Lewy Body Dementia Patient's Inspiring Story of Compassionate Care
Doug, a kind soul suffering from Lewy body dementia, was residing at TRU's Landmark Memory Care when behaviors related to his condition progressed to a point at which he required more specialized care. Doug's son, Joel, had misgivings about his father being moved and unfortunately, Doug landed at a facility that was ill-equipped to manage his needs. Between that and the behavioral symptoms associated with his advancing Lewy body dementia, Doug landed in the hospital on a behavioral hold.
During this critical time, TRU PACE provided round-the-clock sitters, hand-delivered medications, and offered comprehensive case management. Social Services Manager, Karlene Campbell, played a key role in navigating the complex case management with the hospital team as well as maintaining daily contact with Joel throughout this trying period.
After several weeks of intense management to improve Doug's behavior, PACE was able to get Doug transferred to Boulder Post Acute skilled nursing facility with Joel's blessing. Their expertise in managing Doug's behaviors led to a remarkable reversal in his situation and turned an otherwise horrific situation into one that Joel was not only able to accept, but one for which he expressed deep gratitude. Although he passed away a couple of months later, the care Doug received at Boulder Post Acute was transformative. Karlene expressed immense gratitude for finding the right fit for Doug in his final days and being able to play a role in the much-needed closure Joel experienced.
"The care that Doug received from Boulder Post Acute and from PACE were an incredible gift to Joel and the rest of Doug's family. It was an awful story turned beautiful."
Joel and his family were deeply moved by the support from TRU PACE through Doug's various transitions, hospital stay, and ultimate decline. In a touching gesture of appreciation, Joel's wife, an artist, gifted TRU PACE with the painting pictured here, which now hangs just outside the clinic in honor of Doug.
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