My husband M was brought to UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital by paramedics because he was unresponsive to me and our son at home.  He had advanced dementia, which was accelerating each passing day.  We met Kim on the second day when my husband was admitted for observation.  Kim was an immediate source of knowledge and compassion.  

She answered every one of our numerous questions with honesty and empathy.  She explained all procedures and tests that were ordered by the doctors.  Kim kept us informed of all changes in medication as the doctors strived to find what worked best to decrease M’s anxiety and improve his alertness and ability to communicate. 

She interacted with M, listening to his communication and body language in an effort to provide him with comfort and reassurance.  This comfort extended to my son and me as she spoke up for us when the hospital administration wanted to move M to another floor.  She knew instinctively that such a move would be disconcerting for us and meant we would be starting over with new nursing staff.  I know this probably meant more work for her but she continued to perform her duties flawlessly, meeting with us often to review M’s condition.  What started out at the beginning of M’s stay as possible hospital rehabilitation ended up with hospice care.  

Although Kim was not there when we moved M to CornerStone as it happened to be on her days off, her assistance throughout M’s hospitalization gave us the strength and emotional support we needed to make the tough decisions on the most appropriate care for my husband.  It was not easy, but Kim’s support helped us to endure the sadness and loss.  She treated us like family and provided comfort for my husband, as he declined.  He was in good hands.  Thank you.