September 2017 Patient Letters

The following are excerpts from a few of the many recent letters, phone calls, and emails that we’ve received from grateful patients and family members. Together, they reflect the outstanding work done each and every day by VNSNY’s entire frontline staff.

Manhattan—The daughter of a Manhattan patient penned a letter commending the work of physical therapist Grace Peters. “Grace was incredibly helpful and patient with my mother. She is a consummate professional—always making sure to confirm appointments and accommodate us as needed. Grace was also very understanding during times when my mother expressed frustration and helped her by focusing on positive measures.” As her mother’s primary caregiver, the daughter added that she “felt very fortunate” to have Grace’s assistance as her mother recovered from surgery.

Another patient wrote, “This note is to tell you that I had the most wonderful experience having Milissa Mondestin as my physical therapist over the last two weeks. Milissa started with me the day after I was discharged from the hospital following a total knee replacement. Her attention to every detail of my movement, adjusting my exercises accordingly, explaining in detail the reason for each and everything she was having me do, was nothing short of exceptional. She was a cheerleader and a taskmaster all the while encouraging me and pushing me to maximize my every effort. I’ve now progressed to outpatient PT. When I had my evaluation at my new location this morning, they were notably impressed with my progress in the two weeks following surgery. I attribute that 100% to Milissa’s skill and ability to get the very best out of me.”

Nurse Tharinee Kauper received a letter of praise for the treatment she provided as a Manhattan resident recovered from serious wounds. Contacting specialists and suggesting procedures, Tharinee ensured that the patient’s injuries healed and were “on the way to a full recovery.” The patient concluded, saying: “Nurses like Tharinee should be rewarded for their efforts in extending sound advice and healing care.”

A Manhattan patient wrote a letter applauding physical therapist Patrick Constantino. Describing him as “very skilled, smart, compassionate, and polite,” the patient pointed out how “Patrick exemplifies the best of his profession. His personality is such that you know that he really cares about your health and improved mobility; it is not just a job for him.” Offering high praise, the patient also added: “If a member of my family ever needed in-home physical therapy, I would want Patrick to be their PT. The Visiting Nurse Service of New York is fortunate to have him working there.”

Nassau—Occupational therapist Jennifer McCaffrey recently shared the following inspiring story of a Nassau patient: “When I arrived today at his house today he was in the shower. When he came out he said to me that he has not showered standing up in about three years, then he told me he dressed himself in less time than it ever took him.  He said, ‘My life is changing,’ and he attributes it to physical therapist Patty Vieira. ‘Whatever she is doing, it’s working,’ he said. ‘I’m so thankful.’ His words made me feel that our therapy is very meaningful, and I wanted to express that.”

Queens—A patient phoned to say that the VNSNY team caring for her was “great, caring and respectful.” In particular, she stated that physical therapist Manolita Mendoza was “outstanding,” adding, “she is so understanding. I can tell that she cares.”

Another Queens patient called to express her thanks for the care provided by occupational therapist Mitchell Rabinowitz and nurse Berkis Oken, noting that Mitchell was “gentle and funny,” and how much she appreciated both of them.