In June of 2003 I was contacted by Adult Protective Services. They were guardians for an elderly lady in a local nursing home. She, I will call her Edna, wanted desperately to go home so her dog could get out of the kennel and go home as well. Edna had funds and if able, Adult Protective Services wanted her to return home.An assessment determined Edna was able to return home safely as long as she had ongoing care coordination and 24-hour home care due to lack of family support. In August Edna was discharged. Two weeks later her dog was home. Edna’s dog was pampered to the ninth degree and not only by Edna. The caregivers walked, fed, took him for rides with Edna, accompanied to the vet when he needed to go and spoiled him with treats.
Edna’s cousin, who lived out of state, was made aware of the guardianship situation and agreed to be involved as much as he could. Her cousin, with the assistance of Adult Protective Services, became Edna’s guardian. He was a wonderful long-distance caregiver. He and his wife kept in touch almost daily about Edna’s condition and worked diligently with the home care team to make sure she had what she needed.
During her first year and a half at home, her life was rich; going to her favorite places to eat, walks outside, visits to her cottage, fireworks at the local town celebration, monthly hairdresser visits, and several visits to the business she owned and managed before her confinement. All the activities she had loved to participate in throughout her life. Her cousin visited as often as possible and took her to familiar places. The caregivers listened and learned about Edna’s life as they faithfully assisted her.
Edna’s condition slowly declined. Hospice was contacted to guide her and her caregivers through the rest of her life process. The team cared for her as they would their own mother or grandmother. All marveled at her strength and determination to remain in her home no matter what obstacles lay ahead. In October of 2005 her devoted friend passed away. After that, the caregivers would bring their animals to spend the day with her while they worked. She absolutely loved it! A year later, almost to the day, Edna passed away. We like to believe the last three years of Edna’s life were her best. On the day she passed the caregiver gently stroked her hand and said, “It is okay to let go, your family and your animals are waiting for you.” Edna passed peacefully with her “family and friends” by her side.
If it were not for the care and concern of Adult Protective Services, care management, hospice, her physician, Edna’s cousin and loving caregivers, our dear friend might have passed away without ever seeing her dog again or experience how wonderful it is when people come together to assist a stranger to live life to the fullest. It was an amazing journey for us all, including the dog!
