An Unexpected Diagnosis
At fifty years old, Mike was happily married to Pam, caring for their three children, and maintaining a successful career. When he began experiencing unexplainable health symptoms, Mike decided to consult with a doctor. Eventually, Mike was diagnosed with brain cancer. While there are a variety of cancerous (and noncancerous) brain tumors, symptoms similar to those Mike experienced include: headaches, nausea, impaired vision, loss of movement or balance, confusion, and even seizures.
In such a severe medical condition, Mike’s ability to work, take care of his wife and children, and help around the house began to vanish. Pam managed the stress of caring for Mike, her children, and taking care of everyday responsibilities until she couldn’t.Luckily she found help. One phone call to ElderCare 4 Families lifted the weight from Pam, Mike, and their children.
In-Home Care
After this radical shift in Mike’s life, it was evident that the best option was to seek additional help outside of the family. Rita Pate, from ElderCare visited the family to better understand their current situation.
During her visit, Rita developed a personalized care plan for Mike that involved joining Mike at his treatments, meal preparation, and managing his medications. As symptoms changed, Rita found the needed resources to help Mike and the family. It started with installing grab bars and a bedside commode. Eventually, a wheelchair was needed to improve his mobility. The most important component of Mike’s care plan was Sally, his in-home caregiver.
Sally provided more caregiver support to Mike and his family than they could have ever expected. Her main priority was taking care of Mike’s medical needs, but she also found time to provide the family with meals and clean the house. Sally helped with basic organizational tasks to help keep the family in a routine.
Support Services
Knowing that Sally had Mikes in-home care managed, Rita began to help Pam seek out public services that could benefit the family in such a difficult circumstance.
Rita introduced Pam to the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund and Gilda’s Club, who provided financial and emotional support for the family. Pam was able to connect with other families experiencing similar situations.
Caregiver Support
The cancer progressed until it was clear Mike would need end-of-life care. Rita found additional care from a health agency and connected the family with Hosparus, an organization that provides medical and emotional support dealing with a life-ending illness.
As Mike’s condition and needs changed, ElderCare continued to work with the family and determine the best possible care options. Pam’s relationship with Rita and Sally provided the extra support to deal with such a difficult situation.
Pam’s sentiment is, “We found ourselves surrounded by angels. You have blessed our lives and we are so thankful.”
ElderCare 4 Families
In difficult situations, sometimes the best thing to do is reach out for help. Mike’s situation is one of many unique and personalized care plans developed by the team at ElderCare. We support families in Louisville KY and Southern Indiana, helping them through the aging process and other serious medical conditions.
Contact Elder Care
ElderCare 4 Families is happy to help provide elder care to seniors you know wherever they call home. Complimentary assessments are offered with no obligation by Elder Care, Personalized care is offered from 1 hour up to 24//7. With over 39 years of elderly care experience in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area, trust Elder Care to care for the seniors in your life. Call us at 502-244-8446 to start receiving elder care services in Louisville.
