of bed. Physical and occupational therapy were services she received for nearly four months to aid with her physical recovery. Staff helped her improve her balance and got her to a functioning level so she could manage her activities of daily living with minimal assistance. By January of 2023, she was able to walk on her own with an assisted device and manage her own self-care.
“They got me to walk again,” she happily said. “They treat me with respect. This is a good place for me, and I really do love all the staff here.”
She also participated in counseling and supportive services offered through the substance use disorder program. The group counseling offered at Parsons Hill helped her realize she wasn’t alone, and that she had support. She still attends the counseling sessions today.
“I appreciate that I have a place,” said Lindalee. “I have a bed to sleep in and food. I go to bed, and I thank God for me for having a nice day.”
Krystal Washburn-Baroutas, Director of Addiction Services, and Krystal Gagnon, Director of Social Services, conduct initial evaluations when residents first arrive and share information about the programs available at the center and what they can do to help.
The social services team hosts weekly Resource Days to assist residents with unfinished housing applications, reapplying for licenses or other important documents, and other matters. They also conduct recovery groups where they address the stigma of mental illness, harm reduction techniques, the importance of gratitude, review coping skills, and mindfulness. The social services team will also provide education to the staff. They shared that they also encourage the residents to support one another in their rehabilitation.
Lindalee is a proud resident at Parsons Hill and states on multiple occasions “This place did save my life.” She is proud of her accomplishments in her rehabilitation journey and credits the staff at Parsons Hill for their dedication and encouragement.
“Take it one second at a time, one minute at a time. I have learned through the years that you have your ups and downs and I think that if other people are serious, they can do it,” Lindalee said.