Here is a lovely story about Return to Health making a difference again. Regarding a vulnerable client named G who was a RTH client before M started. He had been homeless for years, very little education. He was housed when our volunteer F had him as a client. File closed many months ago. G called F a few days ago and was very confused and not making sense. F called 911 on this client’s behalf. G taken to Emergency Dept. Diagnosed with a stroke and is now hospitalized. Our volunteer, F was able to intervene and potentially saved a life.
2020-03
Another one of our lovely Success Stories
Client: 91 year old lady, client herein called “L”.
Date of Referral: Nov. 15, 2019
Who Made Referral: Self-referral on recommendation from Better at Home Coordinator in Esquimalt. Better at Home was helping with medical rides and light housekeeping.
Reason for Referral: “L” had surgery for hiatus hernia end of summer, 2019. She made several trips to the Emergency department post-surgery as she was not doing well, re-injury.
Purpose of Referral: Needs help while recovering; not allowed to lift over 5 lbs. Help getting groceries, help to winterize garden, companionship, help with recycling.
Volunteer involvement:
1) Clean up outside garden. Two trips to “L’s” home to tidy her garden and clean up from the summer. Engaged volunteer, Li who loves to garden.
2) New volunteer – 23 year old male, N, with his first client. L” happy to have younger companion. N helped lift items “L” could not reach or lift; assisted “L” with grocery shopping, errands, played scrabble and card games. During snow week, N shoveled walkway and made sure “L” was safe at home.
3) As a result of N’s involvement with client, his girlfriend, K approached Return to Health for training. Once trained, she accompanied N on his visits. Client was over-the-moon, having two young people assist during her recovery. Return to Health gained another volunteer!
Return to Health was involved with “L” for three months. “L” recovered nicely once she had help in her home. “L” phoned coordinator to let her know what a remarkable young couple she had looking after her.
Coordinator also received a phone call from Better at Home Coordinator in Esquimalt thanking Return to Health for the assistance we provided. She too received a phone call from “L” stating what a big help this couple had provided during her recovery.
2020-02