Mae's care extended to every aspect of our life during the time my husband was her patient.
A warm, friendly smile and attitude - There was never a day that came that she didn't have a positive attitude. Whatever problem we presented, she figured out some way to bring comfort without ever passing judgment. I always looked forward to her arrival because I knew there would be comfort.
Resourceful - She saw solutions that sometimes were very simple and not obvious to me or to my husband. For example, when my husband wanted me to buy him some larger size slippers so that he could more easily put them on, she suggested cutting a slit in the slippers that could facilitate putting them on. Getting a larger size would only endanger his safety. When he presented irritation on his body, she always either had a suggestion of a product or an approach to alleviate the situation. I never felt that there wasn't some solution.
Teaching skills - He had fallen many times and had many abrasions. She carefully showed me how and when and what to do to be able to change his bandages. I felt perfectly comfortable doing so even though many of the abrasions were quite serious. It was better for me to be able to do it at a time that worked with bathing etc. than to have someone come and do it.
Reliable - I always knew that if she promised to contact the doctor, order a prescription, investigate a problem, that it would be done. In the year that we were with her, there was never a time that she failed us. She was extremely conscientious about each of the drugs, each of the products and each of the conditions she was treating.
Sense of humor - Despite the sadness in regard to the health of my husband, we still managed to have laughs and some fun times, something that was extremely important for me. I felt as if she were my friend even though the difference in our ages was great. She was able to accept my husband's idiosyncrasies and still make him feel comfortable. He was very difficult at times, but she never let it interfere with that she was there to do. And she had to navigate my exasperation with his stubbornness and not upset either one of us! Not an easy job.
Above and beyond - When he was very close to the end of his life, Mae insisted on seeing him each day. I am speaking of Saturday and Sunday! She never made me feel badly about wanting her to come. More than that, she virtually insisted on coming. I, of course, welcomed it. When the end was imminent, she helped me through those last hours in a way which was gentle, directive and consoling. Could not have asked for anything more.
I could probably go on for several pages telling you of my high regard for her. I told everyone who asked and many who didn't ask how lucky we were to have her help. Even if she had never suggested a single solution, her beautiful smile would make you feel better!
She is one of a kind, but I am sure I am not the first person to say so.