Sherry Kostman, PsyD, CADC, MISA, NCRS, CCM, SeniorBridge Executive Director, Chicago
Carol Harris, RN, SeniorBridge Care Manager, Chicago

Barbara was 76 when she first came into contact with SeniorBridge. A Harvard Law School graduate, Barbara had a successful 50-year career as a prosecuting attorney. She retired in June 2008 due to her physical and mental decline.

Barbara’s medical history includes past thyroid cancer, hypertension, diet-controlled diabetes, and skin cancer. 

A close friend contacted SeniorBridge when she became concerned about the decline in Barbara’s physical and mental status. Soon after the call, SeniorBridge Care Manager Carol Harris met with Barbara and found her to be mildly confused with paranoia at times. She appeared to understand her medications which Carol set up in a weekly box after speaking with Barbara’s physician. Due to Barbara’s mental confusion, a caregiver was placed in the home. Soon after, Barbara began to hide the boxes and became increasingly confused; she wanted the caregiver out.

Barbara saw her doctor often, an endocrinologist who oversaw her care and had recently been adjusting her thyroid medications. Due to her confusion, lack of medication management and refusal for care, Carol suggested that Barbara go to the ER.

At the hospital, Barbara was found to have abnormal thyroid levels and a severe urinary tract infection. She was admitted to the hospital and treated, though her condition continued to worsen. Despite Carol’s insistence that Barbara remain a patient, the hospital discharged her. She was in a confused, paranoid and delirious state. On the day of discharge, Carol and SeniorBridge’s Executive Director Sherry Kostman, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, took Barbara to her physician, hoping to have her admitted to the hospital’s Geriatric Psychiatric Unit for observation.

Barbara’s physician would not sign petition papers. Knowing what was needed, Carol walked Barbara to the ER. Eventually, with advocacy by Carol and Sherry, Barbara was admitted to NMH Stone Institute of Psychiatry where she was seen by a geriatric psychiatrist who additionally treated her severe infection—the cause of the delirium. Barbara was at the institute for three weeks after which she was discharged with a mild dose of antipsychotic medication. She was better, and more accepting of the 24-hour care she needed.

Working with Barbara’s accountant and best friend, SeniorBridge helped her to establish healthcare and powers of attorney. Carol set up appointments with her geriatric psychiatrist, primary physician and arranged for physical therapy.

With time, Barbara’s mental state has improved significantly and she no longer takes antipsychotic medication. She is able to make informed decisions regarding her care.