Category: Seek On Blog (Consumer)

“Whatever I can do to help my clients live fuller, more independent lives, that’s my goal,” said Kelly Pritchard, RN, Lifespark Life Manager. If a client needs some extra in-home support, for example, Kelly can set up a complementary consult with Community Home Care; if a client has limited means, she can help them apply […]

Louise, age 83, and her daughter, Kelly, met Kathy Swanson, RN, Lifespark Life Manager, under unusual circumstances—a routine flu shot. According to Kathy, referrals to Lifespark are more often triggered by a new diagnosis, illness, or injury; in Louise’s case, it was a request for an in-home flu shot. That meeting was life-changing for both […]

Brooke Anderson, RN Case Manager with Lifespark Community Home Care, visits Patty and Ken just once every three weeks, but for this couple, her consistent support and immediate access makes them feel safer and in control of their lives. “I’m so grateful that Brooke takes care of our medications—and there are a lot of them—so […]

Jim, age 99, lives independently in a senior living community, thanks to his trio of support—his daughters, MaryAnn and Rosie, and his Lifespark nurse, Brooke Anderson, RN. “Truthfully, Dad has never really been independent—never packed a suitcase, never done a load of laundry or cooked a meal, but considering his age and health challenges, he […]

Before Mary was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), she loved being outdoors, whether taking a six-mile hike or digging in her garden. As her condition progressed, however, walking became increasingly difficult. Finally, after a serious fall landed her in the hospital, and then to transitional care (TCU), Mary realized she couldn’t return home. […]

Lifespark often refers to the “Roller Coaster of Health Care Crisis®” to describe an all-too-common consequence of traditional, reactive care: in and out of the hospital, back and forth to doctor appointments, on more and more medications, and a gradual loss of independence. That’s exactly what was happening to Marcie, age 80, when she was […]

“Our culture reinforces the belief that our activities define us,” said Dr. Bill Thomas, renowned geriatrician, author, and Lifespark Independence Officer. No wonder, then, that when we meet someone for the first time, we ask, “What do you do?” which, according to Dr. Thomas, is code for “I want to know your identity.” This isn’t […]

Ardis had always cherished her independence, but as her chronic health conditions progressed, her prospects of staying independent were dimming. Life was becoming a cycle of hospitalizations, transitional care stays, and readmissions, yet Ardis continued to resist home health services, fearing she would lose her independence. Ardis’s daughter, Tammy, was trying to stay on top […]

When Jeanne, 79, moved into The Legacy of Farmington, a Lifespark Senior Living community, in July 2020, Covid-19 had torn through communities across the country. To contain the spread of infection, all group activities—communal dining, movies, game nights, classes, outings—had to be canceled, in compliance with guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and […]

“Even if a goal seems impossible, even if you can’t imagine reaching it, even if you don’t see a path, you just tell yourself, ‘Just take it step by step and don’t give up,’” said Mat Steinlin, Lifespark’s Director of Information Security, a guy who’s learned a thing or two about setting seemingly impossible goals. […]