Making New Friends (and maybe new art) at United Helpers Independent Senior Living

CANTON – Sitting in an apartment decorated by her own paintings, Ellen Burns said she’s thinking about taking up painting once again.

Mrs. Burns recently moved into United Helpers Independent Senior Living and among the items she brought with her are her art supplies, though she explains it’s been several years since she’s put a brush to paper and created anything new.

Her husband, Robert Burns lives in a skilled nursing facility nearby. Mrs. Burns said that upkeep on their Potsdam home, as well as loneliness just became too much.

“It was a lot of upkeep. The yard wasn’t huge, but it was big enough,” she said, adding that living on a corner lot also means she has twice as much sidewalk to keep clear of snow and ice during the winter.

“My family helped out a lot, but living alone was getting kind of lonely,” she said. “I talked about making the move with my kids and we decided now was the time.”

Mrs. Burns has been living at Independent Senior Living since July and she said she has no regrets.

“This is a very good place for someone like me to be. You get to make new friends and chances are you’ll even know some of the people who are already here,” she said. “Plus, there are always people to eat dinner, play cribbage or play scrabble with.”

Helping to make the transition even easier has been the staff. The people who are employed here are marvelous, all of them,” she said. “Usually there’s one bad apple in the bunch, but everyone here is great. They’re always smiling and always asking how they can help.”

Without even knowing it, the staff has made a difference. Mrs. Burns said she’s feels “right at home,” and is even considering picking up a paint brush again for the first time in eight years.

As she talks about her artwork, her face lights up recalling the details of some of her paintings; a stack of books visible through a window, an American flag hanging in front of an old farmhouse, or even treasures found in the pockets of her young grandson’s pants.

“I think I’m going to start painting again this winter,” she said. The only question that remains, is what will she paint next? Will it be the deer in the field behind her apartment? Will it be the grand Christmas tree that graces the entrance every year or will it be something else entirely?

At United Helpers Independent Senior Living the possibilities are endless.

An open house is planned for Friday, Oct. 10 from 1 to 3 pm, but if you would like to take a tour before then, reach out to Community Manager Jennifer Dean at (315) 386-4541. A virtual tour is also available at unitedhelpers.org.

Ellen Burns sits inside her apartment next to her “dog” Buddy. Mrs. Burns said the dog was a gift from her husband, after she said she wanted to get another dog, following the loss of their pet. “I don’t have to take him out, he never barks and he’ll be with me until I’m gone,” she said.

 

Former Snowbird Credits ISL Move for Preserving Quality of Life

CANTON – A former snowbird who decided he no longer wanted to travel back and forth between Florida and the North Country said he’s thankful for this move to United Helpers Independent Senior Living. In fact, both he and his children credit the move for possibly preserving the quality of life he’s able to continue enjoying today.

John Snell, formerly of Parishville, was speaking on the phone with his daughter, Kathleen Reagan, when something didn’t seem right. Mrs. Reagan noticed too. 

John Snell with his daughter, Kathleen Reagan

“We went from having a normal conversation to him not being able to put a sentence together and he said he wasn’t sure what was happening,” Mrs. Reagan recalled, adding she then hung up the phone with her father and called Community Housing Manager Jennifer Dean, who ran down to his room. 911 was called and it was determined that Mr. Snell was having a stroke.

The quick response from Mrs. Dean and the Canton Rescue Squad enabled Mr. Snell to begin receiving treatment almost immediately, helping to preserve his quality of life and limit the stroke’s impact.

Prior to his move into United Helpers Independent Senior Living Mr. Snell was living on his own. “My wife passed seven years ago and most of my friends have passed on too,” he said. “I would have been in Florida by myself and who knows how this would have turned out,” he said.

It was that sense of loneliness that led Mr. Snell to the ISL. “My daughters had mentioned it two or three times and then one day on my own I came to check it out and thought, that doesn’t look so bad,” he recalled.

Mr. Snell was living along Higley Flow during the spring and summer, while spending the colder months in Florida.

“I just wanted to have one place. I didn’t want to travel back and forth anymore and it just wasn’t practical to stay here by myself in the winter,” he said.

Since moving into the ISL, Mr. Snell said he has made several friends and also reconnected with some people he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“It was a big move, but I’m glad I made it,” he said. “Everything here is perfect. The staff, the residents, the cook, the custodian. They’re all very nice and there is a tremendous sense of community. When I got back from the hospital everyone was checking on me to see how I was doing and there were a lot of people willing to help me with anything I needed.”

If you’re interested in learning more about United Helpers Independent Senior Living, an open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 14. A virtual tour may also be taken at www.unitedhelpers.org or a private tour may be scheduled by calling (315) 379-1428.

Former Board Member & Wife Enjoying Life at United Helpers Independent Senior Living

CANTON – Like many couples or individuals moving into United Helpers Independent Senior Living, Bob and Betty Fraser said it was their children who encouraged them to move into United Helpers Independent Senior Living (ISL).

Mr. Fraser said that while he and his wife are both happy with the decision now, Mrs. Fraser took a little more convincing.

“The decision to move out of your family home is a big one,” she said. “We had lived there for more than 40 years.”

However, after the couple, who recently celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary, moved to the ISL, they said it didn’t take them long to realize they had made the right decision.

“It’s nice to be in a place like this where we don’t have to worry about anything,” Mr. Fraser said. “Plus, being a frugal Scotsman I enjoy having everything taken care of, and not having to worry about taxes anymore.”

Mrs. Fraser said she was surprised at how many people they knew who were already living there once they moved in. As for the people they didn’t know, she said it didn’t take them long to meet people and make some new friends.

Mr. Fraser, who spent time on the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors in the 1980’s and early 90’s said he can remember discussions about building what was then known as Partridge Knoll.

Ironically, he said he can also recall his wife telling former ISL Community Manager Cindy Lawrence that she didn’t think they would ever live there. She told them they may one day be surprised. Turns out she was right. Mrs. Lawrence retired in 2021.

United Helpers Independent Senior Living offers a variety of apartment styles, with both one and two-bedroom units available. To take a virtual tour of the building, please visit unitedhelpers.org and click on the link for virtual tours.

An in-person tour may also be arranged by calling (315) 379-1428.

Bob and Betty Fraser share a moment in their apartment at United Helpers Independent Senior Living. Mr. and Mrs. Fraser recently celebrated their 70^th anniversary, and are seen here looking through a memory book together.

Northern Lights Helps Galilee Woman Get Back on Her Feet

GALILEE – After spending more than a year of her life unable to walk and going back and forth between a recliner and a wheelchair, Sharon Nichols is thankful to once again be back on her feet.

The difficult stretch began with a broken hip in 2021 that was followed by knee replacement surgery this past spring.

Northern Lights Home Health Care Physical Therapist Natalie King has known Mrs. Nichols going back to the broken hip, which she suspects may have contributed to Mrs. Nichols’ knee problems.

Given the combination of her left hip and right knee, which was once “her good leg,” Mrs. King said as Mrs. Nichols’ knee would buckle due to bearing most of her weight following hip surgery, her good leg actually became “her bad leg.” 

Physical Therapist Natalie King walks with Sharon Nichols.

Mrs. Nichols was discharged home on May 21 following knee replacement surgery. Initially she was seeing Mrs. King three days per week. Those therapy appointments were eventually reduced down to twice a week, and as of Sept. 1 Mrs. Nichols is no longer in need of therapy.

When asked if she ever considered the possibility she may not walk again, she said she never considered that an option.

As soon as her physical therapy began, she knew it was time to get to work.

“I do my home exercises all the time and I’m not planning to stop,” she said, adding she would even do exercises in her husband’s truck while on the way to medical appointments.

As she was able to stand, Mrs. Nichols said she began walking with the use of a “platform-style” walker, eventually graduating to a traditional walker, which she now uses to move around her home.

“I was afraid of falling, but I knew I had to get over it, and I did,” she said, adding though that it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Northern Lights.

In fact, her husband, Alfred “Bud” Nichols has also received physical therapy at home through Northern Lights.

“My friend, Linda told us about Northern Lights, and I said, ‘We’ll get them too. We’ve both had nothing but a great experience. You couldn’t ask for anything better,” she said.

For more information on Northern Lights Home Health Care, please call (315) 714-3135 or visit www.mynorthernlights.org. Northern Lights offers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistance from personal care aides.

Northern Lights is owned and operated through a partnership that includes United Helpers, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

Love at First Sight Brings New Couple to United Helpers Independent Senior Living

 CANTON – It was love at first sight for Frank Carter and Jeanette Rose when they visited United Helpers Independent Senior Living (ISL) in Canton for a tour earlier this year.

“We were talking about our future and we wanted to take a look at it (ISL) to see if it was affordable, if we liked it, and what was available,” Mr. Carter said. “We figured we were still two or three years out, but we took a tour and fell in love with the place. They had an opening and we took it.”

Upon moving into the ISL in May, Mrs. Rose said she was surprised at how many people lived in the building that she already knew. “It was amazing,” she said. “We’ve only been here a short time, but we already feel very much at home.”

Mr. Carter said part of what makes the adjustment so easy is the socialization with other members.

“It’s very smart what they do with dinner here seven nights a week,” he said, referring to the restaurant-style dining offered at the ISL each night. “It gets everyone out of their rooms and gives us all a chance to get to know each other.”

Mr. Carter and Mrs. Rose also said they have enjoyed many of the building’s other activities including, bingo, corn hole, wine and cheese gatherings, or simply enjoying some fresh air from the new gazebo located on the property’s impressive back yard.

Mrs. Rose also said she had enjoyed decorating the entryway to their apartment, something that many other members also do. “I love decorating, so I’ve really enjoyed decorating our entryway, as well as seeing what everybody else does with theirs,” she said.

Before making a decision on whether or not the ISL is right for you, Mr. Carter said people should compare their expenses now to what they would be upon moving into the ISL. “It may not be as far off as you think,” he said.

“We are certainly not extravagant people,” he said, explaining that while rent at the ISL is a “little more” than what they were paying in expenses before, the convenience of one monthly payment, along with the property’s other benefits make it well worthwhile.

United Helpers Independent Senior Living offers a variety of apartment styles, with both one and two bedroom units available. To take a virtual tour of the building, please visit unitedhelpers.org and click on the link for virtual tours.

An in-person tour may also be arranged by calling (315) 379-1428.

Frank Carter and his wife, Jeanette Rose enjoy the outdoors from the new gazebo located in the back yard at United Helpers Independent Senior Living. A virtual tour of the facility is available online at unitedhelpers.org or an in-person tour may be scheduled by calling (315) 379-1428.

Scozzafava Right at Home at United Helpers ISL

CANTON – The decision to move out of one’s family home and into an apartment is never an easy one to make, but for most people the time comes when it’s a decision that has to be made.

Marilyn Scozzafava, of Gouverneur, made that decision earlier this year when she moved into United Helpers Independent Senior Living (ISL) in Canton. She said she has no regrets. Her daughter, Dierdre “Dede” Scozzafava said the same thing.

“I am very pleased,” Mrs. Scozzafava said, as she sat in a recliner in the living room of her new home. After only spending a few weeks at the ISL, Mrs. Scozzafava said she realized she was right where she needed to be following a visit back to her home in Gouverneur, where she had lived for the past 50 years. 

Marilyn Scozzafava and her daughter, Diedre "Dede."

“It was difficult to watch people doing things there differently than how I would have done them,” she said. “Then when Dede brought me back here, it felt like I was returning home.”

Ms. Scozzafava said knowing that her mother was happy provided a great deal of relief, both for her and her siblings.

“When she walked in that night and said she felt like she was at home, I was relieved,” Ms. Scozzafava recalled. “As children you’re happy when you’re parents are happy.”

Mrs. Scozzafava said the decision to move to the ISL came as she realized that she could no longer do many of the things she used to enjoy.

“My husband had passed away and I had developed arthritis. And here I was living in a three story home,” she said. “I love gardening and I love flowers, but I realized, I just couldn’t do it anymore. I said, ‘The time has come for me to give up this home I love.’”

One of the first things she noticed upon moving into her new home was several raised garden beds around the property, including one that she can see from the windows in her living room.

“I saw those flower beds and said, ‘that’s going to be my first project,’” she said.

As for the other perks of residing at United Helpers Independent Senior Living, Mrs. Scozzafava said she’s really enjoying the restaurant-style dining.

“The food here is excellent,” she said. “I never really ate soup before, but now I won’t go a day without it.”

Mrs. Scozzafava also said she has enjoyed the monthly wine and cheese tasting event.

“I won’t be missing too many of those,” she said with a laugh.

She said she is looking forward to participating in more of the building’s activities once she “gets settled in.”

Events held on a regular basis include games, craft projects, outings, and even on-site musical events.

“Everyone I’ve met so far has been really nice,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting settled in, participating in more of what the building has to offer, and meeting some more great people.”

United Helpers Independent Senior Living is located at 30 Sullivan Drive in Canton, offering a variety of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment styles, with some units currently available.

A virtual tour of the building is available on the Independent Senior Living section of the United Helpers website. Visit, www.unitedhelpers.org or call (315) 379-1428 to learn more.

M-W's Plumley Eyes Return to the Court With Help from United Helpers

OGDENSBURG – Coming off the best season of her young athletic career, Madrid-Waddington’s Emma Plumley was looking forward to using the AAU season to continue strengthening her game in preparation for her junior season with her eyes also set on taking the court at the next level.

Ms. Plumley’s sophomore season included a sectional title, first-team All-NAC, and Second-Team Watertown Daily Times All-Northern honors. 

Physical Therapist Brett Amo works on a drill with Emma Plumley.

Heading into the 2019-2020 season Ms. Plumley, a guard on the school’s basketball team, knew she would again be an important piece to the Yellow Jackets success, as the team’s only returning starter. However, the start of her junior season was pushed back when she tore her right ACL while “crossing-up” a defender during an AAU game last April.

“I felt my knee cap move and I thought I had dislocated my knee,” she said. “They carried me to the bench and then they carried me to the car, so I really hadn’t put any weight on it until I got home. When I got home and tried to walk to the house I experienced what was probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt,” she said.

Ms. Plumley then had surgery in Boston with former New England Patriots team physician Dr. Thomas Gill performing her operation. However, prior to her surgery, she came to United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg for “prehab.”

“Those two months were focused on getting my leg stronger and improving my range of motion in preparation for surgery,” Ms. Plumley said, noting that prehab consisted of a lot of stretching and simple exercises that would help strengthen her leg without exacerbating her injury.

Two weeks after surgery and already off her crutches, Ms. Plumley returned to United Helpers to begin working towards the resumption of her athletic career.

“I knew I was going to come back, but I was super upset at the news (diagnosis of a torn ACL) and did briefly think what if I can’t play anymore,” she said. “But I only questioned myself for a little while and then got to work.”

Physical Therapist Brett Amo watches as Emma Plumley runs on a treadmill.

 Her therapy consisted of strength and flexibility training three times per week with Physical Therapist Brett Amo, who also worked with her prior to the surgery.

“Therapy was very challenging, but in a good way. It’s hard work, but I like to be pushed and Brett does a great job,” she said. “I’m actually probably in the best shape of my life.”

As she wrapped up what would be her final physical therapy appointment, Ms. Plumley said that her doctors have cleared her to return to action on Jan. 1, about a month-and-a-half after the season begins.

“After this, I want it more than ever,” she said. “I can’t wait to get back on the court.”

Adding to the excitement is the fact that Emma’s younger sister, Grace will also be joining the varsity team this year.

“I’m so excited because basketball is the one sport I really love (she also plays soccer) and I want to play in college,” she said. “I’m going to be a little nervous, especially the first time I do a crossover, but I am glad to be back.”

For more information regarding therapy services in Ogdensburg, please call (315) 393-0730 ext. 2156. For information regarding therapy services in Canton, please call (315) 386-4541 ext. 3217. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Potsdam Man Able to be Closer to His Wife After Moving Into ISL

CANTON – Two years ago Lynn Warden’s wife, Shirley moved into the skilled nursing wing at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton. The move left Mr. Warden alone in the home the couple had shared for more than 50 years.

Lynn Warden

Following his wife’s move, Mr. Warden, a retired state trooper, said his children began encouraging him to find a smaller place closer to their mother where he wouldn’t have to be alone most of the time, and have to worry about everyday things like mowing the lawn, preparing meals or clearing the driveway.

“I had heard about this place (United Helpers Independent Senior Living, formerly Partridge Knoll), and if I ever had to go somewhere this is where I wanted to go, but honestly I didn’t want to leave my home,” he said. 

Looking back though on his move, Mr. Warden acknowledges now that his children were correct. “When you’re here you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or snow blowing the driveway. It means a lot to have that stuff taken care of. It’s nice to have a break from those things that you’ve been doing your whole life.”

Mr. Warden also said he enjoys having dinner prepared for him each night.

“I never enjoyed preparing my own meals and the dinners here are fantastic,” he said, adding he also enjoys coffee hour each morning with a group of “15 or so” other members.

Mostly though, Mr. Warden said he enjoys being closer to his wife and once again having an active social life.

“I was driving 30 miles round trip each day, almost every day, so having her next door is very convenient,” he said, noting that while he usually goes to visit her, there have even been times when his wife has been able to come visit him.

Mr. Warden resides in a one-bedroom apartment at United Helpers Independent Senior Living, but amongst the building’s 38 apartments are a variety of both one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment styles, which he said are all very nice.

“These rooms are really nice, but the people really are something else, and that starts right at the top with Cindy (Community Housing Manager Cindy Lawrence) and Jenn (Housing Assistant Jennifer Dean). When you see them or any of the other employees here in the hall, it’s not just a “hello,” they actually stop and have a conversation with you.”

The building’s other residents have also made him feel at home.

“The people who live here are very nice,” he said. “It’s like a family. These people are my family now.”

Mr. Warden has been busy preparing his home in Potsdam to be sold, so he said he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to participate in a lot of the activities held at the building, but he said once his home is sold and he has more free time that’s something he’s hoping to do.

“I do look at the activities calendar every month, and if there isn’t something on that list you enjoy, I don’t know what to tell you. The activities here are really unlimited,” he said. Activities each month range from musical entertainment to shopping trips, card games, educational presentations, community outings and more.

“Anyone would be fortunate to get in here. The place really sells itself,” he said.

Mr. Warden also said he would like to caution people against getting sticker shock when advised of the monthly rates.

“I was paying property taxes, utilities and having to prepare my own meals,” he said. “When you look at all of that, it isn’t too bad, and that doesn’t even include not having to worry about maintenance anymore,” he said. “You certainly are getting what you pay for.”

To schedule a tour or learn more about United Helpers Independent Senior Living, including how you can get on the waiting list, please visit www.unitedhelpers.org or give them a call at (315) 379-1428. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/unitedhelpers.

Assisted Living Makes Life a Whole New Ballgame

CANTON – Each night during the course of the Major League Baseball season, Hilda Smith sits in her recliner and watches her beloved New York Yankees on television.

That routine has gone on for years, first from her home in Hannawa Falls and then from apartments in Madrid and Canton. Today, she watches the games from the comfort of her room in the Assisted Living wing at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care.

Hilda Smith enjoys the game.

While Ms. Smith is largely independent, there were a couple of areas of her life, where she could use a little bit of help. Enter United Helpers. 

“I’m 93 years old and I’ve reached the age where I wanted someone to clean my apartment for me. I like to keep things tidy. I’m kind of fussy like that,” she said.

Last year Ms. Smith gave up her driver’s license, and while she says her son was more than happy to help her out and take her shopping or to appointments, she hated feeling like she was a burden on him or other members of her family.

Ms. Smith also said she really enjoys having someone cook for her.

“If it wasn’t for the microwave and TV dinners, I wouldn’t have survived,” she said, explaining that since she’s moved to Assisted Living, where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even nutritious snacks are served throughout the day, her diet had improved dramatically.

Ms. Smith is also utilizing another service available to her, outpatient physical therapy, for pain and stiffness in her neck, a result, she jokes comes from “watching too many ballgames.”

“If I was still in my apartment I would have needed a driver to take me to and from my therapy appointments. It would have been a giant inconvenience,” she said. “In fact, I don’t think I would even be doing therapy, if it wasn’t here.”

Now instead of having to rely on a driver to get her to and from therapy​ appointments, Ms. Smith simply takes a ride on the elevator and walks down the hall. “The convenience of everything is amazing,” she said. “This is a great place, I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m glad I made this choice.”

For more information on Assisted Living or any of United Helpers other senior living options contact our Navigator at (315) 714-3117. 

You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Lisbon Senior Looking Forward to Returning To Work Following Rehab at United Helpers

OGDENSBURG – This past winter when Roger Shoen slipped on some ice and broke his leg, he was not worried about whether or not he would walk again, rather Mr. Shoen said his main concern was whether he would be able to return to work.

Mr. Shoen said he was in the middle of his route delivering prescription medication for a local pharmacy when he fell on the ice outside Belmont Courts in Ogdensburg. Luckily, he had his grandson with him. 

Physical Therapist Brett Amo looks on as Roger Shoen exercises 

“I yelled for help and my grandson came to pick me back up. A woman who lives in one of the apartments came to her door too and asked if I wanted her to call the rescue squad, but I told her no. ‘I said this ice is too cold, I’m not going to lay here and wait for an ambulance,”’ he recalled.

With the help of his grandson, Mr. Shoen said he was able to make his way back to his vehicle. He then finished his shift before going to the hospital.

“I got back to the van and thought, this doesn’t feel too bad, I might as well finish my shift,” Mr. Shoen said, explaining he drove from house to house, sending his grandson to the door with each person’s medication. “I worked for two hours before going to the hospital.”

Once at the hospital though, Mr. Shoen said his suspicions were confirmed, “I knew I broke my leg because I heard it snap,” he said. Following surgery and his release from the hospital, Mr. Shoen spent the next five weeks at RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Ogdensburg.

“Nobody can say anything bad about this place,” he said. “The nursing care and therapy I received were perfect. I would recommend them to anyone for a long-term or short-term stay.”

Mr. Shoen’s stay included both occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Occupational Therapist Alycia Dezell said that when Mr. Shoen first arrived at RiverLedge she helped him regain the strength needed to bathe and get dressed on his own. Noting that he enjoys cooking, Ms. Dezell said they also spent a lot of time working in the kitchen located in the therapy suite.

Following his discharge, she continued seeing him on an outpatient basis. “When he started doing outpatient therapy, he was still using adaptive equipment (occupational therapy tools designed to assist with everyday tasks, such as putting on socks), but he wanted to stop using those,” she said. “Now he’s back to doing everything on his own.”

“The fact that I was able to continue seeing the same therapist after being discharged was great,” he said.

Physical Therapist Brett Amo also worked with Mr. Shoen, noting when your outpatient and inpatient therapy are in the same place, recovery can be just a bit easier.

“He was already set up for outpatient before he even went home. It was a seamless transition, and that’s not something everybody can offer,” Mr. Amo said.

Mr. Shoen has also expressed an interest in continuing to exercise at RiverLedge, even following the conclusion of his therapy.

“I thought that was something I would have to pay for, turns out I don’t. That’s one of the benefits they extend to their patients,” he said.

As for Mr. Shoen’s work plans, he said he has returned to his delivery route on a substitute basis and is planning to drive taxicabs a few days per week.

“It’s not like I’m starving or anything, but I like to keep busy. To me, work is my hobby and United Helpers has helped me get to a place where I can continue doing what I love,” he said.

For more information on therapy services at RiverLedge in Ogdensburg, contact (315) 393-0730. For information on therapy services at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Canton, contact (315) 386-4541. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Pinkerton Wraps Up Rehab, Resumes Baseball Career

OGDENSBURG – After just over three months of physical therapy at RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Ogdensburg, Seth Pinkerton has returned to Fort Meyers, Florida to prepare for spring training with the Minnesota Twins organization.

Seth Pinkerton

Mr. Pinkerton was drafted by the Twins in the 2018 Major League Baseball Amateur draft, beginning his career last spring. However, his first season of professional ball came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a serious injury while fielding a ball hit back to him. 

“I ended up with a grade two MCL and LCL sprain, as well as a complete tear of both my medial and lateral menisci and a complete tear of my ACL,” he said, noting his injury was so severe that Dr. James Andrews “had to go fishing” in order to find his meniscus while trying to repair his leg.

Prior to departing for Florida, Mr. Pinkerton agreed to discuss his rehabilitation and experience at RiverLedge.

“When I first came in I had two crutches. Then I was using one crutch and eventually a cane. Now I’m able to walk and even run on my own,” he said.

The focus on rehabilitating his leg though did take a toll on his preparations for the season, but Mr. Pinkerton said he’s confident that when the season starts he’ll be ready to go.

“I’m not 100% pitching-wise, there’s still two months left on the time frame I was given for that, but I am ready to get down there and resume my baseball career,” he said.

United Helpers Physical Therapist Brett Amo has been working with Mr. Pinkerton and the two have developed a relationship that has helped make his recovery easier than it could have been.

“Brett and I are both competitive and he has really pushed me the extra little bit that has helped my therapy be so successful,” he said. Also adding to the mix is Seth’s sister, Kelsey, who is also recovering from a torn ACL and doing physical therapy with Mr. Amo.

 “We’re all pretty competitive, so we’ve been pushing each other too,” he said. “The whole process has been great and Brett has helped me, both physically and mentally. It’s been encouraging to see my progress.”

Mr. Amo said Mr. Pinkerton’s success is a result of his hard work and an eagerness to come back even stronger than he was before the injury.

“He has done extremely well,” Mr. Amo said. “He has consistently been ahead of where his doctors expected him to be. That’s a testament to his hard work and dedication.”

Prior to wrapping up his time at Riveredge, Mr. Pinkerton and Mr. Amo had a FaceTime conversation with Dr. Andrews where they discussed Mr. Pinkerton’s therapy and his path to recover.

“He has been very pleased with my progress and everything Brett has done,” Mr. Pinkerton said.

Dr. Andrews is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, who is best known for his work with Major League Baseball pitchers, including the likes of Mariano Rivera and Roger Clemens. He has also operated on other legends in the world of sports like Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and Peyton Manning among others.

Also pleased with Mr. Pinkerton’s therapy was the Minnesota Twins training staff and team doctor. Mr. Amo said he received a text message from Mr. Pinkerton following his initial meeting with the team’s medical staff.

“They said that everything looks great and they’re impressed with how much strength and size I’ve gained back in my leg since my surgery,” Mr. Pinkerton wrote.

For more information on therapy services at RiverLedge in Ogdensburg, contact (315) 393-0730. For more information on therapy services at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Canton, contact (315) 386-4541. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.

Local Snowbird on the Road to Recovery, Eager to Head South

OGDENSBURG – Twelve years ago Leona Miller, of Ogdensburg, had knee replacement surgery on her left leg. The day after that operation she had a stroke, leaving her fearful that the time would come when she would need the same surgery on her right leg.

In 2018 that time came. However, this time around Mrs. Miller did 10 sessions of prehabilitation prior to her surgery which took place on Dec. 4.

“I came into the therapy not sure if I was going to have the surgery or not,” Mrs. Miller said, explaining that the weeks and months that followed her first knee surgery were some of the most difficult in her life. 

Leona Millers works with Physical Therapist Megan Morrison

“Pretty early on though, Megan (Physical Therapist Megan Morrison) and I determined that I was going to need that surgery,” she said.

Ms. Morrison said the purpose of prehab is to strengthen a limb or joint as much as possible prior to an operation, something which makes the recovery significantly easier.

“Our goal with those sessions was to make her stronger heading into the surgery,” Ms. Morrison said, to which Mrs. Miller replied, ‘It certainly helped.”

Following her discharge from the hospital, Mrs. Miller spent six days at RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center for a short-term, in-patient therapy stay. RiverLedge is also where she had done her prehabilitation and is now receiving outpatient therapy.

“The fact that I can receive all of these services at the same place is great,” she said.

While many patients end up with an inpatient stay longer than six days, Ms. Morrison said that Mrs. Miller is working hard towards the goal of heading to Florida, where she and her husband spend their winters, as soon as possible.

Mrs. Miller said that as soon as she was discharged home, she began doing exercises at home, something that was not lost on Ms. Morrison.

“You can definitely tell when they do exercises at home,” she said. “It helps their progress and makes things go a lot easier when they’re here. She’s done everything right.”

Mrs. Miller is now walking short distances without a cane or walker and has her eyes set on walking longer distances unassisted and receiving clearance later this month from her doctor to head south.

“It’s coming along,” she said. “If you need therapy for anything, this is the place to come.”

For more information on therapy services at RiverLedge in Ogdensburg, contact (315) 393-0730. For information on therapy services at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Canton, contact (315) 386-4541. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.