Angels from Vitas

I had the most productive and healing time during this trip to Chicago to spend time with my parents. I attribute this positive experience to several key factors. First of all, my attitude continues to improve about my parents, the five caregivers, my role, and just life in general. Also, I was given the best gift. ---WE were given the best gift. I paid attention to my higher power and contacted VITAS, the nation's largest provider of hospice service. We now have a large protective blanket surrounding us that will supplement the current system of caregiving. I was pleasantly surprised to know that both my mom and my dad qualify for hospice service. This means we will have an amplified level of support. Of note, my Mom was declared terminally ill several times in 2005.

VITAS will provide a team that includes a physician, a registered nurse, a certified nurse's aide, a home health aide, a social worker, a case manager, a volunteer, and an ordained minister. This team is assigned to the Scott family and will provide support every week.

So far, I have met five individuals from this wonderful company. They have all been extremely supportive and helpful and comfortable and passionate about their work. Everyone I've spoken to over the telephone from VITAS has also been extremely personable and helpful.

On Tuesday, May 29. I made that first phone call to VITAS. The next day, Wednesday, March 30, my parents’ doctor called to authorize hospice service and we were able to schedule an appointment to coincide with my visit in Chicago two days later. That Friday, June 1, I met my first VITAS representatives. Two beautiful ladies spent from noon until after 5 p.m. completing all of the activities required to admit both my mom and my dad into hospice service. I spent extensive time, providing them with my parents’ medical history, insurance information, and the latest info on my caregiving team. They spoke with their physician and my parents’ physician, and they ordered medication, equipment, and supplies for the Scott family. From now on, in case of any emergency, we will contact VITAS to advise us on next steps. I signed lots of documents and authorized them to bill Medicare on our behalf--for everything. All their services are covered by Medicare.

The following day, Saturday, a nurse came out to assess my mom. Also, hospital equipment was delivered that day.

That Saturday happened to be a really special day, because we took mom out for a stroll in her wheelchair. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday!

On Monday, Crystal Brown, our primary registered nurse, came to assess my dad and to meet with both my parents. I like her a lot and I was happy that they both responded well to her. She is really going to work out for us.

That same day, we received our first shipment of medications via FedEx from VITAS. I am so impressed by their speed and efficiency in offering their services.

The best part of our whole experience took place the morning that I left for Miami. We met Reverend Ed Stivers. First, he visited with me and I explained our family history and talked to him about my parent's physical and mental condition. Then, he met my parents. He spent quality time talking with them, while Charlotte served their breakfast in bed. My dad's eyes lit up when he saw another man walk into the room. (He is so deprived of male company). Dad was on his best behavior; he was so happy. He could even hear almost everything that Reverend Stivers said. My dad seemed so mentally healthy I almost did not recognize him! It just shows how helpful it is for him to have male companionship. (He can barely hear anything that I say to him)

We all held hands and lowered our heads while Reverend Stivers said a prayer. The energy was so positive! It was such a powerful and moving experience. He asked my parents what they wanted from God. My dad said he wanted to get better. My mom said she did not want anything. Reverend Stivers incorporated their wishes into his loving prayer. It was such a healing and moving experience. It was also transformative!

As I journeyed back to Miami that afternoon, I felt complete serenity-knowing that all would be okay.

Thank GOD: We have more Angels watching over us!