PATTY LOADES - A most active member

The first time I went to the Rehabilitation Society I just needed to get out of the house. I had no worker, and it was boring being at home all the time. It was approximately 10 years ago.

I spent time hanging out, playing cards and did some artwork. I met many other people at Rehab and we all became good friends. My favourite part of being here is doing all the activities – I’m not a person that sits still and watches tv – I always like to keep busy. It is good to keep the mind active and the body active the best I can. Sometimes I have a support worker, and sometimes I just do activities on my own.

I grew up in Calgary – I moved here when I was 3 or 4. I have two sibling - my brother and I especially are very close. I have plenty of nieces and nephews and grand nieces. I loved going to school and I never wanted to miss a day. Over the years I had a few jobs, one at a furniture factory – putting on handles and screws and folding cardboard – then I worked at a nursing home doing kitchen work. Eventually my health prevented me from continuing and I went on AISH.

Every day I look forward to going out and doing things. I love doing things with my hands! I knit and crochet (not the greatest). I have a soft-heart and I care about everyone around me.

It's good that Rehab is member owned and member operated. I feel safe sharing my opinions whether they are accepted or not. I like being able to volunteer for any job here, I like joining in on anything good. I volunteer for bingos, I’m on the board and I’m going to volunteer for the casino this year. I can’t wait to be part of Rehab for years to come.