Emily Wiegel
OTR/L, Senior Program Manager, Sunrise of East Setauket
"We got him safely in and out of a car so he could get out and celebrate a special occasion with family."
Emily has worked in rehabilitation since 2016, mostly in Senior Living and geriatrics, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
A moment that reminded her why she does this work
One of Emily's most vivid memories is a patient who wasn't doing well health-wise, but who held her hand through a difficult session and thanked her for showing up. "They said I wouldn't understand how much it meant until I reached their age."
A win from this year
Emily's team helped a resident regain enough independence that he now needs only minimal assistance with daily tasks, and was able to get out and celebrate a special family occasion because the team could safely get him in and out of a car.
What people outside the field don't understand
"I don't think anyone will ever understand the human connection we create. We're present for the most intimate and vulnerable moments of people's lives, and that kind of trust doesn't happen overnight."
What Emily would want for her own family
"Respected, valued, and supported in every way possible. To feel like their goals matter to the team."