Michelle is one of our staff members who advocate for Vermonters needing long-term care like John.

John had been in a nursing home since he suffered a stroke several years ago. His balance and his strength varied from day to day.

An outgoing, independent person by nature, John liked to visit with other residents, and he wanted to use the toilet in his room instead of a diaper or bedpan. His daughter called our office when John complained that the nursing home aides wouldn’t help him get out of bed.

We talked to the nursing director to make her aware of the problem. The director instructed the aides to help John get out of bed when he rang his bell. With the issue resolved, there was a visible difference in John’s emotional well-being.