Small Shifts, Big Impacts

Always Better With A Friend: Short Stories Series 

Disclaimer: All stories are fictional and loosely based on actual events. No client, employee or facility names have been used. If this story feels familiar to you, it is because many caregivers, families and aging loved ones feel the same. You are not alone.

The Problem: How To Keep A Loved One Active In A Home 
Sarah was feeling overwhelmed. Her mother, Evelyn, had been diagnosed with dementia a few years ago, and her abilities and judgement were becoming gradually more impaired. As a busy professional, Sarah struggled to balance her work commitments with her mother's care.
Evelyn had moved into a lovely assisted living facility, but her daughter was still worried about her mom. Sarah knew it was important for her mom to stay active and engaged, as it was crucial for her mother's well-being, so she contacted A Friend Indeed.
The Solution: A Friend Indeed
A Friend Indeed matched Evelyn with a compassionate and energetic woman named Friend Maria. Friend Maria naturally connects with people, and she quickly formed a bond with Evelyn. Their visits are spent chatting, playing games, and exploring the building together. Friend Maria encourages Evelyn to participate in onsite activities, such as the art class and book club.
The Outcome: Noticeable Struggles
One day, Friend Maria noticed that Evelyn was struggling with the dining room's noisy environment. It was impacting her focus on her meal and she didn’t want to eat. She included this observation in her visit summary for the family. It was suggested to make a slight change in the start time of the visits so that Friend Maria would be there over lunch. Friend Maria would bring her own lunch and they could go to a quieter area outside the dining room. Sarah thought this was a lovely idea to try. During the next visit, Evelyn and Friend Maria enjoyed a “picnic” of sorts that felt more comfortable away from the dining room and with less distractions. At the end of the visit, Friend Maria let the nurse know how successful Evelyn was with finishing her meal and her fluid intake. The nurse appreciated the info as they were keeping track of that information.
The Conclusion: Improvements And Uplifted Spirits
As the weeks passed, Sarah noticed a significant improvement in her mother's mood and overall well-being. Evelyn was more engaged, more social, and more content. She was eating regularly, staying hydrated, and her participation in choice activities kept her busy and brought her joy.
Sarah was incredibly grateful for Friend Maria's support and observations. She knew her mother was in good hands, and she could rest easy knowing Evelyn was happy and thriving in her new home.