Today, Mary Catherine and Carol can find smiles and laughter after Carol’s astounding recovery.
Rockwall, TX (April 10, 2024) – Carol Kincaid entered Highland Meadows Health & Rehab in October 2022. Neither Carol nor her daughter, Mary Catherine Bunde, who lives in Virginia, thought she’d live to see another birthday.
Carol was very sick, having just a short time to live, perhaps only days.
Clostridioides difficile or C. diff is a serious and often deadly condition; Carol had been going through various treatments hoping for a better outcome. At the time she was admitted, recovery did not seem likely.
Mary Catherine prepared for her beloved mother to pass.
In isolation due to the contagious nature of the illness, slowly the days passed, and through it all Carol seemed to improve. Emerging from isolation six months later in March 2023, Carol went from the brink of death to being alive, although with virtually no strength.
When the physical therapists came to her room, Carol could not even sit on the side of the bed. She could not walk, feed herself, and she had no strength to do even the simplest task such as pressing an aerosol spray.
This was a big change for an active woman who taught school in Collin County until the age of 72!
“I cannot say enough about these physical therapists,” said Carol. “The tips they give you make all the difference. They know what they are doing!”
Mary Catherine remembers those earlier days with a mix of sadness and joy. “Two Christmases ago, I thought my mom was leaving us,” she said. “We sold her precious car (a Volkswagen bug), her home, her clothes, everything. Mom laughs about this now.” Joking that it worked out because she needed new clothes due to her now smaller size.
Being in that condition can cause anyone to feel isolated. But Mary Catherine says her mom kept her mind through it all.
Not only does she have many friends visit to stay connected, sharing holidays and birthdays but she also discovered the joys of sharing space with a roommate. She and Mary Catherine believe that having a roommate is beneficial for regular interaction and is so important for their mental health. There is also reassurance as they can help each other if needed.
Carol enjoys sharing a room for the interaction and support she and her roommate give each other.
Her new friends at Highland Meadows are “wonderful to interact with”. They regularly share books, gather for activities, and fellowship. Speaking of activities, Carol gives the Activity team, Lissa and Gabi, rave reviews saying, “Lissa is wonderful. She is very caring. Both Lissa and Gabi take care of us so well.”
Today, Carol, now 86 years old, is outrunning staff in her wheelchair and walking with the assistance of a walker. She thanks God every day for her regained health saying, “I not only came out of it, but I came out of it famously with my mind intact which I am grateful for.”
Together, Carol and Mary Catherine express great appreciation for the expertise and care of the nursing and therapy staff. Adding that they have formed deep relationships over the last eighteen months with everyone from Paula at the front desk, who “loves the residents so much”, to many others who provide care in so many ways.