Program & Services > Client Stories
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Before CareSource's involvement, Karen lived alone and would stand in the middle of the street looking at the sun (with no eye protection) and talk to God. She had numerous close calls that almost took her to visit God. Thanks to her neighbors, CareSource was called in and appointed her legal Guardian. CareSource moved Karen to an assisted living facility. Once Karen was stabilized, CareSource found an ophthalmologist who diagnosed her with retinal detachment so severe there was no hope of corrective surgery. Because of this, Karen could not see well and would walk and feel the walls resulting in frequent falls and injuries. CareSource again had Karen moved to a smaller facility where she could be closely monitored to keep her safe and prevent further accidents. Although she still has limited sight due to years of exposing her eyes to direct sunlight, she is thriving and happy with her caregivers. She mostly loves how they prepare Jamaican food just like the home cooking of her youth. |
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Roger, a native of Michigan, a widower and a private man, reminds us of the significance of Christmas and the gift of giving. Roger, 79 and a long-time CareSource client, was a resident of an assisted living facility when he was hospitalized due to multiple falls in a six-week period. CareSource had concerns that he was being over medicated. Once released from the hospital, Roger moved to a skilled nursing facility. He was taking over a dozen different medications, including several psychotropic drugs. He was so lethargic he could not benefit from needed physical and occupational therapy. CareSource began to advocate for a reduction in his medications, but met resistance from Rogers' doctor and facility staff. Eventually a court-appointed monitor visited the facility and agreed that he should move to a facility specializing in psychiatric conditions.
Roger was anxious about the upcoming change and had a dream with a vision of Christ. Roger shared his vision with our care manager and wept, expressing for the first time that he prays daily for the people tending to his needs. Once moved, Rogers' medication regimen changed dramatically. Indeed Roger was awake…and he had one Christmas wish, "Christmas lights, can you take me to see Christmas lights?"
It is said that the gift is in giving. Just ask Roger, who did go and see the holiday lights thanks to arrangements made by CareSource. Roger is now coherent, participates in all his therapies and has reconnected with family we were unaware he had.
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Ruth L. is 94-years-young, a former New Yorker and professional woman who never married. Because of a melanoma on her face, she lost her left eye and Ruth's other eye is virtually blind. Initially, CareSource only provided daily money management services to Ruth at the urging of her attorney. Ruth was distrustful and nervous, but curious. As tough as Ruth thinks she is, the truth is she is frail and in delicate physical condition. After many trust-building visits from our Care Coordinator, Ruth recognized she needed help and enrolled in CareSource's Dare to Care Program. We helped Ruth hire a team of home health aides, warm and caring individuals, who have become her guardian angels. Thanks to CareSource Ruth is safe and very happy to be living in her own home. |
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Frankie and Stephanie, brother and sister who have a developmental disability due to a genetic disorder, have been clients since 1996. They were raised by their mother who developed dementia later in life. Both siblings and their mom were financially exploited. CareSource became the guardian for all three. Both the mom and Stephanie have passed away. CareSource continues to serve Frankie (62 years young) and is the only family he has in South Florida. |
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For 89 year-old Lidia (not her real name), her home was not only where her heart was, but lost when she was involuntarily removed because of inflicted physical abuse by a family member. Lidia was brought to a local assisted living facility by her younger sister Natalie, a snow bird from New York, in an effort to protect her from her abuser who was living with her. The move was to be temporary, however months turned into years. Lidia unhappily settled into her new home where she was protected as the facility restricted Lidia's abuser from visiting her.
Natalie soon realized that she needed help with the massive responsibilities of Lidia's personal needs. She contacted CareSource who became Lidia's legal guardian. It was immediately determined that Lidia had a strong desire to return to her home. CareSource took legal action and obtained a restraining order to prevent Lidia's abuser from contacting her. CareSource, using strict supervision, was able to restore Lidia's relationship with her abuser while not compromising Lidia's safety. Successfully, supervised visitations began, but only one actual visit ever happened…Lidia's abuser died of a massive heart attack the very next morning while working out at the gym.
Today, Lidia is happily living back at home …where her heart is. Lidia, once physically abused, living with anger and grief due to the many losses of her life of luxury once lived, is now safely living with restored dignity and respect. |
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