Marlene Hart’s Journey with Gilchrist
Marlene Hart’s Journey with Gilchrist: A Testament to Comprehensive Hospice Care
Marlene Hart’s life journey has been marked by health challenges, but her resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite all of her medical hurdles, Gilchrist is able to cater to all of her needs to ensure that she may live every moment to the fullest.
From Home Care to Inpatient Support
Born and raised in Baltimore, Marlene is the proud mother of three adult children and relishes her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Marlene was first introduced to Gilchrist in April of this year when she first began utilizing their home care services. As someone who has battled a range of health issues throughout her life, including heart, respiratory, and digestive problems compounded by diabetes and hypertension, the comprehensive care approach provided by Gilchrist was a significant relief. The home care team worked diligently with Marlene to manage her condition by providing essential equipment, medication, and regular visits from the Gilchrist nursing staff.
After a recent health episode, Marlene’s acute care could not be handled at home, and she was admitted to inpatient hospice care at Gilchrist Center Towson. Marlene’s seamless transition from home care to inpatient care exhibits Gilchrist’s commitment to meeting each patient’s needs at every stage. For the past thirty years, Gilchrist’s inpatient centers have been designed to offer a home-like environment with round-the-clock care by a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, hospice aides, and more, ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of care.
Tailored Care and Personal Touches
During her stay at Gilchrist Center Towson, Marlene has shown remarkable health improvements, enhancing her comfort as she manages her terminal illness. The adjustments made to her diet have allowed her to manage her diabetes effectively without medication. Her daily life at Gilchrist is marked by attentiveness from the staff who assist with physical therapy, meals, cleaning, and personal care, all with a personal touch that respects her dignity and individual needs. With the help of physical therapy and her nursing aides, Marlene can even sit up and enjoy one of her favorite pastimes: watching The Orioles play ball. Marlene shares, “While I’ve been here, something that really meant the most to me is the day I sat up and had my meal. I actually watched the whole Orioles baseball game for two and a half hours. And that was encouraging to me.”
Gilchrist is also able to accommodate personal aspects of Marlene’s life, such as her faith and even her allergies. As a Jehovah’s Witness, Marlene receives regular visits from her spiritual community as well as a Gilchrist’s chaplain, enhancing her comfort and morale. Additionally, Gilchrist’s pet therapy volunteer group visited her with a hypoallergenic dog, allowing her to enjoy a pet’s companionship without worrying about allergic reactions. “Everyone at Gilchrist has really been very attentive to me. They never act like I get on their nerves, even though I have to call them often because I need help with things,” she reflects.
The care at Gilchrist extends beyond Marlene’s immediate medical needs. It includes support for the family, such as Marlene’s daughters, who coordinate her care and financial affairs. As Marlene anticipates returning back home through Gilchrist’s Home Care program, the staff at Gilchrist is already preparing to continue supporting her in her senior living community.
Personalized Care for Every Stage
Marlene’s journey highlights Gilchrist’s commitment to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. With a range of services from home care to inpatient care, Gilchrist ensures that quality, compassionate care reaches patients wherever they call home so they may live every moment to the fullest.