Adult Day Health Services

Ann's Journey

After years of working in the corporate world and traveling around the United States, Ann settled into retirement and began volunteering for NEGMC.  After volunteering 3 days a week for 12 years, Ann's life started to change.  After treating herself to lunch after 'work' one day, Ann was on the way home and pulled over several blocks from her apartment because the sun was in her eyes and she couldn't see well.  Fortunately, a family friend recognized her car and asked if everything was all right.  She then replied that she needed help getting home because she couldn't remember the way.  The friend helped her find her apartment and walked back to his home.  Ann's daughter, Sue, was notified of the situation and she immediately knew that Ann's car keys needed to be taken away - this was the hardest thing she had ever done.  Sue also knew that her mother did not need to be living by herself anymore so arrangements were made for Ann to move in with Sue and her family.

To allow Ann to feel some independence and some control over her life, Sue would take Ann to volunteer at the hospital and on other days to her old apartment for a couple of hours for an opportunity to spend time in her own home watching TV or reading.  After 10 months of this routine, Ann's life changed once again.  Ann went to check her mail - literally several steps away from her front door - and became disoriented and started walking down the street and went to a local house and knocked on the door.  In a very confused manner, she explained to the homeowner that she was lost and needed help getting back home.  Because this person did not know Ann, she was very close to calling the police because Ann was not able to give her any information.  Luckily, Ann was finally able to remember her daughter's telephone number.  At this point, Sue knew that Ann could no longer be left alone for any length of time no matter how short or how familiar the environment.  

For several years, Sue has helped care for her grandchildren after school but knew it would not be possible to do this and provide constant supervision for her mother.  This is where The Guest House comes into the story.  Sue has stated that without The Guest House, her life would not be the same and she would have no free time.  She would have to stop everything she is doing to provide the necessary care for her mother and that would have a ripple effect on her daughter who would need to find alternate after school arrangements for her three children.  

Sue has observed that her mother now has a feeling of purpose since coming to The Guest House and is also sleeping better due to the stimulation that she receives during the day.

"The Guest House has saved my life and has preserved what little sanity I have left!"

Ann's journey is a great example of how the services and programs provided by The Guest House not only benefit the clients that attend, but also the numerous family members involved in their loved ones care.