Page 28 - BusinessWest January 8, 2024

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Bridging the Gap
Mont Marie Meets Rehab Needs Between Hospital and Home
BY EMILY THURLOW
With classic Christmas carols softly emanat- ing from a TV across the room and an Irish wolfhound named
Veren panting rhythmically a short dis- tance behind her, Barbara Chiampa pedaled a stationary bicycle on a recent afternoon at Mont Marie Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center’s therapy gym.
With guidance from Reliant Reha- bilitation physical therapy assistant Tara McCauley, Chiampa was working on improving her balance and walking. After noting improvement in her gait and movement with a handheld assist, Chiampa paused for a few kisses from Veren, a 2-year-old therapy dog.
The staff at the Holyoke facility ben- efits from the canine too, said his han- dler, registered occupational therapist Sylvia Korza of Reliant Rehabilitation. “He comes to work with me, and he loves everybody. He’s great for therapy — even the staff. He helps lift everyone’s mood.”
The gym, which was expanded in 2016, features several pieces of equip- ment dedicated to improving mobility, including parallel bars and practice stairs. Beyond the machines, the thera- py gym offers opportunities for McCau- ley and Korza to customize regimens that are tailored to the specific needs of patients recovering from medical proce- dures, injuries, or illnesses.
The therapy offered at the center’s gym is one of multiple subacute reha- bilitation care services offered at the 84-bed Mont Marie facility, which was built in 1962 and formerly owned and operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. In 2014, Mont Marie was purchased by Tryko Part- ners, which is headquartered in New Jersey, and is managed by its healthcare subsidiary, Marquis Health Consulting Services. Mont Marie is one of 10 of Marquis’ facilities in Massachusetts.
In recent years, the licensed nursing
28 JANUARY 8, 2024
MONTHLY FEATURE
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