Hello and welcome to our December e-newsletter!

We're officially in the thick of the holiday season, and it's a joyous time of year! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or anything else this December, the most important part is spending quality time with those you love.

Read along for exciting Tri-Rehab happenings and tips on staying fit and living a healthy lifestyle.

Get to know the staff of Tri-Rehab!

Every so often, we'll be featuring a different staff member through an interview.  In this issue, you'll get to meet Dorie Summers, Physical Therapy Aide at Tri-Rehab.  

 

   

Dorie Summers & Jan Lauer, Co-Owner of Tri-Rehab 

 

What's your job with Tri-Rehab?

• I'm a Physical Therapy Aide.  I work with the patients, calls past patients to see how they're doing, do the cleaning and laundry, pick up patients if they need a ride, go to the bank, schedule appointments, and more. I help out in all areas!

How did you get into the industry?

• I worked in a factory in Romulus for years, but they closed and moved to North Carolina.  Then I cleaned houses for 7 years, but it took a toll on my hands and knees. My neighbor went to Tri-Rehab for Physical Therapy, and told me they were looking for a "Tech," which is what they were called at the time. Ann and Jan called and invited me for an interview. I knew nothing about Physical Therapy at the time - I barely even knew it existed!

How long have you been with Tri-Rehab?

• 13 years this past September.  It went so fast!

What's the best, most rewarding part of your job?

• Meeting and interacting with the people. I like it because you see different people with different nationalities, different jobs, and so on. After a while, you become family, since patients come here 3 days per week, then we keep in touch because we like to know what's going on with them.

What's your favorite part of your of job at Tri-Rehab?

• I really like interacting with people.  I like seeing somebody come in who's having a really hard time with their exercise, and the progress they make over time.  They'll come in so discouraged and leave feeling much better.

What's been your biggest achievement or success story?

• A 94 year old patient.  He came in and couldn't move, walk or really do much of anything. Becky put 2 lb weights on him and he could do it.  He was so thankful.  I wasn't a big believer in therapy until I had it myself.  To see this man come in so down, and then seeing his progress over time, was inspiring.  He even went somewhere else for therapy and they didn't help at all.  I think Tri-Rehab is different because we give special attention to our patients.  We let them know they're special.

How has the industry changed for your position over the years?

• When I first came in, I just ran people through exercises and did laundry.  Now, I can help with computer stuff, like setting patients up on appointments. I've learned a lot office wise, and mostly learned how to talk to somebody on the phone. I try to do anything and everything to help out!

What's one tip you would give readers?

• Be active! Get out and do something, don't just sit there.  You have to move. People try so hard to keep moving here, so don't give up - keep being active!

What are some fun facts about you?

• They have something called a "Dorie-ism" here at Tri-Rehab.  I'll say something off the wall and they'll ask, "What's that?" Then, Jan has to write it down as a "Dorie-ism." We just keep laughing!

• I'm not allowed to tell a joke because I never get the punch line!

Thanks so much, Dorie!