Babe Ogren knew she was in the right place when saw the artwork on the walls at the Catalyst Rehabilitation Program at Friendship Haven. An artist in her own right, the pictures made her feel at home. But of course, getting back to her real home, her own paintings and her husband of 66 years was what Babe really had on her mind.
A positive attitude and the supporting staff at the Catalyst Rehabilitation Program made independence a reality for Babe.
Babe entered the Catalyst Rehabilitation Program in a wheelchair following a knee replacement. Although she admits having concerns about getting back home, after several weeks of physical therapy she walked out of the Catalyst Rehabilitation Program on your own. The date was February 13. But for Babe, an even better feeling was walking into her apartment later that day. "I would not have been able to walk around so well if it weren't for the physical therapists at Catalyst," explains Babe, who also boasts about still being able to touch her toes! Other Catalyst staff members helped coordinate home health care aides to make the move home possible. "It was a real team effort and I came out the winner."
Once back home, Babe quickly returned to her painting. Within a few days, she completed a large watercolor of a peony, then painted some sneakers for her grandchildren. Yes, Babe paints everything from canvases to sneakers! Perhaps one of Babe's paintings will find its way to the halls of the Catalyst Rehabilitation Program, were it can inspire other clients to achieve their independence.
