Ruth's Independent Recovery

 Why Partners in Care?: “I wanted to stay at home."

 What I learned: “Sometimes staying independent means asking for a little help.”

 Hometown: Westchester, NY

As an active and vibrant member in her Westchester community, Ruth never expected to need to call Partners in Care. But after her doctor told her she’d need a partial knee replacement and that recovery wouldn’t be easy or quick, she realized she would need some help. Like most of us Ruth values her independence, so she didn’t want to have to rely on someone else for cooking, bathing, and retrieving her mail. And she wasn’t too excited about having a stranger in her house, either.

“Never in a million years did I anticipate the kind and extent of loving care that I would receive,” Ruth says. “From the time I was ‘rolled in’ for anesthesia to my ‘graduation’ from nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and home health care today, I’ve been blessed with gentle, kind, capable, and conscientious caretakers.”

Her primary source of care came from Rochelle, a Partners in Care Home Health Aide who delicately balanced giving Ruth all the care she needed and letting her do more and more on her own as she was able. “She stood by me, ready to reach out, but allowing me to try.” Rochelle was always there, arms ready to catch a fall, but she held back until the last second if Ruth wanted to try to do things herself. “I tried to prove my independence as I struggled to put on stockings, maneuver down three steps, or reach into a middle shelf of my refrigerator.” And Rochelle always let Ruth try.

Instead of a stranger in Ruth’s home, Rochelle was a vital part of Ruth’s recovery. “Thanks to her, I now feel confident to get in and out of the tub, put on my socks and sneakers, walk up my staircase, and care for my scar.” Rochelle knew that her place in Ruth’s life was not just fixing meals and helping her climb into the shower, but also to allow Ruth to live as independently as possible as she recovered. And that made all the difference.

How has Partners in Care made a difference in your life? Please email us your story!