After 365 days of skilled care and rehabilitation at Chapel Pointe, Lee Kolos finally crossed the threshold of the Family Place household and returned home to live with her daughter. Her story is not just about physical recovery—it’s about the power of faith, family support, and a senior living community that walked with her every step of the way.
From Bedbound to Beginning Rehabilitation
When Lee arrived at Chapel Pointe in June 2024, she was completely incapacitated—bedbound, in unbearable pain, and fighting a spinal infection that had gone septic.
“I was scared to move to Chapel Pointe,” Lee admitted. “I had gotten used to the hospital staff and procedures, and I didn’t know what to expect at Chapel Pointe, so I was worried. … By the time staff had helped me into bed, I already felt better. They were so welcoming and funny, and their humor put me at ease. It didn’t take me long to realize that I would be okay at Chapel Pointe.”
Still, Lee’s journey was far from easy. Her body needed time to heal and didn’t tolerate therapy right away. A resurgence of her infection put Lee on oxygen, and pain kept her bedbound, unable to even sit up.
Building Strength Through Therapy
Chapel Pointe’s team provided not just skilled nursing services but also compassion, patience, and encouragement.
“When I was really, really sick, I prayed to die,” Lee recalled through tears. “When that didn’t happen, I figured the good Lord had something left for me to do - and I wanted to be around for my grandchildren.”
So with an uplifted heart, renewed perspective, and two young grandchildren visiting once a week, Lee trudged onward.
Physical Therapist Melissa Agbayani started working with Lee in bed. Slowly, Lee built enough strength to sit, then to spend hours upright, then to stand.
“The great thing about Melissa was that it was obvious that she cared. I think she was more excited when I accomplished things than I was,” said Lee.
Together, the two of them built up Lee’s core strength. Just before New Year’s, Lee took her first steps with a walker. She eventually tried her former rollator walker. “I looked like a drunken sailor at first, but Melissa helped me to get a platform rollator that worked better for my needs, and oh boy could I zip around with that!”
By springtime, Lee was in occupational therapy, preparing for real-life tasks such as stepping off a curb and getting into a car. She even enjoyed frequent trips to Chapel Pointe’s café for her favorite treat: Diet Dr. Pepper.
Each step toward independence reminded her that her goal—returning home—was within reach.
Finding Community in Senior Living
While facing her own challenges, Lee kept in mind that God had a purpose for her. She found connection and meaning within Chapel Pointe's senior living community. She served as resident council president and joined food committee meetings. Lee loves art and partnered with Household Coordinator Julie Beecher to plan events. “I used to help her with any sort of artsy stuff, so we got close,” Lee said.
Lee forged relationships with many staff. “They became friends rather than just caretakers. I think it was wonderful that they had a sense of humor because that makes things easier. They never made me feel like I was a burden to them. I hated that I couldn’t do things, and they would always say, ‘That’s our job; don’t worry about it.’”
Lee also loved playing the piano in Family Place. While she played from the hymnal, other residents would often sit and listen or sing along. She bonded over music with some, over Penn State and Notre Dame football with another, and over food and fresh air on the patio with another resident. All the while, she made connections that not only encouraged Lee but brightened the lives of those around her.
“I feel so lucky that I ended up at Chapel Pointe,” Lee said.
Home Again—With Faith and Gratitude
Now, living with her daughter and two young grandchildren, Lee continues to share her gifts—sending notes with hand-colored art, laughing through adventures with the little ones, and preparing for the day she’ll return to her own home and church family.
Her encouragement to others facing similar challenges:
“Make use of the help you’re given, and be kind to the people helping you. Do what they tell you to do, and try to keep a positive outlook and a smile on your face.”
Lee’s story is a shining reminder that with the right blend of rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, faith, and community support, healing and homecoming are possible.
Continue Your Journey with Chapel Pointe in Carlisle, PA
At Chapel Pointe, we believe every story is worth celebrating. As a faith-based continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, we provide a full continuum of senior living options, including independent living, personal care, memory support, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Our nonprofit mission ensures that older adults receive compassionate care, vibrant community life, and financial peace of mind.
Whether you’re looking for a trusted partner in rehabilitation after a hospital stay, exploring faith based senior living, or seeking a welcoming community for yourself or a loved one, Chapel Pointe is here to walk alongside you. Contact us to learn more.