Veterans Hope Restored During Battle With MS – Jeff’s Story

Over a year ago, veteran Jeff Wesson began experiencing the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the central nervous system. His physical health quickly decelerated and he was soon unable to walk or move his arms.

“My body was completely stiff. I suddenly didn’t have control over my own body and I just felt completely helpless,” Wesson expressed. “I had dedicated my career to helping others and now I could barely help myself.”

According to WebMD, multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a long-lasting disease which disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions.

As his life was seemingly falling apart, Wesson found refuge in A Place at Home. “I couldn’t perform basic tasks, I needed consistent help and that’s when A Place at Home stepped in. They provided me with the care and support I needed to be able to stay home,” Wesson said.

Due to Wesson’s debilitating condition, he needed daily assistance but he quickly found himself trapped in a corner when he was unsure how he would continue to afford in-home care. “I absolutely loved the services I was receiving from A Place at Home, but I didn’t know how I was going pay for it all. It just wasn’t something I could sustain for very long without assistance.”

Wesson expressed his concerns with his caregiver, William Chamberlain (now Senior Service Coordinator), who is also a veteran. Having experienced disability himself, Chamberlain knew that Veteran Affairs could help pay for Wesson’s care.

This conversation spurred into A Place at Home’s Client Service Coordinator, Aubre Philips (now Director) reaching out to the MS Foundation and Veteran Affairs which ultimately led to grants and government assistance aiding Wesson in paying for his care.

“Aubre went above and beyond to help me out. I didn’t have to do anything. She just genuinely cared and she did everything she could to ensure I could continue to receive the care that I needed,” Wesson expressed with gratitude.

Since he was able to continue his care, Wesson made major progressions over a six-month time frame. “When we first got Jeff, he was unable to stand or walk – he couldn’t even move his arms,” Chamberlain exclaimed. “But through physical therapy, he not only regained movement in his arms, but, with assistance, he was able to walk again.”

While there is no cure for MS, treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms.

“They helped me achieve things I never thought I would be able to do again. Without A Place At Home, I wouldn’t be able to move the way I can now. They helped me get movement back, but more importantly, they restored my hope,” Wesson said.

A Place at Home is dedicated to providing a continuum of care for seniors across the nation. Our clients are more than clients – they are family. If you or a loved one need assistance, contact us today so that we can help ease the aging process.

What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice? How to Know What’s Best for Your Loved Ones

What is the difference between Palliative Care and Hospice?

We’re fortunate to live in a time when we have several late-in-life care options. In home care services can help our loved ones maintain their independence and remain in their homes longer. For many families, as their loved ones reach the end of their lives, they are faced with a difficult choice between hospice care or palliative care.

Hospice care and palliative care are similar when it comes to the most important issue for people in the end stage of life, they both provide compassionate care.

Let’s explore these two options in order to help you to make the best choice for your loved ones at this difficult and emotional time.

 

Hospice Care

 

Hospice programs outnumber palliative care programs. Enrollment in a hospice program begins with a referral from the patient’s primary care doctor, and care is typically administered as a component of in home care services. Care is overseen by a hospice professional, and is provided in the patient’s home. Day-to-day, both the family caregiver and a visiting hospice nurse provide treatment. While hospice can provide around-the-clock care in a nursing home, a hospice facility, or occasionally in a hospital, it is typically provided as in home care services.

 

Palliative Care

 

Palliative teams consist of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals often provided at the facility or hospital where your loved one will first receive treatment. This team administers the care that ongoing comfort-care patients will receive. Palliative care can be administered in the patient’s home, but it is typically provided in a palliative care facility like a hospital, nursing home, or extended care facility where the team practices.

 

Other Considerations…

  • To be eligible for hospice care, your loved one’s condition must be terminal, or they must be within 6 months of death. There are no time restrictions with palliative care, whether terminally ill or not.
  • Hospice programs focus on the comfort of the patient rather than aggressive treatment. Because there are no time limits for palliative care, patients can receive comfort and treatment at any stage of disease, whether terminal or chronic.

Costs and the services provided can vary, so you should consult your insurance before making a final decision. Both hospice and palliative care can make your loved ones comfortable at the end of their lives. The final decision rests on the needs of both the patient and their family.

In the News: Our CEO’s Interview with the Midland’s Business Journal

The Midland’s Business Journal featured our CEO, Dustin Distefano, in the July 21, 2017, Business Minute section.

Among the highlights are his two best pieces of advice he’s received: 1)The key to success is persistence, never quit and good things will come; and 2) If you work to achieve success for your employees and other people, success will come to you. He also touches on his favorite charities (Alzheimer’s Assocaition and the Ronald McDonald House for children) as well as how he got into the business and other interesting facts.