by Christian Schreiber, staff blogger
I read a letter today written by the sister of a man who lives at Holland Home, our retirement community in South Holland, Illinois. It's such an encouraging letter, I just want to share it here. It's a reminder that you have choices when it comes to nursing care. Your medical staff work for you — and they will abide by whatever decisions you express.
This woman writes:
"My brother, age 62, was injured in a fall at home. When they found him three days later, he was unresponsive and in kidney failure. They did not expect him to live. And if he did live, he would never leave full nursing home care."He received excellent care at St. Margaret Mercy (Hammond, Indiana), and after three weeks in ICU and IMCU he was released to a nursing home for full care, as he could not walk or care for himself in any way."He lay in this nursing home for three weeks and was back in the hospital four times for infections and a fall out of bed. On his last return to the hospital, I said I did not want him to go back to this facility. I was sure he would not live through their poor treatment.
"Julie at St. Margaret Mercy helped me find Providence Healthcare and Rehabilitation of South Holland (Illinois). In your nursing environment he became well and strong! After six weeks he moved to Holland Home [our retirement community on the same campus], where he is doing well."I live in Virginia, so I have been dependent on Providence staff to help me through this process. They have been supportive and helpful. I feel comfortable with my brother under your care."God bless your community and staff for being there for my brother! As our Lord said, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:40)"
I have never met this woman personally, but I have a great deal of respect for her. In spite of being emotionally overwhelmed at the prospect of losing her brother, she stayed calm, made firm decisions, and solicited help in finding a solution they both could live with (literally). Her brother is enjoying a fulfilling retirement today because she wouldn't settle for less.
That's the kind of nursing home story I love to share!
