Mom suffered a fall—not very serious but it made us think about whether she should be living alone. She loves her home. It was where she raised us. My sister-in-law had gone through the same issue with her own mother and she said we should contact Telerehab. Within a week, we had an evaluation of how to “mom proof” the house so that she wouldn’t have another fall and a plan of physical therapy that Mom can do in her own home using the same computer she skypes with her grandkids on. Her Telerehab physical therapist keeps us up-to-date on her progress. My sisters and I have such a sense of peace and Mom gets to stay in the home she loves!
Dad’s Tuesday night poker group broke up when Fred went into the nursing home. At first, it was okay because the guys would go to the home. Dad would even sneak in his lemon bars which were Fred’s favorites! Then the home was put on lockdown because of COVID-19. Fred never developed the virus but he still went down so fast–no more poker, no more hanging out with the friends he had known for decades, no more lemon bars. Dad made me promise that he’d get to stay in his house, that he’d never be in a home. I said fine, but we’re calling Telerehab. He’s been pretty good about his onscreen therapy and last week he told me he didn’t have room in the garage for his walker. I think it’s his way of telling me he’s doing okay!
When Jim came home, we applied for VA benefits and got in touch with some charities that promised so many things. The VA did their best and the charities mean well—but there’s endless forms, bureaucracy, appointments that get rescheduled, and then there’s waitliststs. It became overwhelming for us both. Jim just wanted his dignity and some independence—the ability to move around his home on his own. And we have three kids—I was so stretched trying to manage everything. A friend recommended Telerehab. We got an evaluation and they were wonderful. Greg himself helped us with those aggravating forms—they work WITH the VA not in opposition to it. It’s made such a difference for Jim. Also for me.
Growing up in the Philippines I was inspired by the story of Mary Coleman Masters. She started the Philippine General Hospital Nursing School in 1906 and there’s a history within our culture that emphasizes care, empathy, healing. Some girls grow up wanting to be a movie star, a supermodel, a princess. Not me—I always wanted to be a nurse just like Mary Masters. I work with Telerehab because they share the same philosophy of honoring those we care for. We don’t shy away from the old or the weak—we believe they give us a precious gift by allowing us to be part of their journey.