"My sister and I felt we had reached a crisis point in our efforts to provide care for our parents. In addition to all the physical needs that weren't being met, I was also trying to find some kind of mental support for my mother by getting her more involved in email and computer activities. I spent hours on the phone, long distance, trying to make things work; but it was utterly frustrating.
"We asked Michael and Jared to tell us what they could do to help, and they could sense the urgency of our call.
They both came to the home the very next day and helped us find solutions we didn't even know were possible. But the solutions to problems were only a small part of the whole picture. They explained their philosophy in providing care for seniors, and it was all based on truly caring about the well-being, dignity, progress, and love for the people they support.
"Michael and Jared came over to really listen to our needs and
to do an assessment of the whole story. They talked with our
parents, they took the time to understand and demonstrate their interest and
care, they listened to our history and hopes for the future.
"I was greatly comforted with all I'd seen and
heard by the time I had to leave. I returned just a couple of weeks
later and had the privilege of witnessing everything that had already
come together. Dad was walking more vigorously, and
enthusiastically cooperating with the exercise program set up for
him. Mom was excited to
reconnect with the world of her friends by email. She got to go outside
for a walk, got a hair cut, and a good bath -- all of which hadn't
happened in a long time.
"Best of all, I got to see the spark return in their eyes. A few weeks
ago, our parents were both afraid the other was losing it and close to
dying. Now they're both eager for life. They want to engage in life and
be themselves once again. How can I express my gratitude for this kind of care?"
Shirley Paulson,
Chicago, IL
