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Rachel’s Story -submitted by Frank Phillips
Vice President of Ancillary Services

Rachel was a 54 year old disabled IRS worker who was admitted to Locust Grove Retirement Village on February 21, 2008. Her diagnosis included COPD with chronic bronchitis, cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus and CHF. She displayed a very sad affect and her son expressed concern that her functional ability had declined greatly over the last several years. Her home had been opened to her two daughters and their extensive family members. She explained they were a close-knit family, but was overwhelmed at times and ventured out of her room less and less. Her son expressed hope that she could become the mother he had known several years earlier. Rachel had many hurdles to overcome during her stay at Locust Grove. Through a team effort, many disciplines were needed to assist Rachel in reaching her full potential. Rachel progressed in therapy from using a wheel chair to a rolling walker. Nursing addressed pain issues and symptom control. Aides were there to assist and encouraged Rachel to perform ADL’s as able. She enjoyed participating in the activities program and fine dining. Social Services assisted with financial issues and offered much needed support. The Locust Grove hairdresser was available when Rachel was ready for a new younger look. Rachel became very content at Locust Grove. Many meetings were held to address family issues. It took one of these meetings, however, for our own Frank Phillips to point out to Rachel that she was still a fairly young woman and maybe a nursing home was no longer the appropriate place for her. She agreed and Social Services worked to find an appropriate discharge plan. Seven months later Rachel was preparing to re-enter the community. She would be living in a new residence and services would be offered by the UCP program. They would provide approximately 40-50 hours of support weekly. Rachel was ready to give this new adventure a try. She left noting that she would be returning to Locust Grove, but this time as a volunteer.

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John Dickerson- Former Resident
Skyline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | Floyd, Virginia

When John came to Ambassador for a 100-day rehabilitation program, he suffered from foot ulcers, peripheral arterial disease and osteomyelitis. This could be overwhelming to anyone—but John isn’t just anyone. Determined, enthusiastic and filled with a positive attitude, he worked with his Ambassador Rehab professional team to build his upper body strength and regain mobility to the extent possible. Facility staff encouraged his family to be involved, and they subsequently became part of the recovery team, cheering him on, giving positive reinforcement and learning how to help John manage his condition. He returned home after slightly more than three months in the facility, and continues to progress well, as reported in the follow-up assessment. When discharged, he commented that “Sometimes people come into our lives, and we are forever changed by them.” The professionals at Ambassador feel the same way.

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Mark Sheely- Resident
The The Manor at Susquehanna Village | Millersburg, Pennsylvania

Mark was seriously injured while performing his duties as a volunteer firefighter. He was deeply depressed over the loss of his physical functioning, and worried how his family would be cared for during his recovery. The Ambassador professional team assigned to Mark’s care worked intensively to help him rehabilitate. Physicians, nurses, therapists and dieticians created a step-by-step recovery plan, and staff from numerous departments of the Manor at Susquehanna Village joined to provide daily encouragement and support. Today, Mark is recovering the ability to perform some of the activities he took for granted prior to becoming injured. He looks forward to the day he can return home to his three daughters. Mark may no longer fight fires, but with the help of his care team, he is winning the battle for his dignity and independence.an>