After traveling for much of his life, Stewart Lee enjoys being at home in his own apartment.
Overall, Stewart is in good health. Good vision, good vitals and a desire to maintain his independence. His Lifespark team helps Stewart remain in an independent living apartment even as he’s showing early signs of dementia.
He recently celebrated a big birthday – 102! You wouldn’t guess his age by looking at him. A dedicated worker and a sharp dresser – Stewart wears dress pants and a button-up shirt or sweater most days. On a recent visit, he was wearing a giant smile as he laughed easily with Tanya Castillo, RN, Director, Community Home Care
“Tanya is an angel. She can turn his mood around with her personality,” said Cyndi, Stewart’s daughter.
Stewart had a long and dedicated career. He served as a flight navigator with the United States Air Force during World War II and earned his pilot’s license when he returned home after the war. He worked for Northwest Airlines as Director of Flight Operations for 40 years. Stewart was also active with the Minnesota Air Force Reserves and retired after 30 years of military service.
Cyndi says he was always adamant about staying in his own home.
Adapting care as they go
In 2021, Cyndi and Stewart first found Lifespark to help with setting up medications once a week. With Cyndi living out of state, she couldn’t manage this task for him.
Tina Belchner, LPN, still visits him weekly to set up his medications for the week ahead. She also does a routine health assessment and ensures Stewart gets to his appointments.
As Stewart began to develop symptoms of dementia and his care became more complicated, Cyndi and Tanya explored options for increasing his care and allowing him to remain in his current apartment.
One thing that brings Stewart joy is being able to walk down the hall to visit his wife, Joyce. They have separate units in the same building.
“As we considered a move to memory care, we recognized it may cause more decline for Stewart,” said Tanya. “By staying in his current apartment, he could visit Joyce during the day and have the comfort of his familiar surroundings including his treasured books.”
An avid reader of history and biographies, Stewart has a large collection of hardcover biographies and history books. He finds comfort in the routine of being around his books and in his home each day.
“He is physically strong and I believe he will live longer remaining in place,” said Tanya. “The social connection of being close to his wife and being in a comfortable, familiar environment will be beneficial to his mental health.”
One challenge was to ensure that Stewart didn’t wander out of the apartment at night and become confused.
Tanya suggested a live-in caregiver. Mai, a Lifespark Live-in Caregiver has been with him for a few months now. She has a calm personality, strong work ethic, and takes initiative without being bossy. She quickly developed rapport with Stewart.
“He is treated with such respect and kindness. And there’s so much trust with my dad’s care,” said Cyndi.
The Lifespark team keeps Cyndi posted on how he’s doing through phone calls and text messages, and they provide updates after each doctor’s appointment.
As Stewart’s need for care increases, Cyndi and Tanya collaborate to balance the right mix of support to keep him healthy and safe in his own apartment. The entire Lifespark team monitors and evaluates as they adapt Stewart’s care plan.
Cyndi summed up her feelings about her dad’s care, “I am so grateful for everyone at Lifespark. Every single caregiver has been wonderful.”
For more information about Community Home Care, visit: lifespark.com/home-care.
