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The feedback I receive when I share stories from the house is always positive, and people often tell me they would like to hear more about our residents' experiences and their journey to our home. In the past I have hesitated to share the stories because my perspective is just one of many, and I do not want to ever detract from the miracles that take place in the house each day! Through much discernment, I have concluded that sharing the stories is important and they are Stories Worth Sharing! I believe the stories serve as a tool of the Holy Spirit to spread the goodness of God to others and ultimately, build up His Kingdom!
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I want to bring dignity not only to the residents we serve, but also to our community who supports us in so many ways. I understand that the donations, volunteering, and prayers we receive are fruits of the values that you hold deeply in your heart. Of course, there are always needs in this important work, but we want to put the needs for systemic change at the forefront. We cannot make a difference as individuals, but when we partner together in the name of justice, we can create great waves of solidarity for the common good in our society.
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Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing Stories Worth Sharing while also answering commonly asked questions. It would be great if you would share these stories with your family and friends. My intention is that it is both educational and inspiring!
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P.S. For those of you who are familiar with our residents, you'll notice that I have changed the names around.
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MEET JIM & MILDRED
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Jim and Mildred had been married for over 60 years. Mildred had Alzheimers and had become bed bound and totally dependent on Jim for her care needs. Sadly, they had two estranged children. Before we encountered them, Jim had been taking heroic, loving, care of Mildred in their government funded apartment.
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After Jim payed their rent, utilities and groceries, they had $100 left to their name. Even with these circumstances, Mildred
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was denied Medicaid. Years prior, Jim had bought burial plots, and due to this being considered an asset, she was not eligible for the Choices program through TennCare, either.
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Mildred had been placed on hospice, which gave Jim minimal support. He was still responsible for providing all of her care, 24/7, even though he was quite feeble, himself. Jim planned to do this until she passed.
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The apartment management learned that Mildred’s hospital bed was in their living room, where Jim took care of her. In the government assisted apartment towers, this was not allowed. They were facing eviction.
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Mildred’s hospice agency worked with HOMH to have her placed in our home.
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When Jim was caring for her, he was doing the best that he could, but something about the consistent, compassionate care she was receiving at HOMH made her physically and mentally improve.
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She never spoke much at all, but my fondest memory of Mildred was anytime we would play Country Roads, by John Denver, she would sing every word! Even though there were improvements, Mildred was still bedbound and totally dependent on others. However, according to hospice, she was no longer eligible for services. Our agreement between HOMH and the state is that as long as a resident has their medical care needs managed by hospice, they can live in our home.
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Where would Mildred go now?
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Hospice agreed to assist with appealing the Choices denial and we agreed to continue caring for her until a safe discharge plan was in place. It took five months!
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For me, it was an incredibly trivial situation. We had this condition with the state, plus our mission is to care for the dying and Mildred was no longer considered terminal, but this was supposed to be her home and we had been her family for several months, alongside Jim. When Mildred went to a Long Term Care Facility in Nashville it was not a day of celebration. To me, it felt as if she had fallen between another crack in the system, but my hands were tied.
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After Mildred left, we worried about Jim. He loved HOMH. Guilt often overtook him because he believed he had failed his wife, but he was still so grateful that he had found us. But we never forgot them. Our volunteers would call and check on Jim from time to time. They even brought him groceries and would straighten up his apartment for him.
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This was just one of many situations where the care was not just happening at the bedside at HOMH, it was a ripple effect and Jim was just as much a part of HOMH as Mildred was.
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Jim passed away a few months ago and Mildred is still living in her Long Term Care.
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Thank the Lord, it appears that she is receiving good care!
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"They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
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