Cognitive Disabilities

Henry taught high school math for more than 40 years. For decades, Henry also painted large canvases of the local New England countryside. Upon retirement, he passionately concentrated on his hobby and became well regarded as a talented oil painter. He and Rita, his wife of 50 years, were living their dream. Then Rita noticed a difference in Henry. He would sit staring at his easel for long periods of time without painting. He seemed forgetful. He didn't have the sharp wit that made him a favorite with students throughout his teaching career. Rita took Henry to the doctor, who performed a series of tests. The doctor told Rita and Henry that he suspected Henry had Alzheimer's. 

Henry's cognitive functions declined rapidly. Rita couldn't keep up and soon became overwhelmed. She had difficulty dealing with the change in their relationship—from loving spouse to primary caregiver. She called Right at Home and was introduced to Shelly. While at Henry and Rita's house, Shelly takes over the most stressful tasks for Rita – like bathing and toilet assistance. She occasionally vacuums, dusts and does the dishes. This gives Rita the time to get a break from her caregiving duties. She has lunch with her friends every week, goes shopping with a friend after church on Sundays and gets her hair done regularly. She also has the time and peace of mind to sit quietly with Henry, hold his hand and reminisce about their life together.

Right at Home provides numerous special care, homemaking, and hygiene services to Henry and Rita, including:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Safety supervision
  • Grocery shopping
  • Cooking
  • Bathing
  • Bed baths
  • Grooming
  • Shaving with electric razor
  • Toilet assistance and incontinence care
  • Cognitive stimulation

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December 19, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Bre:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to write a personal note to thank you and the entire Right at Home team for the care you gave my parents, Marion and Janet.  The ladies who provided care to Marion and Janet were not only highly professional and skilled, but,  just as inportant, were compassionate and caring.  The relationships they developed with my parents  were special  and they were all viewed as being part of the family.  The special way they cared for Marion and Janet, and the special love they showed,  greatly improved the last days of their lives and enabled them to focus on themselves and not to worry about any personal care matters affecting them.  Specifically, Janet knew she did not need to worry about how to care for and feed my father, and my father had the reassurance that someone was with him at all times to provide for his needs once  Janet passed away.  I don't know  what we would have done without you.  On behalf of our family, thank you for being there for us.

Please do not hesitate to use me as a reference for Right  at Home or to use any of my comments in this letter for prospective clients.   Best wishes to you,  Harry,  and all the Right at Home team for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas H. Insley