Legacy of caring lives on for High Prairie family

‘It's wonderful to know the future of rehabilitation here is in such good hands’

Story by Diana Rinne

HIGH PRAIRIE — For nearly five decades, residents here and in nearby communities have relied on physiotherapist Vivien Laughlin to help them recover from injury, manage pain and regain independence. Now, a new generation of the Laughlin family is carrying that legacy forward.

Vivien arrived in High Prairie from Scotland in 1975 with her husband, Dr. Robin Laughlin, and their young family. Pregnant with her third child, she quickly stepped into work in a community that had been without a physiotherapist for several years.

"They were so pleased to have me," Vivien recalls with a smile. "I stopped to have the baby, of course, but I've been working on and off ever since."

Growing up in rural Scotland, Vivien initially thought she might become a phys-ed teacher. Her passion for sports eventually led her to physiotherapy — a profession that combines exercise, science and helping people improve their quality of life.

"I really enjoy treating people. I get so much job satisfaction from helping them. Sometimes I feel quite tearful when someone thanks me for how much better they are."

Rehabilitation has evolved over the years with new technologies and expanded treatment options helping to transform patient care, but Vivien says the heart of the profession remains unchanged — helping people achieve their goals.

Today, she's delighted to see her granddaughter, Hayley Laughlin, beginning her own career as High Prairie's full-time occupational therapist — a service the community has been without for nearly a decade.

Born and raised in High Prairie, Hayley says rural practice is exactly where she wants to build her career.

"One thing I love about rural practice is that you get to do a little bit of everything," she says. "You have to be ready for anything, and I really enjoy that."

After volunteering in the rehabilitation department in High Prairie as a high school student, and later working as an occupational therapy assistant at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, Hayley discovered her passion for occupational therapy's holistic approach in supporting patients' physical, mental and emotional well-being.

"I feel really thankful to be able to provide this service to the community where I grew up."

Working alongside her grandmother makes the experience all the more meaningful.

"It's been really great watching my Grandma treat patients," Hayley adds. "I'm inspired by her dedication to her work and her patients." Vivien is equally proud of her granddaughter's expertise and fresh perspective.

"I appreciate her very much," she says. "It's been an eye-opener to see how much she knows."

Together with two part-time physiotherapists, including Vivien, and three therapy assistants, Hayley and the team ensure High Prairie residents continue to have access to full rehabilitation services close to home.

For Vivien, it's a fitting next chapter in a career defined by service.

"I still enjoy working and feel able. In a rural community, you feel a responsibility. It's wonderful to know the future of rehabilitation here is in such good hands."