Mrs. Mary Afrookteh (center) receives flowers from her caregiver, Kelly Berge (right), and Stephanie Nilson, Community Relations Director for Right-at- Home, In-Home Care & Assistance.

Mary was born in Lossiemouth, Scotland (home of the Loch Ness Monster). While her Mom was visiting her grandmother, Mary was born. Six weeks later, they returned to their home in Brooklyn, NY. Since Mary was born in Scotland, she has dual citizenship. She has enjoyed going back to visit her homeland over the years.

Mary met her husband while interning as a dietician at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, where he worked as an Associate Professor of Surgery. Following her internship, she got a job at the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue. “I got to meet all kinds of people,” said Mary. “I remember meeting Dodge MacArthur and Ronald Reagan, who was governor of California at the time.”

After marrying, Mary and Dr. Afrookteh went on to have four children and now have five grandchildren. The couple moved to Catonsville, Md., in 1962 when Dr. Afrookteh was offered a heart surgeon position at the University of MD. Years later, Dr. Afrookteh opened his own practice in Catonsville.

When Mary and her family realized she needed some extra help to remain in her home, they turned to Right at Home. Mary chose the company based largely on the recommendation of her trusted financial advisor, Carol Chaney. Carol has known and worked with the owner of Right at Home, Carole Luber, for many years and knows the importance of referring clients to trustworthy providers.

“Carol said they were top-notch and very involved with all of their clients,” explained Mary. “My daughter, also Carol, an attorney, felt comfortable after interviewing the owner, and my son, Ali, a doctor, was also familiar with the company.”

After over a year of using Right at Home, Mary has only positive feedback. “My caregiver, Kelly, has been like my daughter. We are joined at the hip, and I couldn’t get along without her,” Mary said. “She knows all my likes and dislikes.”

Ultimately, Mary is thrilled that she has been able to remain in her family home. She explained, “I don’t want to live with strangers. I have everything I want right here, including my kitties, Mo and Garfield”.

She was born in Chester, South Carolina on January 4,1917, to Thomas and Dora Buckson. Her mother was a teacher, while her father commuted to Baltimore to work at Sparrows Point.

Following several brief hospitalizations, Mrs. Ardis Watkins has enlisted the services of P-B Health Home Care Agency to remain in her home while recuperating.

As a young woman, Miss Ardis Buckson moved to Baltimore City to start her adult life. Here, she met and married Mr. Norbon Watkins, and from this union three children were born.

“We had a wonderful life together until his death in October of 2005,” stated Mrs. Watkins.

Throughout her adult life, Mrs. Watkins worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital and then the old City Hospital. After retiring from City, she volunteered at Bon Secours Hospital for seven years, earning many awards for her service.

Additionally, Mrs. Watkins has been a long time member of The Village Baptist Church and retains her membership today.

After so many years of caring for others, the time came when Mrs. Watkins needed care for herself. Through the Department of Aging, the family was put in touch with P-B Health Home Care Agency.

Following a thorough evaluation of her needs, P-B Health began providing personal care and chore services to Mrs. Watkins. Olivia Cross, a CNA and home health aide, was assigned to her care.

“Olivia has been very courteous, caring and helpful in assisting with my personal needs,” said Mrs. Watkins. “Ms. Cross is a fine representative for P-B Health, and my family and I have become very fond of her.”

In her later years, Mrs. Watkins has had several brief hospitalizations, after which skilled home health services were prescribed. These services have provided Mrs. Watkins with the benefits of nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, and nutritional counseling in the comfort of her own home.

“Each [staff member I have worked with] was skilled and provided exceptionally good service,” reported Mrs. Watkins.

Mrs. Ardis Watkins continues to do well and to live in her home. If she ever needs services again following a hospitalization or illness, she will not hesitate to call P-B Health to help her recuperate.

The medical and companionship services Mildred Bachman receives from Personal Touch Home Care allow her to continue to live with her son Michael.

Mildred’s fall was the first of several health problems that resulted in her moving into Michael’s home. “It’s nearly impossible to envision the amount of stress and upheaval bringing an elderly parent into one’s home can be—especially when it was a sudden, unexpected event with multiple layers of health issues involved,” he said.

After his mother started living with him, Michael realized that other health problems and her diminishing memory were going to prevent her from returning home. Unsure where to turn, he started researching home care agencies. His research led him to Personal Touch Home Care. “They really just seemed to have their act together,” he said. Personal Touch offered a unique blend of medical services and companionship. “So many of the other agencies were just focused on medical needs, and that wasn’t really what I was looking for,” Michael recalled. “I needed some degree of health services, but I really also wanted social and companionship services.”

Personal Touch assessed Mildred’s needs and devised a care plan that focuses on improving her quality of life. “They have helped her maintain her independence and continue doing the things she was already doing.” Michael said. With the help of her aide, Andrietta Allen, Mildred does puzzles, sketches and takes regular walks. She also received physical therapy and has regained full use of her wrist.

“After Personal Touch started helping us, things got so much better,” Michael said. “So many of my biggest fears about my mother living with me turned out to be non-issues.” He added, “Something that seemed insurmountable and impossible became a routine, then actually enjoyable.”

Today, Michael and Mildred are both comfortable and happy with their living situation. It still requires a lot of work from Michael and his partner Jerome, but with the help they receive from Personal Touch, they are able to maintain busy work schedules while Mildred enjoys the hobbies and activities she has always loved.

Today, sitting in the home the couple has shared for more than 50 years, Betty Jane laughed as she recalled their uncommon love story. “We’ve really been together since kindergarten,” she said. As they grew older, the pair’s friendship deepened. Soon the two were dating, and when they turned 21, Betty Jane married Creston.

Thanks to the help of a home health agency, Polly and Don Petersen have been able to remain together in an assisted living community.

“He stood out in the crowd,” said Polly. “I was instantly attracted to his charm and good looks when we sat at the same table of mutual friends while having coffee.”

Married after their graduation in 1951, the Petersens had three children. While the couple was highly involved in the greater community, Don worked for Lockheed Martin and Polly eventually became an antiques dealer.

Over the years, they never ceased to show their love for one another.  To throw Don a surprise 50th birthday party, Polly sold her longtime collectibles.  He in turn used some of her precious items to make her an exquisite and unique dollhouse.

In 1998, Polly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  As the illness progressed, she moved to the assisted living community Country Meadows.  Although Don visited every day, he knew in his heart they belonged together and fortunately a large apartment became available for them.

When Polly’s health issues became more prevalent, it was suggested she receive additional private duty care to also provide respite for Don. Right at Home, an in-home care company often used by other residents, came highly recommended. After spending time getting to know the company and seeing what they had to offer, Polly was introduced to her caregiver, Edwina. Their bond was instantaneous. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.), Edwina has assisted Polly with bathing, personal care and hygiene.

With Polly's diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, the couple's devotion in their 60 years of marriage has never wavered through sickness and in health.

When asked how the assistance of Right at Home has impacted her life, Polly said, “A lot of things that I could not accomplish on my own, I was now able to accomplish with ease.  Normally, it would take me three hours to get dressed, but Edwina is so efficient and she knows me and my routine so well.”
Polly continued with a laugh, “I’d say she knows me by heart.  She is not only good at her job, but she is so kind, and compassionate. She really is such a comfort. To me, she is just like family.”

These days, the Petersens feel blessed to have recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In sickness and in health, their love and devotion to each other has been remarkable and a true testament of time.

After the passing of his wife, Doris, Joel Richmond moved to an assisted living community where he has been receiving home care services, which give his son Allan, peace of mind.

For the ‘sandwich generation’, finding the appropriate care for a parent can be a stressful time, but it is particularly difficult if an adult child is without the support of siblings or other family. This was the case for Allan Richmond when his mother passed away in November of 2006.“She was the independent one and really the caretaker of my dad giving him his medications and things like that,” he said.  “Although my dad could walk around fairly well, at that time it was a two-story house and I knew he could not stay there alone.”

Allan’s father, Joel, worked for Glenn L. Martin making planes during WWII and eventually went into his wife’s family business full-time, helping her run their store, Ray’s Children Shop.  Living with his wife, Doris, and Allan above the popular spot near downtown Baltimore, Joel and Doris ran the business until they sold it in 1989.

By the time Allan helped move Joel into Springhouse, an assisted living community in Pikesville, he fortunately already had connections with the home care company, Nurses Available.

“They had provided intermittent services for my parents, such as transportation, and they would help in emergency situations,” said Allan.

The company was still assisting Joel in 2008 when he had a mild heart attack that caused him to lose his ability to walk.   Since Allan and his wife were out of the country at the time, Pat Kloiber, manager of Nurses Available, immediately stepped in to ensure Joel was provided with 24-hour care.

He has maintained this full-time care ever since, receiving assistance with dressing, bathing and meal preparation, among other services.

“He has 14 shifts a week and six caregivers who alternate working with him,” said Allan.  “They really know him personally since each individual has been with my dad for at least a year and they’ve been very good working with him.”

Most importantly, Allan’s longstanding relationship with the home care company has allowed him peace of mind, despite the fact that he sees his father up to six days a week.

“I do the best I can, but we occasionally go away, so I’m thankful we’ve been able to work with an agency that offers us this stability,” he said.

Having received her Masters in Education from the University of Virginia, she taught elementary-age children for several years.  Elizabeth said she enjoyed interacting with the young minds and playing a role in the development of their sense of self.  Aside from teaching, she was involved with Habitat for Humanity and could often be seen working at food distribution centers for the less fortunate.  

In her 40 years of marriage, Elizabeth had three children. While pursuing her career and raising her family, the avid pastel and oil painter managed to attend and participate in many art shows.  “Art was a passion and in my years after retirement, I enjoyed painting almost daily,” she said.

As time passed, the grandmother of two found herself needing some assistance in order to remain in her home.  “The best solution was to find a way to maintain a similar quality of life standard within my own home environment,” said Elizabeth.  “Security and help with everyday chores, laundry, meal preparation, etc. was also paramount.”

When her children stepped in to help, they looked online to compare different home care companies and ultimately chose Lighthouse Healthcare, Inc. 

“We chose them because they are locally owned and operated,” said Elizabeth’s son, Dan.  Also important for the family was the fact that the company was not advertising ‘on the job training.’ 

“The Director of Private Duty Services, Tracey Domzalski could not have been more accommodating,” said Dan.  “Her sincerity and understanding of what our family was dealing with was very important.”

The entire family has agreed the care Elizabeth receives has been excellent.  According to Dan, her caregiver is compassionate, cooperative and thorough.

“Without the assistance of Lighthouse, we are not certain what options would have been available,” he said.  “Independence has been maintained and it has allowed my mom to stay in her home.”

For Dan and the rest of the family, this care has provided them peace of mind as their worries about falls and nutrition have been eliminated.  Most importantly, he said Elizabeth has found a companion with whom she has a mutual trust and respect. 

“They have made a difficult situation a tolerable, positive experience,” he said.

Following her discharge due to a bout with pneumonia, she met an American whom she married and settled with in Towson, Md.  They had three children as Christine pursued a career as a care worker.

When her husband passed away, she proceeded to live with her daughter and son-in-law.  A cancer survivor, Christine has severe arthritis and started requiring more assistance than her working loved ones could provide.  She knew she wanted to remain at home as opposed to making the transition to a senior housing option, so she looked to outside resources for making this possible.

With the help of a local veterans organization, she was referred to Linda Tomarchio with Options for Senior America, a company that provides in-home care throughout the state of Maryland as well as Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

Christine receives home care for 20 hours during the workweek.  In addition to offering assistance with daily activities, her primary caregiver, Whitney Anderson, provides Christine with her needed oxygen and colostomy bag.  Each day, Christine looks forward to the companionship and support she has found with Whitney.

“They’ve been very good to us.  My caregiver comes five days a week and she bathes me and cooks,” she said.

She also maintains her connections with the veterans organization who also offer her assistance by providing wheelchairs, walkers and stairlifts.  With all of the support she has received, she enjoys taking care of her bird Ringo, which she proudly named after the Beatle.  She also spends her time getting together with friends from church.

“I love being around people,” she said.  “I belong to the Baptist church and we have all kinds of dinners.”

Most importantly, however, Christine knows utilizing the services of a home care company has given her family peace of mind.

“Options is wonderful,” she said.  “They’ve always been there to send someone to help me.  They have been very good and have never let me down.”

With the help of an attorney and care management organization, Elizabeth Dusa found a homecare agency that has provided her with the support she needs.

Families are there for each other to celebrate the good times and help each other through the challenging times. Elizabeth Dusa had spent a lifetime caring for her son, but when her health began to turn, he became her loyal and compassionate caregiver in return. Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly, leaving Elizabeth alone with no remaining family or support.

Elizabeth grew up in Pennsylvania and is of Hungarian descent. When her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, she was urged to institutionalize him. Although she was a single mother, she adamantly refused and took measures into her own hands. Elizabeth kept his health under control by monitoring his diet and keeping detailed journals of everything he ate. As a result, she was able to keep him healthy.

While maintaining this focus on her son, she led a frugal lifestyle in Annandale, Va. working as a secretary. In a true success story, her son eventually received a PhD in Physics, became an astronomer and had a celebrated career with the FBI.

With no one to care for her following her son’s death, Adult Protective Services (APS) was called in to help Elizabeth. They in turn contacted Elizabeth “Liz” Gray, an elder law attorney who now serves as the guardian for Ms. Dusa.

“I had to clean out the house, get her settled in Fairfax Nursing Center, and make sure she was well cared for,” said Ms. Gray. “She was losing weight, she wouldn’t let anyone touch her, she would scream and cry regularly, and at times was very combative.”

Ms. Gray then hired Elder Care Consultants, a geriatric care management firm to assist her in monitoring and coordinating Elizabeth’s care. Ms. Gray and Dia Loken, the RN and Care Manager assigned to Elizabeth’s case, observed that she was more comfortable around male caregivers, which they attributed to her strong relationship with her son.

They felt that finding a dedicated male caregiver that she could trust might enable them to reduce the medications Elizabeth was on to control her anxiety and combativeness. The search was more challenging than expected, so Dia connected with BestCare Home Care where she was introduced to Hugo Ruiz-Menandez, a trained physician in his native country of Bolivia.

“The care he provides to Elizabeth is extraordinary and the bond that the two of them have is exceptional. They are referred to as a little married couple at Fairfax Nursing Center because they are together always,” said Dia. “Her quality of life has been enhanced.”

Dia and the other professionals involved in Elizabeth’s case cannot emphasize enough the positive change they have seen in her.

“It was almost daily that she was getting into a physical altercation with another resident,” said Vanessa Bishop of ElderCare Consultants. “Now she is in love with her aide and has really calmed down.”

According to Dia, they have even been able to reduce Elizabeth’s medications as she has been consistently gaining weight and is rarely sick. Hugo also gives her fantastic skin care and the mere sound of his voice seems to calm Elizabeth down.

“I am very impressed with the responsiveness and work ethic of the caregivers and management at BestCare,” said Dia. “There are so many home care agencies to choose from, and it’s important not to tolerate substandard care. I don’t second guess their attention and care.”

She explained how important it is to have a team approach to care, especially in medically-complicated situations. The team is tuned into changes and is able to report to the physician in a timely and accurate manner.

Now Elizabeth, who once seemed alone, has quite the caring support network and essentially a different kind of family that will continually be there for her.

“I fell in love with her when I met her because she was so feisty,” said Dia. “In fact I have a picture of her on my refrigerator. My family refers to her affectionately as ‘The Duce.’”

A widow for 22 years, Trudy had been living with her daughter when she took a fall in January of 2006. After entering the hospital and going in and out of Shock Trauma, Trudy was eventually able to return home, but it was clear she would need some extra assistance.

The rehab facility had given her daughter the name of two local home health care providers, from which she chose the company Visiting Angels. “She called them on Monday, and they were at our home on Wednesday with a caregiver,” said Trudy.

She has been receiving assistance from the agency, which serves Columbia, Westminster and the surrounding areas, since March 2006. As the years have passed, she has continued to recommend them to others considering home health care.

“We have a regular caregiver who is truly an angel,” said Trudy. “They have provided the best of in-home care possible.”

Elizabeth, Trudy’s caregiver since September 2009, has not only provided her with enjoyable companionship, but assists Trudy in activities of daily living. That care can include meal preparation, light housework, hygiene assistance and more. What Trudy and her family have especially appreciated is the flexibility they have found with Visiting Angels.

“They have been available on short notice,” she said. “They are always willing to accommodate our schedule when last minute changes occur.”

With this assistance, Trudy and her loved ones all have peace of mind knowing she receives the support and care she needs. Most importantly, she has found an agency and a caregiver that feel like family.