Getting back on his feet

by Melanie Jongsma, Director of Communications

Earlier this week I posted a blog about a man whose sister wrote us a beautiful letter thanking Providence for "being there for my brother."

Just yesterday I met this man, and his story is truly remarkable.

His name is Paul, and he's only 62 years old. The accident that landed him in nursing care was a fluke — he tripped over a short, concrete step and hit his head. The fall knocked him out. He regained consciousness briefly, and dragged himself to the bathroom, where he passed out again. He lay on the bathroom floor, unconscious, for three days.

Paul lives in a friendly, old neighborhood in Whiting, Indiana, so when his neighbor began to wonder why he hadn't seen Paul for a while, he walked over and knocked on the door. At the sound of the knock, Paul revived enough to make some noise, which his neighbor heard. The neighbor let himself in and found Paul in the bathroom. When he saw Paul's condition, he immediately called 911.

The paramedics who arrived nearly pronounced him dead. Paul had injured his kidneys in the fall and was suffering renal failure, which is often fatal. But they rushed him to the hospital, and he survived surgery, to everyone's surprise!

Paul needed follow-up care upon his release, so he was discharged to a local nursing home. "It was awful," remembers Paul. "It was...," his voice trails off, and he shakes his head, unable to put words to his memories. This nursing home lived up to all the negative perceptions that most people have about nursing care facilities. Paul almost died again.

And then he found Providence.

As his sister wrote in her letter, "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!" Six weeks later Paul was strong enough to move to Holland Home, our retirement community on the same campus. He depended on a wheelchair when he first arrived, but when I visited him yesterday he was using a walker — and that only intermittently.

"This is a good place," Paul says quietly about Holland Home. Physically, he could probably handle moving back to his home in Whiting any time, but for now he appreciates the security of community living, and having help available at the push of a button. "I'm still afraid of steps," he says. "I have a reaction every time I think about what happened."

It's perfectly understandable. No one likes to think that one missed step can lead to renal failure, surgery, and weeks of rehab.

So for now, Paul is one of the youngest members of the Holland Home family! He walks around the campus every day, building up his strength. He enjoys the meals and fellowship available three times a day in the restaurant-style dining room. His smile is still somewhat tentative, but it's there. Perhaps as peace replaces Paul's traumatic memories, that smile will flash more easily.

It was an honor to meet Paul and hear his story. As Deana Wilson, Community Manager, says, "Paul's story is one example of why I do what I do." I agree. It's an honor to be part of a ministry that offers healing to body, mind, and spirit in the name of Christ.

Paul's story reminds me of a Bible verse we like to quote around here:

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit. (Job 10:12)

Amen — I love seeing that Providence at work!

6 questions and answers about skilled nursing care

by Christian Schreiber, staff blogger

In addition to Retirement Living, Assisted Living, and at-home care, Providence Life Services offers Christian care and expert rehabilitation at our four healthcare and rehabilitation centers. This blog answers some common questions we hear from people who suddenly need skilled nursing care and/or rehab services. Feel free to print it out and put it in a file, so it's handy when you need it!

1. What should I look for in a Skilled Nursing community?

First determine the needs of the patient. Most skilled nursing communities offer both long-term medical care and short-term rehab/therapy services. If the patient needs long-term care, you’ll want to be sure the surroundings are comfortable. It will probably never feel like “home,” but the staff, the food, and the recreation opportunities should all be high quality.

If the patient needs rehab, ask about the success rates in dealing with his or her particular diagnosis. Tour the building and the rehab area, using all your senses to make an assessment: Does it smell clean? Is there clutter in the rooms and work areas? Are the staff and other residents noisy? What sort of licensing or expertise do the caregivers have?

Whether you are considering long-term care or a short-term stay, you'll want to consider such questions as, How appetizing is the food? In what ways do the staff interact with the residents? Do the other residents seem content and well-groomed? What kind of activities are posted on the monthly calendar? Is there a sample menu you can review? All these details will help you make a decision after you’ve done some research.

2. What is “Skilled Care”?

“Skilled care” requires the daily involvement of licensed nursing and/or rehabilitation staff. By contrast, help with basic “activities of daily living” (dressing, bathing, walking, etc.), is considered “custodial care” and is not covered under Medicare.

3. What is Medicare?

Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 and older or for younger individuals with certain conditions or disabilities. Medicare assists with costs for hospital stays, skilled nursing care (up to 100 days), and Hospice care. Covered services include a semi-private room, therapy, meals, medications, medical supplies, skilled nursing care, medical social services, and dietary counseling. For the first 20 days, Medicare pays 100% of the covered charges. A daily co-insurance rate is applied on days 21–100.

4. What are the eligibility requirements if I want Medicare to cover the cost of my skilled nursing care?

• You must have Medicare Part A benefits.

• You must have spent three consecutive nights in an acute care hospital.

• Your physician must certify that you need daily skilled care.

• When you leave the hospital, you must be admitted to a Medicare-certified skilled nursing center within 30 days.

5. How long will Medicare coverage last?

The maximum benefit period is 100 days if the qualifying conditions are met. You will be notified when you no longer meet the requirements for skilled care benefits.

6. What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a state-administered program designed to help people in need of financial assistance for medical care. This program is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).

If you have other questions about Skilled Nursing, rehabilitation services, or Medicare, Providence can help! You can visit our website to find out more, or email your question to info@provlife.com.

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