This holiday season is the anniversary of a dramatic change in our family's lives -our single 85-year-old brother had a life-changing stroke at my house last Christmas Eve. Not only was it the beginning of a long, exhausting and practically debilitating experience for those of us family members, especially two "younger sisters" living close by, but we became - in addition to the hired 24-hour caregivers at a minimal cost of $13,000+ per month - substitute doctors, nurses, housekeepers, shoppers, EMT's and legal financial and medical managers! Obviously, we were not qualified for all those jobs nor did we have the time and energy to manage another older adult. More importantly, we could not provide the quality of life that was needed and desired for our brother.
We were almost to the breaking point when Mark and Jeff from Care Quest came into our lives. Our legal advisor had suggested that we get in touch with them and consider the option of moving him into a more appropriate living environment - one that would provide the support for his physical and medical needs, as well as a quality of life that we could not provide at his home.
After our first meeting with Care Quest to discuss their philosophy, process and procedures for helping us find a more appropriate living experience for our brother, we set up a time for them getting to know him - his physical and medical needs, but also importantly, the other factors to consider that would add to his quality of life - the social, religious, and medical aspects of his life that were most important to his overall health. After one hour of their time visiting with him, our brother agreed that it would be a good move for him to move into an assisted living facility - at least give it a try.
With the help of Care Quest, our brother moved into Magnolia Senior Living about two months ago. He has "come alive" due not only to the continued basic care services, but equally important, the socialization and activities - especially all the musical events!
Our family strongly recommends you look into Care Quest if you are faced with some of the same challenges of providing needed services and quality of life for another person. read more