Sister Pat keeps finger on Loretto's pulse

"Every day, our staff must provide people with highly skilled nursing care, and always combine it with love and respect," she said. "The staff are my superstars. They challenge me. They back me up. They plan and follow through. They walk in the door every day, and share their hearts and expertise with our residents."

Sister Patricia Anne was recently named Administrator of the Year by the New York Chapter of the American College of Health Administrators.

Funds for seniors

Known for her successful fund-raising efforts, Sister Pat has coordinated golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts, festivals and walk-a-thons to support expansion projects.

In the past two years, she oversaw the construction of an addition that houses Damien Hall, a gathering place for special events and cheerful occasions, and Mary of Fatima Chapel, an elegant place of worship specifically designed to accommodate 40 wheelchairs and 60 seats for daily Mass. It is graced with stained glass windows from the original nursing home chapel and two beautiful statues from Portugal.

Meeting needs

"The government continues to cut aid to long-term care, but the need for services continues to grow," she said. "We don't want to make money. We just want to break even so we can keep a quality facility and provide multi-level skilled nursing care to the elderly and critically ill. This is our mission. When the time comes and someone needs us, we want be here for them."

Each day, Sister Pat relies on five Sisters of the Resurrection, who help keep Mount Loretto running smoothly. "This facility is blessed with the dedication of Sister Damien Milczewski, Sister Edythe Palacz, Sister Lucille Borowski, Sister Marcella Rostkowski and Sister Theresia Witkowski," she said. "They are the beacons that guide our 200 staff members."

Touching moments

"This type of therapy, as well as aroma therapy, provides residents a way to relax and feel at peace. Sometimes, medication and anxiety offer little space for solace," she said. "For some residents, it is a wonderful technique."

Mount Loretto has been offering alternative therapies to residents for about 12 years. In addition to individual physical and occupational therapy programs, Sister Pat's collie, Corby, and cat, Ebony, have become part of the Mount Loretto family and its pet therapy program.

Boots on

"Since sisters do not retire but 'die in their boots,' my next project is to develop a use for the 126 acres of property that surround the nursing home," Sister Pat said. "We'll begin by assessing the needs in our community, then develop a long-range plan and find a way to get there."

(03-21-02) [[In-content Ad]]