Monica’s Story: Grateful for Care at Home

The Edwin S.H. Leong Geriatric Supportive Care Outreach Program at NYGH cares for seniors living with advanced dementia, Parkinson’s, heart failure and other non-malignant life-limiting conditions in the comfort of their own home. This vital program is leading the way towards a community-based model of care. During Seniors’ Month, we share Monica’s story as one example. When her husband, Lloyd, was diagnosed with dementia, the couple was thrust onto a different path and needed support. She explains how the Program was there for a life-defining moment.

Monica (right) shows Kazue, a social worker and case manager at Better Living (left), an album with photos of her husband.

Monica’s Story: Grateful for Care at Home

When my husband Lloyd was first diagnosed with dementia in 2014, doctors suggested that I put him in a long-term care facility. However, I knew he would be more comfortable at home. For the first eight years, I looked after him with help from a personal support worker. Even as his disease progressed, I never wavered from my decision, but making trips to the doctor’s office and the hospital was becoming more difficult due to his weakness and mobility challenges.

In 2022, I took my then 89-year-old husband to our family physician, Dr. Harvey Blankenstein, to examine a sore in his mouth, and he suggested the Edwin S.H. Leong Geriatric Supportive Care Outreach Program to us. I liked the idea of Lloyd receiving care at home, so I enrolled him in the program in April 2022.

The Team’s Care Gave Me Such Relief

When I met Dr. Sandy Buchman, nurse practitioner Karen Lock and the team, I immediately sensed how caring and compassionate they were, and felt that we were in good hands. The team managed Lloyd’s symptoms incredibly well, and it was such a relief that Lloyd could receive care at home. Dr. Buchman and Karen also made time for conversation. When Lloyd was alert, he enjoyed their visits and wanted to be part of the conversation, even if it was simply being in the same room as everyone.

Additionally, the team arranged for more fulsome home care support. With a weekly visit from a VHA Home HealthCare nurse and the maximum number of hours from a PSW, I could now take breaks for myself. The PSWs from Bayshore HealthCare became like family to me, and I really appreciated the care they provided to my husband.

In May, Karen also arranged for hospice support from Kazue, a social worker and case manager at Better Living.

It was also comforting to have the 24/7 phone number for help. I tried not to use it because I didn’t want to bother Karen and the doctors, but towards the end of Lloyd’s care, he started having seizures and I did call. Karen got back to me immediately, let me know what medication he needed, and called in a prescription to the pharmacy right away.

My Husband Was Surrounded by Love and Meaning

In November of 2023 my husband’s health started to decline. Even so, he treasured the visits from his children and grandchildren. During this time, I put on our smart TV and played YouTube videos of beautiful flowers and water bubbling. Sometimes I played old Christian songs, which have meaning to us.

Karen let me know that Lloyd was nearing the end of his life. The night before he passed, my sister came and sang for him and held his hand. It was incredibly touching. On December 3, 2023, Lloyd passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Karen and Kazue still provide me with bereavement support, and sometimes Kazue sends a massage therapist who does therapeutic touch, which is helpful. Although I miss Lloyd, I feel at peace with his care. I’d like to express my tremendous gratitude to the Leong team and my homecare support. They were here for us when we needed it most.

Monica, a grateful wife

Nurse practitioner Karen Lock (right) and Monica (left) share at moment at her front table.

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