A Birthday Wish Becomes a Reality

In June of 2012, life became unrecognizable for Victoria “Crystal” Adams.  At the young age of 57, Crystal suffered a massive stroke that left her entire right side paralyzed.  She could no longer work, live on her own, or do simple every-day tasks such as walking, brushing her teeth and hair, or getting dressed by herself.  Crystal’s speech was so mumbled that many around her could not understand what she was saying.  She was in a world alone as she had such a hard time voicing her needs and her concerns.  After a lengthy hospital stay, Crystal was told she would need long term care in a nursing facility.  This news devastated her and her boyfriend of 20 years.  She was too young to have to live in a skilled facility.

Crystal was transferred to a sister facility at Linton Nursing & Rehab for a few months before a bed became available here at Willow Manor in Vincennes, where Crystal is from. Upon arrival, the staff here at Willow could sense the spark and dedication in her.  Although doctors had told her she would never be able to live at home again, Crystal kept with her therapy each day, working so very hard.  She was involved in activities, loving to do exercises and playing BINGO and word puzzles to make the days go by quicker.  Stephanie Davis, Social Service Director, worked diligently on services that could be available for Crystal in her home.  Here at Willow Manor, we too wanted her dream to come true of returning home.

That dream did in fact come true on April 30^th, 2014, Crystal’s 59^th birthday!  After a year of Stephanie in Social Services working effortlessly with numerous organizations in the community, she was able to set Crystal up in her home with services through Money Follows the Person that helped to fund a new program called Caregiver Homes that allows for in home services for a person with needs.  Stephanie also resourced Crystal’s necessary Lifeline services, made sure a wheel chair ramp was created; a lift would be delivered, medical supplies taken care of through a local home medical store, as well as setting up services with a local home health agency for continued skilled services.

Crystal left us here at Willow Manor with these words, “I was happy with the care I received here.  I really liked my shower times because the girls always made it so relaxing.  The CNA’s always spent a lot of time helping me and I never felt like I was troublesome to them.  I really liked getting my hair done at the beauty shop and going to the big exercise group every morning in the activity room.  I just felt really comfortable here.  I cannot describe how happy I am with the care I received during my stay, but nothing can compare to me being able to finally get to go home.  These girls made it happen and it is something I will never forget.  Thank you, to all of you.”

Crystal leaves Willow Manor with a new twinkle in her eye.  Although she still needs a lot of care, she is now able to feed herself, speak and be understood, and she is able to assist herself with getting dressed, brushing her teeth, and combing her hair.  We are very proud of our therapy department, our Social Service Director Stephanie Davis, and all the nursing, dietary, and all of our staff that worked with Crystal.  But more importantly, we are very proud of the hard work and dedication that Crystal put in for herself to make her dreams come true.  We will miss you, Crystal, and we wish you the happiest birthday ever!