We all value our independence and being able to do things on our own. But sometimes a caregiver becomes necessary. In the case of Betty – an independent senior who needed assistance while recovering from multiple medical issues – a caregiver helped her regain both her mobility and a positive outlook on her road to recovery. While this story is inspired by real events, client and caregiver names have been changed to respect their privacy.
Betty’s family came to BrightStar Care’s Oak Brook, IL branch seeking a caregiver who could help Betty on her road to recovery. Our team matched Betty with Lauren, an experienced caregiver who inspired her to recover. Betty needed more than physical therapy exercises, and Lauren was just the right caregiver to give her the holistic care she needed to believe she could recover.
Initial Client Condition
As a retired middle school teacher who volunteered at her local library a couple times a week, Betty was an active member of her community and dedicated member of her church. Unfortunately, a bout with COVID and multiple falls compromised her well-being and Betty was hospitalized.
Physically, Betty had mobility challenges. She was unable to walk and needed assistance to stand. It was nearly impossible for her to move around her home on her own and resume basic activities like bathing and cooking.
Betty’s family reached out to BrightStar Care® of Oak Brook for assistance. Because she was previously quite active, Betty’s mental and emotional state suffered significantly as a result of her new physical limitations. While Betty initially only needed moderate assistance to stand, we saw a decline in her condition a few weeks later, with Betty requiring two people to help her stand and transfer to the commode next to her bed.
During regular check-in visits, Betty started showing signs of depression. The change in Betty’s previously active lifestyle left her frustrated, as she felt she was not progressing with her mobility goals. Betty ws also upset that she had to wear incontinence pads because she was not always able to make it to the bathroom in time.
Betty’s physical and mental state caused her family to become even more concerned. She needed specialized help that could improve both her mobility and frame of mind.
Caregiving Approach
The BrightStar Care® team at Oak Brook listened to Betty’s family and crafted a personalized care plan that adapted to her evolving needs. Among our dedicated caregivers, Betty formed a special bond with Lauren, whose compassion and professional expertise in rehabilitation truly touched her heart.
Lauren’s uplifting spirit and professional experience became a beacon of hope for Betty. Recognizing the vital support she provided, Betty’s family requested Lauren as her consistent caregiver, recognizing that this was exactly the type of person Betty needed in her corner to help her get her quality of life back.
Going beyond physical therapy, Lauren took a proactive approach to helping Betty regain her mobility, reinforcing therapy exercises while addressing her emotional well-being. Sharing Betty’s deep spirituality, Lauren connected with her in conversations about her active church life. They prayed together regularly and incorporated positive affirmations into her therapy regimen. Lauren had printed out a list of these affirmations and, whenever Betty became discouraged with her progress, she and Lauren would review these affirmations together, reinforcing Betty’s determination to recover.
Lauren provided holistic care strategies to supplement Betty’s overall care plan. This holistic approach – combining physical, emotional and spiritual support – empowered Betty on her journey. Lauren also supported Betty with cooking, nutrition, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in addition to therapeutic exercises, ensuring her overall well-being.
Although Betty’s story is not uncommon, it has a happy ending. Betty’s inspiring recovery is a testament to the compassionate care provided by BrightStar Care® caregivers, bringing hope and happiness to families like hers.
Progress and Recovery
When she first came home from the hospital and began receiving therapy in the winter, Betty’s initial condition was a challenge. With a decline in mobility, increased need for assistance and a significant decrease in Betty’s mental health, Lauren needed to make a plan that included quick wins with a focus on sustainable progress. But with her background and experience, she was up for the task!
Lauren’s care plan involved consistent care and encouragement. Over the course of several weeks, Betty and Lauren’s dedication to her recovery paid off. There was a noticeable improvement in Betty’s mental well-being and her physical rehabilitation progress.
By early spring, Betty was able to walk at home, use the bathroom herself and answer the door. And a few short weeks after that, Betty was able to walk out to the curb on her own. As Betty’s independence increased, she shook off her depression and had a much more positive outlook on the possibilities ahead. Lauren was there for her at every step, celebrating these wins.
Client Emotional and Mental Transformation
Apart from seeing improvements in her physical condition, Betty’s mental and emotional transformation was inspiring. Getting into a more positive mindset helped propel Betty’s progress forward. Both Lauren and Betty’s family watched her shift from depression to optimism – and how her new outlook helped in Betty’s physical recovery.
auren’s willingness to show up as a caregiver went above and beyond just running her client through physical therapy exercises. She knew the impact that making a meaningful connection could have on Betty’s mental state and long-term goals. Lauren’s ability to offer support to Betty increased engagement and joy in daily activities.
Reflecting on a Successful Recovery Journey
Betty and Lauren’s story about caregiving is unique, but not uncommon among our caregivers throughout Oak Brook. Betty’s journey to recovery included several factors - all of which had roots in her values and were taken into consideration when Lauren created her care plan. Betty’s recovery story is one about the power of personalized care in improving both physical and emotional health. The right caregiver can play a key role in your loved one’s long-term recovery and well-being.
Do you need a caregiver for your loved one? Reach out to our team at BrightStar Care® in Oak Brook. We’ll work to connect you with a caregiver who will be a partner on this journey.