When someone you love faces a health crisis, having a supportive community and compassionate healthcare can make all the difference. A family from Calgary experienced this firsthand when they were struck by the devastating impact of a sudden stroke. Their journey highlighted the importance of having a strong network to lean on during challenging times.
When the unexpected occurs
Jacob is an accomplished, retired engineer with a generous heart and zest for life who faced a daunting challenge with unwavering determination. Cherished by friends and family, his life took an unexpected turn when complications from a routine surgery resulted in two major strokes followed by a two-month coma. Throughout his hospital stay, his devoted family remained by his side around the clock, with his wife, son, and daughter taking shifts to provide support, 24/7.
While his doctors prepared his family for the worst, advising his wife, Mary, to consider long-term care, they spent this time speaking to him, caring for him and researching the very best care options they could enlist following his release from hospital. His family refused to accept that he couldn’t be cared for at home, deciding instead to do everything possible to help him defy the odds.
“The team at the hospital told us, ‘you can’t take care of him,’ but we couldn’t bear the thought of him being in long-term care and not with us every day,” Mary explains.
They consulted top-rated physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and home nursing teams, along with Harrison Healthcare’s primary care team that supported their wish to keep Jacob at home. At Harrison, we excel at delivering highly personalized, multidisciplinary healthcare tailored to each client. So while regular at-home care is not part of the program, we offer more than just medical care; we provide a tailored approach and peace of mind.
With a compassionate team that listened and met the family where they were, the team ensured support was in place and resources were made available from the Expert Provider Network. Our commitment involved building a care plan that the entire team, including his family, embraced; helping avoid unnecessary hospital visits and offering guidance even late at night.
Supporting Recovery with Peace of Mind
When Jacob first came home, he required a feeding tube, and administering it took hours. On his first night, they noticed something alarming: Jacob’s feet were very swollen. Mary panicked, believing it was a serious issue that required an urgent trip to the ER. Fortunately, she was able to call Harrison’s on-call physician, despite it being 10pm. They calmly advised, ‘Don’t worry, elevate his feet. Call me when the swelling subsides.’
This advice came from a complete understanding of Jacob’s health history, which the on-call physician accessed through our electronic medical record system. This system enables seamless collaboration and information sharing among physicians, nurses, and other clinical team members, further enhancing Mary’s confidence and peace of mind in that moment.
“Clients don’t have to worry that the person giving advice is missing some crucial info,” explains Dr. Ali Tausif, Jacob’s Family Physician. “Whether it’s the locum covering me on a day off or the team member answering the urgent after-hours care phone line; notes are organized so that important care plan details are easily viewed. Current risks are highlighted, and each person who provides advice can add more information to ensure the whole team is up to date.”
Two more calls were made that night, the final one at 11 pm, allowing the family to rest peacefully, assured that Jacob was not in danger.
The Power of a Dedicated Healthcare Team
The family benefited immensely from the thorough and compassionate care of Harrison’s nursing team, particularly Laurie Belgrave, RN. Laurie consistently went above and beyond, ensuring that every aspect of care was addressed with empathy and precision. “I set up a weekly call with Mary to check in and hear what the latest news was. How were they adjusting to the latest change, such as if a new treatment was working for them. And honestly, how was her stress level? We want to make sure when a family is dealing with a hardship like this, that everyone is taken care of,” Laurie shares.
“Laurie is wonderful, she answers all of my emails” says Mary, lightheartedly. The combined efforts of Laurie and the team ensured Jacob was consistently monitored, making his path to recovery more manageable for the entire family.
Despite Mary and both their children working full time jobs, they’ve made at-home care work for their family thanks to this extraordinary support system. Jacob is now breathing on his own, has had his feeding tube removed, and has begun to speak again. His spirits are high, and there is hope that he will walk and eventually recover to function with full independence.
Understanding the kind of person Jacob is, it’s unsurprising that his family dedicates so much of their lives to his care and hopeful recovery. “This man, he’s the most generous, kindest man you’d ever meet,” says Mary. “He always sees the good in people.”
Mary shares their story to raise awareness and highlight the comprehensive healthcare available in Calgary.
“I want people to know that this level of compassionate healthcare is out there. I don’t know where we’d be without Harrison,” says Mary.
The Path Toward Recovery is Paved with Compassion
The upcoming phase of Jacob’s recovery will include support from a Registered Dietitian as part of Harrison’s Premier program. By supporting family members as well as the client, the team can gather important details about meal preparation practices that will assist everyone at mealtime. This service, along with many others, can be conducted through convenient video calls, which is beneficial since travelling to and from the clinic can be challenging.
In times of unexpected health issues, a dependable healthcare provider is crucial. Having immediate access to caring, knowledgeable professionals who are familiar with your health history ensures swift and appropriate care. This personalized approach alleviates stress, enabling families to focus on providing emotional support. Consistent follow-up and precise care plans manage unforeseen events with empathy, offering invaluable peace of mind.
The virtual nature of these sessions allows the dietitian to gain a deeper understanding of the family’s lifestyle and eating habits. Our team can see what’s in their cupboards, the brands or products the family prefers to buy, and review portion sizes. This insight enables us to make more relevant and highly personalized recommendations tailored to the family’s needs and preferences, ensuring they get it right when making a lifestyle change. Jacob and Mary’s story is one of hope and encouragement for others in similar situations.
With a dedicated healthcare team like Harrison, families can feel supported and assured that they are not alone, no matter their health status. It’s not just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about setting a health goal. Where does Jacob want to be in one year, five years, and beyond – and how can his care team and family collaborate to help him achieve the lifestyle they envision?
