Angela Nelson, RN, Lifesprk Life Care Manager (LCM), recalls the day she first met Alice: “She was limited in what she could do because she had knee problems and was legally blind. Afraid of falling, Alice lived life cautiously rather than exactly as she wanted.” Alice’s health challenges are familiar to many seniors who fear falling but this had taken a toll on her family who also worried about her ability to properly take medications and safely remain independent. What did Alice want? She put it simply: “I want to be able to put on my own socks again.” And so, Angela coordinated an exercise program for Alice to strengthen her muscles so she could regain control.
At first, Alice wasn’t sure she needed Nelson. “She was aware of her health issues,” said Nelson, “but she didn’t think she needed a nurse or even a home care agency.” She soon discovered, a Lifesprk LCM is much more than a nurse and went beyond what home care companies could offer to address the whole person.
Angela sat down with the family and listened to each one of their concerns. To keep Alice’s goals a priority, Angela connected the family to resources they didn’t know existed. The plan: Explore an exercise program, specific to seniors, make some safety adjustments in the home such as adding shower enhancements to prevent falling, and provide weekly wellness visits to check blood pressure and set up medications for the week.
The greatest improvement came when Nelson connected Alice with the Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness whose mission is ‘healthy moves for aging well.’ A base-line evaluation done by a nurse from the center in the comfort of Alice’s home assessed her movement, pain and endurance levels. “Simple exercises like toe tapping and bicep curls using a soup can or 1-lb weight helped build muscle without hurting Alice,” said Nelson. The daily exercise routine they created helped increase Alice’s flexibility over time without putting any added stress on her knee, which was her husband’s biggest concern.
A month later – Alice beamed with pride as she put on her own socks. “Her flexibility had increased so much that she is now able to comfortably bend over and do something she hadn’t been able to in quite some time,” said Nelson. “For Alice, this was liberating. Helping her get to that moment was more than nursing, it was creating opportunities to ignite the spark,” said Nelson.
Interested in living a sparked life? Call one of our Navigators, they can connect you to the resources you need to put the spark in your life today. Call: 952-345-0919 for a free consult.
