BrightStar Care Shines - A Story of Recovery During COVID-19
Everybody loves Jeff. He moved into Pheasant Hollow in August of 2019. At that time, he was transferring with a Hoyer lift. Since then he has made incredible progress against some pretty tough challenges. Skin issues tamped down his walking practice for 6-8 weeks this past summer. Covid-19 has put his bi-weekly trips to therapy at the U of U Sugarhouse Clinic on hold. Covid quarantines at his facility have limited his interaction with others for weeks at a time.
And still, through all these set-backs and with an abundance of perseverance and discipline, he is now doing things he never dreamed of doing just a few months ago. These days you can see Jeff walking out to pick up his meds each morning, doing his laundry, fixing simple meals, getting dressed, attending to his cath-leg bag and lots of other self-care tasks. These are incredible milestones and Jeff is making progress towards tackling more challenges every day. And he does so with courage, good humor and gentle reminders to all if we forget anything along the way.
A couple weeks ago, a small group of Jeff’s care team supporters met to present him with a new note board for
his apartment and to give him well wishes. Due to Covid, we met outside, in mask for about 30 minutes. Jeff walked to the event outside along the south side of the building. We had grab and go refreshments and offered words of praise and encouragement. After the gathering the new Note Board was hung in Jeff’s bedroom.One of the great things about working at BrightStar Care is the opportunity to participate in impactful life events. From providing care for post-NICU infants in their first year of life, to providing care during the last chapter of life and everything in between. In the last couple of years our staff has taken on the challenges and rewards of working with clients who have been in accidents sustaining spinal cord injuries. In no case has a one of our clients progressed so far in such a short time as has Jeff. It continues to be an honor to provide care for him along with his other care partners: Paradigm Case Management, Rehab Without Walls, Pheasant Hollow Staff and the U of U Rehab team. Thanks Jeff and here’s to a really great person. Thanks for letting us share in your journey of healing. You have taught all of us all so much along the way.
--Deborah Parker, Director of Nursing