Carolyn DiDonato spent 37 years helping kids safely get to home and school. When she needed rehabilitation after an injury, a “bridge stay” in assisted living made her own journey home easier.

Carolyn DiDonato knows something about getting from here to there safely. A former crossing guard with the Eatontown schools, Carolyn spent 37 years helping kids safely get to school and back home.

When a serious injury brought Carolyn to rehabilitation at Sunnyside Manor, it was time for her to focus on getting herself home safely. 

Get to know Carolyn, and how an assisted living stay after rehabilitation gave her the support and time she needed to get stronger and get home. 

Carolyn’s Journey

After decades as a crossing guard at Woodmere Elementary, Carolyn was accustomed to being on her feet. But, a serious injury last year led to surgery and intensive rehabilitation. She came to Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation at Sunnyside Manor ready to recover and get stronger. 

Although she was accustomed to go-go-go, she learned that healing fully and safely takes time. Carolyn is a cancer survivor and also had been through rehab at another facility for a similar injury. 

“I have a tendency of being fast… with my friends, I’m at the head of the line. They’re back here and I’m up there! I’ve learned to take my time a little bit better. They [the rehab staff] taught me, ‘take your time.’ And I’ve learned to live day by day from being here.”

When her inpatient rehabilitation at Sunnyside Manor was complete, she’d come a long way. And, she knew another step between the rehabilitation neighborhood and home would be ideal. “I wasn’t up to going home yet,” she said. With more support and time, and without the added difficulty of navigating her home in a wheelchair, she knew she would make better progress. 

So, she chose an easier and more secure path home: through Sunnyside Manor’s Bridge Program. 

A Safe Crossing: Why Carolyn Chose a Bridge Stay

“I’m up to it now!”

After inpatient physical therapy, Carolyn chose a short-term “bridge stay” in our Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living neighborhood. An apartment at Sunnyside Manor became her short-term “home,” while she continued outpatient therapy in our Medicare-certified gym right down the hall. 

The stay in assisted living made it easy to keep her momentum and continue rehabilitation with the team she trusts. “It’s like a family here. You all work together.”

Carolyn credits the team’s measured approach, skill, and good communication with helping her progress and easing her transition back home. 

“They work with you here, and they explain things to you. Lana [the director of physical therapy at Sunnyside Manor] has been working with me, and she’s been terrific. Without her, without them [the rehabilitation staff] … I wouldn’t have got as far as I did.”

For Carolyn, who moves fast and likes to stay on top of everything, the assisted living apartment offered her a safe resting point during her recovery. Cautioned by her doctor not to overdo it, the accessibility of the apartment, the ease of getting to rehab, and not having to worry about meals or keeping up with a house created the ideal environment to focus on getting stronger.  

Plus, as an avid bingo player and someone who is always on the go, she appreciated how easy it was to socialize, stay busy, and enjoy her favorite pastimes during her stay. 

Back on Her Feet Again

“It was well worth it!”

Now, Carolyn is back on her feet and back at home. For this former school crossing guard, the Bridge Program at Sunnyside Manor made the grade. “If it wasn’t for this place, I don’t think I would be doing this well,” Carolyn said. “I will rate this place as ‘A.’ … I would tell anybody to come here!” 

Get to know the Bridge Program at Sunnyside Manor. Contact us here or call us at 888-696-2052 for a conversation and personal tour.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

When you have questions about senior living, we are here to help. Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier family-owned senior living community. The community features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Long-Term Care & Short-Term Rehabilitation. Respite stays and palliative care are available in all neighborhoods.