Home Care & Hospice

This patient was a union carpenter and also owned his own business when he had a work-related accident and fell off a roof, leaving him paralyzed and now a paraplegic from the waist down. As you can imagine, the recovery and rehabilitation were lengthy and complicated, resulting in both physical and emotional needs that require coordination and clinical expertise. The patient identified one of the team members as the 'chief in charge' who went way above and beyond to coordinate his care and meet his physical and emotional needs. This nurse taught him that he needed to learn how to share his feelings effectively, which were vital in his acceptance of his situation and abrupt change in lifestyle. This nurse coordinated his care with his whole treatment team, and together they communicated, worked together, and problem-solved many issues. The patient described the team and the communication amongst the team as compassionate, respectful, and empathic. The team lifted his spirits, built his strength, and gave him goals and a reason for living. The team solved multiple problems presented in his home and helped to make necessary modifications to his physical living space and self-care practices. The patient's rehab, recovery, and zest for living were only possible because of this team of professionals. The patient identified short-term goals such as hunting, driving, participating in a marathon, and acting as a mentor for other disabled individuals. These goals were only possible due to the motivation, problem-solving, and collaboration of the team members. The team deserves high-level recognition because of the impact they collectively made on his life and for saving his life.