FROM A LETTER SENT TO BISHOP SULLIVAN

I called the VITALity Help Line for some questions about two elderly friends of mine that are both blind and need assistance. The care coordinator met with me at the home of my friends.

Since that time, she has been a great asset to me in my search for ways to accommodate them in their daily needs. She sat and spent time with me, assessing their problems.  Whenever I contacted her, she was always pleasant, compassionate and went out of her way to provide care and concern.  This was a great benefit to me also, proving support and encouragement through all the struggles of trying to keep my friends in their home instead of a nursing facility.  She offered many suggestions, help and inspiration to me that have been such a blessing.

Thank you again for offering this service to our Diocese. May God continue to bless you.  May this Year of Mercy touch everyone in the Diocese and through the whole world.

God, Bless

SR


What the Care Coordinator Did for Our Family


Dad was in and out of the hospital five times in the last two years. He had a stroke and was unable to care for himself. We had help at home but it was getting harder for us since Mom had surgery and was weaker. I work full time and can only visit after work and on weekends. Dad wanted to stay at home with his family around him.

The doctor gave us a prescription for a hospice evaluation but we did not know what it was or if it was right for Dad.

I called the Diocese help line for help and they sent a Registered Nurse, Care Coordinator to our home to meet with us. Dad was back in the hospital again, this time for a failing heart.

The Nurse Coordinator answered all of our questions. She explained what Hospice care was and also helped us organize our questions for the doctors at the hospital. We talked about Palliative care which is something I never heard of. The Nurse Care Coordinator explained everything to us in a way that we could understand it. She also told us about other services that we could get for Dad after discharge, such as home care and home visiting doctors. Dad came home with a visiting nurse and doctor this time. He is not ready for hospice care yet but now we know what it is and when it will be the right care for Dad.

From A Loving Daughter