WATERVILLE — For 55 years, Susan Allen of Oakland has been helping patients improve their mobility and manage pain. Allen is a physical therapist whose goal has always been to work until she’s 80-years-old. Now that dream of hers is being cut short. However instead of viewing this sudden change as a loss, Allen’s choosing to focus on all she’s accomplished.
Susan Allen says she has known she has wanted to be a physical therapist since she was five-years-old.
“It’s just amazing,” she said. “It’s worked out and it’s exactly what I was supposed to have been doing all my life.”
Allen started working as a physical therapist at Inland Hospital in Waterville back in 1974 when it was known as Waterville Osteopathic Hospital. She remained there for eight years before moving into private practice where she helped severe and profound handicapped children. Allen eventually gravitated back to the hospital setting, enjoying employment in both the Skowhegan and Waterville areas.
“I like it all, that’s the kicker,” said Allen. “I just feel strong enough and healthy enough to be able to do it.”
This 77-year-old has been working two half days during the week and weekends. But in March, Northern Light Inland Hospital on Kennedy Memorial Drive announced it would be closing its doors and that the hospital and clinics would remain in operation until May 27.
The news shocked Allen who planned to work until she was 80.
“I’ve always kept myself in pretty good shape. I exercise. I work outside. I’m used to hard work,” explained Allen. “So I just didn’t anticipate this premature ending.”
Allen admits working part time has made it possible for her to continuing working at her age; something she says she still hopes to do despite the hospital’s upcoming closure.
“I had the best of all worlds when I worked at Inland Hospital. It’s still so much a part of me and probably always will be,” she said.