Caitie Muller, Medical Imaging Manager, Rapid City Hospital (RCH), spent most of her life helping her family care for her dad, Donald, who was permanently disabled at age 51 in a tragic accident in 2003, when he suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off a ladder at work. He was left with limited mobility of his limbs, which forced him into early retirement.
For 16 years, Caitie’s mom, Sandy, served as Donald’s primary caregiver. Sadly, Sandy passed away unexpectedly in 2019. Caitie, her older brother and younger sister then did the best they could in assuming the role their mother had filled. This included everything from medication management, doctor’s appointments, financials arrangements and wound care. Caitie’s brother and his family moved in with Donald to provide additional support around the clock.
“It was really taking a toll on us as a family,” said Caitie. “He had several falls at home and we just really weren’t able to keep him safe in his home environment and get him the amount of interaction that he needed to live a fulfilling life.”
After one of those falls, Donald ended up in the RCH Emergency Department and then hospitalized. Doctors discovered a spinal canal stenosis — narrowing of the bone that can cause pain — in his neck, requiring surgery followed by five months of physical therapy.
“That’s when we found out about Monument Health Assisted Living,” Caitie said.
Bobbi Scott-Hindle, Manager Assisted Living and Becky Martinez, RN, are key staff members at CAL.
“Our mission is to uplift our community by providing exceptional senior living care rooted in decades of professional experience. We are dedicated to fostering a safe, vibrant environment where specialized care meets heartfelt compassion, said Bobbi. “By investing in a highly seasoned team, we ensure that families receive unmatched peace of mind, and our residents enjoy an enriched quality of life.”
With a homey environment that includes private suites which residents can furnish and decorate to reflect their individuality, CAL promotes continued independence of its residents. However, 24/7 staff support, and a small facility means closer personal connections both for residents with each other and for residents and caregivers. There is also a meaningful activity program inclusive of multiple community groups and an exercise program that promotes continued well-being and further social opportunities.
Donald, now 74, has been at CAL for around a year and a half — and he is thriving. Although he had been mostly wheelchair-bound for the last few years, he can now get around with a walker again, thanks to a regular regimen of physical therapy.
“Firstly, I never thought that I would see my dad walk again. Second, I never thought that I would see him being able to coordinate his own activities, to go out in the community and hang out with his friends. I think that the lack of social interaction had really been taking a toll on him,” said Caitie. “He’s really enjoyed the relationships that he’s created and the beautiful setting. We are very grateful for everyone there, and that our dad can be independent and happy.”
Story by Kory Lanphear
