by Dan Turbyfill, RN, BS, Executive Director, Ft. Myers

Mrs. R., 87, is a retired registered nurse who lives in her own home with the help of 24-hour caregivers. She has an avid interest in politics, was an artist whose paintings are displayed in her home, and once did a painting for the local Alzheimer’s Association. She has been a SeniorBridge client since February 2008.

When we met her, Mrs. R. was being cared for by an unauthorized caregiver at home, after having been discharged from a skilled nursing facility. She had no family with whom she was in contact. The Medicare agency that was involved in her care was concerned for her welfare. An emergency guardian referred Mrs. R. to SeniorBridge.

SeniorBridge caregivers found Mrs. R. lying in the fetal position, with multiple bedsores. She was not expected to live more than two weeks. She was very fearful of people and cried out constantly. She had been refusing fluids and food forseveral weeks. We called in hospice
to provide end-of-life care, while we set up limited care management and caregiver services.

Mrs. R.’s diagnoses included frailty, failure to thrive, a fracture of the right knee, bedsores, dehydration, dementia, depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

SeniorBridge caregivers created a safe environment and provided diversional activity for Mrs. R. Slowly, good nutrition and supplements were re-introduced, and the agency made it a point to ensure continuity of caregivers. In fact, of the initial caregiver team, all but one is still with her.

Today, Mrs. R. remains frail and continues on hospice for end-of-life care as well as wound care. She lives at home but now has 24-hour SeniorBridge caregivers in place, and has a good relationship with all her caregivers and care manager.

Mrs. R. continues to live at home and now has 24-hour SeniorBridge caregivers in place. Her quality of life has improved considerably. She is eating well and has regained an interest in day-to-day activities. One of her caregivers has even encouraged her to join in a daily sing-a-long.

Mrs. R.’s guardian is constantly amazed how her quality of life has improved. Thanks to qualified, experienced and compassionate care, Mrs. R. today enjoys increased activity, has an interest in living, and has improved physical functioning.