April 2018 – It took almost 2 years of checking in with Luisa before I made the transition to Hand in Hand to manage my father’s care. I was looking to make a change and kept coming back to discussions with her about issues we were encountering with my father. Known as, ‘The Colonel’, he was very alert with a regular schedule yet we continued to encounter problems on a weekly basis. The quality of individuals for caretaking was insufficient as was their level of understanding and competency for how to provide caretaking with dignity and knowledge of your responsibilities. This can be so frustrating for family members who don’t live in the same city, as was my situation.
From the day we signed on Luisa always provided options to point us to solutions. We started with just the evening caregiving, interviewing to find good personality matches. Also wonderful is how the caregivers communicated with each other, working towards the same goal of managing care for their client rather than to end their shift. The Colonel adapted to the caregivers quickly and through his entire experience with them over the year never had a change in personnel, or a problem that wasn’t solved for him. This was a constant issue with the previous company. The quality level of his care rose exponentially, including the preparation and interest given to his meals and daily activities.
I also utilized the online Family Room Care Logs to read about his daily events if I was unable to call to check in. This is a great way to stay connected and allow for reference of historical information.
Often Luisa or Robert would stop by for a visit and the Colonel was always pleased to see them. Ultimately, when he needed them the most, during his last trip to the hospital, Luisa and the team were there with him. As promised, Luisa and Geena were at the hospital continuously to manage and monitor his issues and progress with genuine concern. Sadly, this time his health issues could not be resolved due to his declining 94 year old body. When it was decided he would go home with Hospice my father was comforted by all of the caregiving concern. Luisa and Geena made the arrangements, getting him home within a day making sure no details was missed.
Luisa spoke frankly with my dad to help him understand his condition and the ultimate outcome. He was able to take it in fully from people he trusted and who had shown only kindness and respect towards him. After only 2 days in Hospice he passed with Luisa, Robert and the caregiver by his side.
While I am glad my father is in a peaceful place, I am disappointed to let these fine people go from my life as I have grown to cherish them as well. There is no other company I would trust for a family member than under the care of Hand in Hand. Our standards were high and they met or surpassed every challenge given them.
