Elder Care and In Home Care

Elder Care Clients Receive Exemplary In Home Care and Quality of Life

Sandy, Power of Attorney for Mary, contacted Ivory House Care Management in February 2007. Mary, at age 88 years, had sustained a very large stroke and was hospitalized at an acute rehabilitation center for the brain injured. She was paralyzed on her left side, had difficulty swallowing and was incontinent. Her diabetes and hypertension also presented complications. Mary’s long term prognosis was poor. Her physician had told Sandy that she would be lucky to live six months.

Since she had never married, Mary had no close family to care for her. Other than her nephew in Virginia, she had two close friends, Sandy and Clara, who shared responsibilities as Power of Attorney. Also there was Wilbur, a handy man who lived on her property. None of her friends had senior care experience. When the rehabilitation center notified Sandy and Clara that Mary was ready to be discharged, they contacted Ivory House about assisted living care. Mary wanted in home care to be with her cats and friends.

Prior to Mary’s discharge, a geriatric care manager from Ivory House went to visit and reviewed her medical history and progress at the center. She met with the social worker and arrangements were made to have medical equipment and a hospital bed delivered to Mary’s in home care even before she left the center. The geriatric care manager also met with Sandy to review the assisted living care for Mary and discuss several elder care services. Round-the-clock in home health care services were provided.

Pam was the aide from Ivory House who cared for Mary from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. She and Mary developed a close relationship. Every day Pam would make Mary’s favorite breakfast which included eggs, bacon and fried tomatoes. After breakfast she would bathe and dress Mary and get her up in her chair to watch the “Price is Right” or Animal Planet. Pam also monitored Mary’s blood sugars, blood pressure, level of awareness and general well being. If there were changes, she would immediately call the care manager at Ivory House and have her assess the situation.

Because Mary was incontinent and wore diapers, skin care was especially important. Mary’s senior care manager would visit every 1-2 weeks to assess her skin and general condition. She would then discuss with Pam the best approach to maintaining Mary’s skin. This helped prevent skin breakdown and ulcers from occurring.

After several weeks at home, Mary’s physical condition continued to improve. With exercise and good nutrition Mary was able to go visit the hairdresser and antique business located on her property. By summertime she was strong enough to take short excursions with Pam to the grocery store, farmer’s market and fruit farm in Pennsylvania. Eventually Mary became a “fixture” again at the antique shop and made flower arrangements with Pam during the Christmas holidays.

In September 2008, Mary had her 90^th birthday. Sandy and Clara helped Mary arrange a reception at the L’Hirondelle Club which included Mary’s favorite foods, drinks and a dance band. Pam took Mary shopping at Nordstrom’s for a new silk suit and “strappy” sandals. Although she was wheelchair bound, Mary wanted to look her best for this event.

January 2009 Mary suffered a second massive stroke. After 3 days in the hospital she came home on hospice care. Over the next week family and friends came to visit and say goodbye. Mary died quietly in her sleep and all agreed that she had lived the last two years, as a gift, with quality.