Four patients share how Spry Senior is making a difference in their health—and their lives
By Laurie Delgado, Spry Senior
Beverly Sadowski needed to find a new doctor. James Reel wanted a physician who recommended treatment solutions other than pills. Gwen Motley just cared about seeing her trusted provider. Eileen Coufalik liked the community feel.
Four different patients. Four different reasons for visiting. One common result.
They all love Spry Senior.
From Twist of Fate to Evangelist
Beverly first read about Spry Senior in Mimi Magazine. It caught her attention because a friend told her of a similar practice in Florida that focused exclusively on older adults and offered more than just primary care—just like Spry Senior. Soon after, Beverly got a letter that her provider had changed roles and was no longer seeing patients. Deciding it must be fate, she called Spry Senior.
“I was pleased I got in quickly and didn’t have to wait months to see anyone,” she says.
On top of that, Beverly was impressed with how much time Mary E. Massie-Story, MD, spent getting to know her.
“She’s so thorough with test results and explaining things—and she really listens,” Beverly says. “After my appointment, I couldn’t wait to tell friends who were also tired of long waits and limited time with their doctor.”
Five of Beverly’s friends have now become patients. In addition to being the unofficial “recruiter” for Spry Senior, Beverly is getting involved in another way. This month, the retired teacher is giving presentations on President John F. Kennedy at Spry Senior’s Brook Park and Strongsville locations. Individuals can RSVP for the November 15 presentation at the Strongsville location online at SprySenior.com/events-education.
More Listening, Better Care
James was skeptical of doctors when he first came to one of Spry Senior’s open houses. He needed a physician, but his past meant he had certain requirements.
He casually mentioned to the person next to him (who he later learned was Executive Director Laurie Delgado) that he’d like to meet Dr. Massie-Story. Minutes later, the good doctor was introducing herself to James.
“It was an instant bond. In just 10-15 minutes, she pulled a lot out about me,” James explains.
Specifically, she understood why James—a recovering addict 40 years clean—was so adamant about treatments that didn’t involve narcotics of any kind.
“She was very engaging and asked the right questions,” he says. “She was open and direct. I thrive on that, and I knew when she looked me in the eye that I could trust her.”
The fact that Spry Senior is affiliated with MetroHealth is a bonus for James. “If something more serious is needed, I know I can be transferred to the hospital for specialty care,” he says.
Follow the Leader
Gwen didn’t start coming to Spry Senior because she wanted something different. She came because she wanted the same: her provider.
So, when Kristen Cornes, DNP, MSN, BA, joined Spry Senior, Gwen followed her.
“The only way I wouldn’t follow her is if she moved out of state,” she says. “I love her to death. She takes time with me. She talks to me about what I’m hearing from my other doctors and helps me with all my health concerns.”
Plus, Dr. Cornes cares about other aspects of her life. When Gwen shared she was having issues with where she lived, Dr. Cornes connected Gwen with Spry Senior Health and Wellness Benefits Coordinator Lisa Sandor. Lisa helped her complete a Section 8 housing application so she could find a new place to live. It’s part of the total-health approach at Spry Senior.
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Eileen initially didn’t come to Spry Senior as a patient. She loves the classes and social opportunities within the Spry Senior community.
Between SilverSneakers Classic, cardiodrumming, cornhole tourneys and birthday and bingo events, Spry Senior keeps Eileen and her husband Bob busy.
“I spend more days a week at Spry Senior than anywhere else,” Eileen says.
As she got more involved, she started looking at Spry Senior for medical care.
“The primary care doctor I was going to wasn’t close,” she says. “and while I liked that my doctor never hurried us, it also meant longer wait times because she was always running behind.”
Once Eileen met Dr. Massie-Story, she knew she’d made the right decision to switch to Spry Senior.
“Dr. Massie-Story is very personable and is on top of all aspects of my health,” she says. “She’ll tell me if I need other types of care and help set up those appointments.”
Most of all, Eileen loves walking into a place where everyone knows her name.
Check Out Spry Senior
If you are age 58 or older, Spry Senior is worth a visit. You can tour any of the three facilities (Brook Park, Solon or Strongsville), attend a class or schedule a new patient appointment by calling 440-592-6200 or visiting SprySenior.com.
Spry Senior has three locations serving Northeast Ohio: 14770 Snow Road in Brook Park, 15201 Pearl Road in Strongsville and 5855 Harper Road, Suite A, in Solon. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit SprySenior.com or call 440-592-6200.