Senior Program Helps a Family Breathe Easier

A call came into NewBridge from a concerned neighbor: a 68-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis was living alone in a house built into a hill - a layout that greatly limited her access to the outside world.

A case manager and the advanced practice nurse from NewBridge's Senior Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL) program called on her and discovered conditions that concerned them.

The house was in disarray and the woman, who uses a wheelchair, had to drag herself up 20 steep steps to get to her bedroom, said Paula Tedesco, NewBridge's APN. The woman, Stella*, refused services.

Tedesco and case manager Julianne Nagle arranged a meeting between NewBridge, Stella, her two sons and her daughter-in-law, Lisa*. They helped the family explain to Stella that she needed help and that services were available to improve her quality of life.

Lisa said family members had each taken turns to try to convince Stella to get services but, "she didn't want anyone in her house. She didn't want to spend money."

NewBridge "gave us the push we needed to have a united front."

NewBridge made the family aware of the options available, providing referrals for services that could address Stella 's needs.

"A family often feels helpless," Tedesco said. "We empower them."

With NewBridge's support, Lisa arranged for a monthly cleaning service and installation of a phone line that Stella could easily reach. Lisa also hired a private home health aide who comes four days a week.

"NewBridge provided resources that really worked," Lisa said.

NewBridge connected Stella with its new service NewBridge@Home, a free program that provides weekly in-home professional counseling to homebound senior citizens in Morris County. It also gave the family referrals to an elder care attorney and information about a chair lift, assisted living and adult day care programs.

Having the services in place for Stella has eased the family's worries, and Stella enjoys the company of the home health aide and the counselor.

"I had never come across a service like NewBridge before" Lisa said.

"We were open to anything that would help. They really made a difference."

*All names have been changed.

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