Karen’s Story

Over the past ten months, I had the opportunity to help oversee one of the residential homes in Worcester. At the time one of the women from the home, Karen, was in the Autumn Village Nursing Home in Worcester. Due to new medical conditions and the length of time that Karen had stayed in the nursing home, approximately four months, Karen was at only 20% of her baseline level of function.

One of the obstacles preventing Karen from returning home was the location of her bedroom. Christine Lowe, Director of Residential Services, and I approached the individuals in Karen’s residential home and asked how they would feel about changing a common area in the house into a bedroom so that Karen could return home. One of the residents who used this common area frequently stated, “if that will help her come home, let’s do it. She would have done it for me”. I explained to everyone that I was not sure how long this could be, since we were not yet clear what challenges Karen would be facing.

So, with the help of staff members, the common area was transformed into Karen’s new bedroom. Everyone enthusiastically helped with this transition; grateful that it would enable Karen to come home.

When Karen returned home, she was dependent on help from staff members to complete all of her daily living activities. Previously, Karen enjoyed cooking, arts and crafts, and the ability to shower independently each day.

After ten months of staff members’ consistency, time, and dedication, Karen no longer needs a wheelchair and is able to sit in the front seat of the large van. She is currently an active member of her local church, and has been able to resume her cooking and cleaning. Karen is attending a local craft store weekly to make jewelry items, she is exercising two times a day, she has surpassed her weight loss prior to going to the nursing home and can utilize stairs.

Karen has definitely made major strides in the right direction over the past year. We are both grateful to the staff for the drive to encourage Karen to be as independent as possible again. Thank you!

About the Author: Susan McClurken

Susan McClurken is the Director of Quality Assurance for Alliance for Resource Management, and has over fourteen years experience working in the non profit industry. Susan is currently finishing work on her Bachelor of Science Degree with a concentration in Human Services. Additionally, for the past five years Susan and her family have had two persons with developmental disabilities live with them in their home and join their extended family.