THEMERCYtouch 19

FOR HALLMAR

Hallmar, Mercy Medical Center’s geriatriccare center, passes Sara Sorensen’s inspectionwith flying colors. And the fact that it offersimmediate access to medicalservices at Mercy makes it evenbetter.

Not only has Sara’s husband,Al, lived at Hallmar for six years,but her mother and both formerin-laws also found respite therewhen age and health concernsbegan to take their toll.

Al, 91, had a stroke on May28, but is steadily regaining hisphysical abilities with the help ofHallmar’s nurses. A formerprofessional football player for the ChicagoCardinals in the early l930s, Al has experience inconquering battles.

“Al is the biggest fighter I’ve ever seen,” saysSara. “He toughs things out. He has more courage

than 10 of us put together.”Sara’s first experience with Hallmar, which

opened in 1960, came years ago when her formerfather-in-law fell and broke his leg.He needed better care.

“I’d heard about Hallmar. Andsince I’d always had a big love affairwith Mercy, I thought it would be aperfect fit for him,” Sara says.

It was, and since his experiencewas pleasant, Sara decided when itwas time that her mother-in-lawshould also go to Hallmar. Whenher own mother became ill, Sarafound a room was available atHallmar. Both mothers were there at

the same time.When Al, Sara’s husband of 20 years, began

failing, Sara knew she had to decide on full-timecare at home or Hallmar. Now 91, Al is happy atHallmar. Sara likes knowing that many Hallmar

staff members have been there a long time andtruly enjoy their work. Hallmar stands out as herfirst choice for geriatric care.

Having the hospital just down the hall is anadded bonus. Nursing care is directed andsupervised by the nurse manager, with licensednurses available 24 hours a day.

“Hallmar is institutional-looking but that shouldn’t scarepeople away,” she points out.“There’s no carpet, but that’sgood. It’s very sanitary, very clean,and the patients are alwaysprimary in care.”

If Sara sees things that need tobe done, she lets staff membersknow, and they always listen.

“They take very good care ofAl,” Sara says. “He’s comfortableand content there.”

Hallmar provides a wide range of activitiesfor residents – restaurant visits, picnics, musicgroups and more. There is always somethinggoing on.

“The staff becomes very close to people atHallmar. That to me is a real plus,” Sara adds.“It’s a warm, homey atmosphere, with lots of loveand affection.”

Being part of Mercy is reassuring for familymembers, and also allows residents to attend

Mercy’s chapel if they choose, saysJackie Foster, Hallmar’s NurseManager. Hallmar employs 52staff members, who care for up to55 residents, which allows for afirst-rate patient-staff ratio, Jackieadds.

“Quality care is what reallysets us apart,” she says. “It can’t bebeat.”

Even in tough times, Saraadds. Last June’s flood forced theevacuation of Mercy and Hallmar.Al spent two weeks at another

facility. When he returned, Sara recalls, “Staffwere there with flowers and hugs. It was a realfamily welcome. He was at last home again.”

“...a biglove affair

with Mercy...”Sara Sorensen

Wife of Hallmar resident

“Quality careis what reallysets us apart.”

Jackie FosterHallmar’s Nurse Manager

Sara Sorensen, wifeof Hallmar resident,

Al Sorensen

Al Sorensen, has been a Hallmarresident for the past six years.

18 SUMMER 2009 www.mercycare.org

She has an eagle eye for spotting the details that makethe difference in looking out for one’s loved ones.