Companion Program Gives Caregivers Peace Of Mind
Pictured: Fred Mason a Companion with Visiting Health and Supportive Services is pictured with his client, Mary Jane Dodge of Flemington.
Published June 14, 2010
For the caregiver having peace of mind when leaving their loved one is important. Visiting Health and Supportive Services offers specially trained individuals called companions to help caregivers by providing supervision, companionship, and reminders for meals and medications through the NeighborCare program.
At just 20-years-old, Fred Mason is a Companion with Visiting Health and Supportive Services. On Wednesday, April 7th, Fred visited his client, Mary Jane Dodge’s apartment in Flemington as scheduled and found her to be overdressed for such a warm day. He was able to get her to go change into something cooler and then turned the air conditioner on in the apartment and set her up with something to eat and drink. He then started her laundry and sorted and put away her winter clothes, brought out her summer clothes and helped her organize them for the season.
As he went about doing the tasks he was trained to do, he noticed the kitchen could use a good cleaning and took to the job of food sorting, assuring everything in the refrigerator was fresh and discussed with Mary Jane what she would need prepared for upcoming meals. Once they made a list of items she could use from the store and Mary Jane was comfortable in the apartment, Fred went out to pick up the few items she needed.
When he returned he found Mary Jane by the door on the floor, having difficulty breathing and purple in color. Fred quickly called 911 and assisted her as directed by the 911 operator by performing CPR. Mary Jane’s color began to return. He continued until the rescue squad arrived to take over her care. She was rushed to Hunterdon Medical Center where she was admitted into ICU. Over the next few days, once stabilized, she was moved out of ICU to a regular room and eventually transferred to a local center for rehab. Mary Jane is now back home. Her smile along with her tears was proof of the positive impact Fred made in her life. She looks forward to Fred’s twice weekly visits and strengthening the bond they have now formed.
“NeighborCare” Companions is one of many programs available through the Visiting Health and Supportive Services of Hunterdon Healthcare. These special individuals can provide an affordable alternative to nursing home placement. They spend quality time in the home with the family member who cannot or choose not to remain alone. In addition to safety and supervision, the social involvement and personal support provided by Companions can enhance the daily routine, encourage activity and socialization, and remind clients to take their medication doses and meals.
According to his supervisor, Cheryl Tigar, “Fred had only been on the job for approximately three weeks and within that time had established himself to be a wonderful companion to all of his clients.”
If you know someone who might benefit by having a companion please call Visiting Health and Supportive Services’ Intake department at 908-788-2562.