Jane & Bill’s Story*

“My name is Jane*.  My husband Bill* is a patient/client of BrightStar [Healthcare].  I would like to nominate Jessica Olsen for the BrightStar Caregiver of the Year 2009, including the $5000 scholarship, for her role as CNA for William.

Bill* is nursing home qualified with a long list of diagnoses, including Dementia and Parkinson’s.  This keeps us from actively participating in church, family or social activities.  

Jessica goes the extra mile to assure Bill’s* needs are met.  She is a joy to be around.  Her gentle way with him is calming and restorative, sometimes singing or humming to soothe his nerves.  Jessica keeps her schedule flexible, sometimes coming with very short notice. Even in her normal role, she is exceptionally perceptive of Bill’s* needs and imitations.  Recently, while visiting in our home, a niece poured a cup of coffee for Bill*.  Jessica noted that the chosen cup would be too heavy for him to handle.  The niece asked, “What’s the difference between this cup and that one?” and Jessica replied, “Your hands are strong, so an ounce or two seems like nothing, but he has calluses and blisters on his fingers where the cup rests.  The smaller cup holds less, reducing the overall weight.   The tiny difference affects his ability to hold it.”  Our niece said, “Wow, how thoughtful!”  Our neighborhood is all senior citizens. Several have asked who Jessica works for and how they can find an aide like her.  Our church visitation group have all noted how very blessed we are to have Jessica come into our home and help me take care of my precious husband.

Jessica is enrolled in the fall semester of a two-year community college.  While taking loans and working full-time is one way to expand an education, the $5000 scholarship would be a special reward for our exceptional aide.  Thank you!”

Individuals with neurological disorders, including dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, can have a wide variety of needs. At BrightStar, we understand this. In fact, we’ve built a program around neurological and dementia care around ensuring a safe living environment, engaging in stimulating and familiar activities and establishing and maintaining routines, among other things.

When you or a loved one needs needs care related to a neurological disorder, whether it’s some form of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease or any number of conditions, we can help not only in managing the symptoms, but in enhancing the wellbeinig of the patient and helping to promote optimial safety. Contact us and let us know how we can help.