The words “Happy Thanksgiving” certainly take on a whole new meaning when you have a family member who calls Misericordia home. In spite of this unrelenting pandemic, our devoted, hardworking Misericordia staff continue to provide unparalleled care for those we love so much.
Once again, the MFA is partnering with Misericordia to recognize each and every one of our wonderful staff. Each of them helps to make Mis the home we love, and we want them to know how much we appreciate their efforts. From housekeeping to the kitchen, to the security guards, to nursing and social services, the DSPs and the Qs—we do not want to forget anyone! We are asking that MFA families show their appreciation by contributing to the MFA Holiday Staff Fund. We ask that you be as generous as your circumstances allow and encourage you to donate online. Click here to make your donation
by Linda Buchalo
This visit takes us to the largest living area on campus—McAuley Residence, built in 2004. The building, situated at the back of the campus, was constructed specifically to meet the needs of its current residents. McAuley was first occupied in 2005, as Misericordia South had outgrown its original location on 47th Street on the south side of Chicago.
McAuley is divided into six neighborhoods, with each unit named after the benefactor for that neighborhood. Included are one all-male neighborhood, one all-female, and four co-ed. Each neighborhood can serve 20–21 residents. Each has bedrooms with 2–4 residents and one single room, which allows for hospice services, as needed. Four neighborhoods have wall-equipped oxygen to serve those who require more nursing care. The current population is 113, although McAuley is licensed to serve 125 people. The ratio of staff to residents is 1 to 5 on the AM and PM shifts. The overnight shift has 2 CNAs on each unit and a nurse is assigned to each unit 24/7.
by Cynthia Maroon
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 40 years since that day when Vicki and Patty Gloor, two of my best friends, and I drove Jon for his placement at Misericordia South. He was only 4 ½ years old, and it was one of the most difficult days of my life. Little did I know that it was also the beginning of what’s become Jon’s full, rich life! I must admit that for the first six years I felt guilty and sad, and I would cry on the way home after taking him back following our frequent home visits. But as the years rolled by, I slowly began to realize that Jon was not only happy at Misericordia South, but he was thriving there! He was surrounded by staff who called him “Chocolate Eyes,” and who could offer him so much special attention, loving care, and stimulation. With all of that, coupled with his weekly home visits where he was constantly entertained by his brother, Michael, and his sister, Laura, and all their friends, Jon was living what I can only call “the good life”! Eventually Misericordia started bussing him out to school in Oak Park and I could also visit him frequently when I became his elementary school, middle school, and finally his high school “honorary room mother”.
by Jim Varey
My brother, Steven, swims in the Men’s 50m Freestyle at the Special Olympics. Let me tell you about the last time he competed. Stephen had a great start, but hit a wall about three-quarters of the way through the race. I stood on the deck, but once he completed the initial 25m, I couldn’t see him on the return pass. When I did see him, it seemed he thought the race was completed. He was clearly gassed and aware that everyone was finishing ahead of him. But he dug deep in a futile effort to make up as much time as he could, even though it was evident that he couldn’t win or even place.
At this point, I stopped recording and hustled over to the top of his lane. The gym had previously been bustling with ovations and cheers, but now was eerily quiet. Before Steven put his head down to give it his all, he looked right at me as if to say, “I’m finishing this damn race!” For a moment, nothing else mattered and there was no one else in that gym besides my little brother and me. It was if we were kids back in Carol Stream at the Aldrin Swimming Center, trying to get to the last wall.
After a 2-year absence, the Misericordia Siblings and Misericordia Resident Artists were thrilled to be back in the Modern Wing of the of Art Institute to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Artist in All. Over 1,000 friends and family attended and partook in the silent auction of more than 200 pieces of artwork that were produced by Misericordia resident artists and their Art Instructors. Thank you to everyone who supported the event!
We will be reaching out this week to all the auction winners to arrange for pick up of their purchase. Congratulations to Kara Allen, winner of the American Airlines Raffle!
We celebrated our resident artists on the Red Carpet this week! Congratulations to all our artists! More than 200 pieces of artwork were on display at Misericordia for our residents and staff to enjoy! Now onto the main event at the Art Institute!
Click here to watch the Artist in All Red Carpet Event video.
Dear Families and Friends,
Today I am writing to you with a very special invitation – to support Misericordia’s residents with the gift of your time. We invite you to volunteer at one of Misericordia’s upcoming Holiday gatherings, which are much-loved celebrations for thousands of guests. From old friends to first-time visitors alike, they come to our campus this festive time of year to reconnect and learn more about our mission that serves our children and adults.
This year, as we return to in-person events, we are especially – and desperately – in need of your help. Our greatest current needs are for the weekday events and Sunday Holiday Brunches on:
by Elizabeth Green
On a regular basis, everyone sees how wonderful, talented and amazing our staff is. We hear from Sister Rosemary that we share our family members with our Misericordia family and never was this so obvious to our family than during the end of life.
Recently, my sister, Kathy, was in her last days. My parents and I experienced our McAuley staff at their finest. From the start of the end of life process, the staff let us know that they would be there for us, to support us through every step of the process.
We were able to be in constant contact with Kathy’s Director, Q, nurses and CNAs. They were all open to us calling in to check on Kathy when we couldn’t be there. They made sure she had all of her comforts and favorites: pillows, food and, most importantly, hugs and love.
November 14, 2022
Dear Fellow Employees and Families,
As you know, there have been some important organization and leadership changes at Misericordia in the past year: The advent of the Misericordia Foundation and Sister Rosemary and Lois’s move to become its leaders and some shifts at Misericordia Home. Through all these changes, we still maintain our focus on the residents and their families and our staff. Our mission is clear.
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