Misty was caring for a patient whose speech and use of his hands were affected by a stroke. The patient was struggling to keep his weight up, largely because his only nutrition was coming through liquids. Because of the effects of the stroke, he could not properly grip standard eating utensils
Misty and other members of the patient's care team started working on a solution. They gave him a stress ball to help improve his hand strength. Misty also went to work adapting spoons and forks that he could hold. "He had not eaten solid food for five days prior to admission. That just really pulled on my heart," she said.
Misty went home and researched devices the patient could use to feed himself. He didn't have resources to purchase adaptive utensils he could use, so Misty investigated do-it-yourself options. Misty tried her hand at crafting a solution using a fork and spoon from the cafeteria, gauze, and pressure tape, but the fork and spoon needed to be twisted for her design to work. She then turned to the Plant Facilities department to see if someone could help twist a fork and spoon the right way for the patient to hold.
One of the maintenance mechanics made several prototypes and landed on a design for a knife and spoon with pieces of pipe for handles to make it easier for the patient to hold. They were perfect, and he was able to feed himself with the biggest smile on his face. Overwhelmed, the patient said that he would never forget Misty.