At Bethesda, a patient’s recovery journey doesn’t end when they are discharged from one of our rehab communities. With the help of the St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health team, their transition back to the life they love has only just started. And this was especially true for 85-year-old Denzil, who first caught the attention of our team in June 2023.
Following a hospitalization, Denzil underwent rehabilitation at Bethesda Dilworth. After a few weeks, he was discharged and moved back home, where he would return to living independently. However, when Home Health team members came to Denzil’s apartment for an initial assessment and to establish a care plan, they quickly discovered that his apartment lacked essential medical equipment and basic personal necessities needed to provide him with the best possible living environment.
They found Denzil walking without shoes, which was causing the wounds on his feet to worsen and increase the risk of infection. Clothes were being used in place of bed sheets, and he lacked proper cooking utensils and personal hygiene products.
After being made aware of Denzil’s situation, Missy McAuley, Director of St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health, approached the Bethesda Health Group Foundation in hopes of working together to provide Denzil with the critical necessities he needed. She felt that the system had let a low-income senior slip through the cracks and was determined to help provide him with the home he needed and deserved.
Through the Marillac Mission Fund Grant, Denzil was gifted a full bedding set, bath towels, pots, pans, utensils, shirts, socks, and more. He was also set up with a bed rail to assist him in safely transferring in and out of bed, specialized surgical shoes to keep his wounds protected, and a lift chair and recliner to elevate his feet and help him to safely stand up.
“We hope that these items will help reinstate his dignity and, most of all, keep him as comfortable as possible while living independently in his home,” says Missy.
Upon receiving the items from the Home Health team, Denzil was smiling from ear to ear as he expressed his thanks over and over again.
“I deeply appreciate the help and all items they’ve provided,” says Denzil. “I’m so happy I could jump up and down—do somersaults down the hallway.”
Denzil and his daughter, Mary, met the team with gratitude at every turn and new item that was presented to him. Denzil became quite emotional when he reflected on his journey and the support from the Bethesda staff.
“We appreciate that Bethesda cares enough to step in and do something like this,” says Mary.
