KUDOS from Kelly

by Kelly McNamara

Delaine Hall and Helen Jordon Brown: There are few more gratifying cases for caregivers than providing a client the support, encouragement, genuine caring and understanding to help that client recover as much of their former strength, and ability to accomplish tasks of daily living following a devastating potentially life altering stroke.

Such care involves encouragement, patience, tough daily work of exercise and training, more than a little humor along the way and a keen judgment of exactly what the clients needs are during each stage of that recovery.

Delaine and Helen’s client JG is a lovely woman, accustomed to being quite active prior to a severe stroke. Her initial recovery, in an inpatient rehab unit was an excellent start, but she moved into her apartment in an assisted living facility in August with considerable deficits in speech and mobility.

The first few weeks were a slow recovery but with persistent caregivers and excellent care by the Medicare home care agency therapists, she began to improve a bit every day.

JB slowly and steadily gained strength and mobility. However, since January her progress has been nothing short of remarkable. The weeks and months of work began to pay off wonderfully. Suddenly JG was actually walking with minimal assistance, her speech now clear and understandable, She regained an interest in field trips and enjoyed many activities in the facility

JG has had a few different caregiver teams among her shared live in providers. Her most recent and now permanent team of Delaine and Helen are truly remarkable. Their efforts and genuine concern for Joan have provided the boost she needed to truly spark her recovery. They encouraged her to do as much as possible on her own, providing cheering to help her along. JG loves being outside, so their jaunts both walking and riding, appreciate and delight JG and her family. Delaine and Helen’s special efforts are bringing a new level of joy to their beloved client.

Additionally, their ability to work so effectively as a tam with solid communication and planning between them provides seamless care to JG and great support to her friends and family.

Our sincere thanks to these two remarkable caregivers!

All caregivers mentioned in this column will receive a gift card and our sincere appreciation! Many many thanks to all of you for once again extending yourselves to ensure that we are of course Always There…!! ■