Early in the morning, Mr. Barry Forbes is in a fantastic mood, with music playing in the background and in his upbeat demeanor, cracking jokes about how he’d like to be richer. You’d be stunned when you hear his story from the lips of his companion, better half, and primary caregiver… the wonderful Mrs. Forbes.
In October 2009, life took an unexpected turn for Mr. Barry Forbes and his devoted wife, Mrs. Forbes. Mr. Forbes suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke, leaving him with life-altering challenges. Medical professionals predicted that he had just 30 days to live. He was in a coma for almost three months (from October through December). Yet, over 15 years later, his story is one of perseverance, love and the extraordinary support provided by HouseCalls Home Care, our home healthcare service that’s been an integral part of the Forbes’ family journey.
“When Barry had his stroke, it was devastating,” Mrs. Forbes recalls. “He was hospitalized and later sent to a nursing home, where I was told to prepare for the worst. But he survived those critical days.”
Despite the nursing home’s efforts, Mrs. Forbes noticed gaps in the quality of care. “I visited every single day, and I realized I could provide better care for him myself. So, after a year, I decided to bring him home.”
The decision to transition Mr. Forbes to home care was not without challenges. His condition was severe; he required a feeding tube, a tracheostomy, and 24/7 assistance due to his mobility limitations and inability to speak properly. Mrs. Forbes quickly realized that providing the necessary care on her own was overwhelming.
Discovering HouseCalls
It was through a pamphlet at the nursing home that Mrs. Forbes learned about HouseCalls. “The day I brought Barry home, HouseCalls was already there,” she shares. “An aide was waiting at the door with supplies, ready to help. From that moment on, they’ve been by our side.”
HouseCalls not only provided immediate support but also ensured continuity of care. Over the years, HouseCalls became a lifeline for the Forbes family. “We went through a few aides in the beginning, but once we found the right team, it made all the difference. The aide Barry has now, Lorraine, has been with us for 13 years. She’s more like family than a caregiver.”
The role of dedicated caregivers
Mr. Forbes’ daily care routine is extensive, requiring a level of attentiveness and compassion that HouseCalls consistently delivers. Mr. Forbes has 2 Home Health Aides assigned to him, Lorraine, and Charlene, for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“The aides come at 8 AM and stay till 8PM,” explains Mrs. Forbes. “They give Barry a bath every morning, ensure that he’d fed and medicated, and perform the range-of -motion exercises to prevent bedsores and maintain joint health. They even handle the laundry and keep the house dust free to avoid allergies.”
For Mrs. Forbes, trust in the caregivers has been paramount. “Barry’s speech is affected, so he communicates in his own way. The aides understand him because they’ve been with him for so long. If he needs something, they know exactly what he means. That’s the kind of attention and understanding you can’t put a price on.”
A Partnership in care
Mrs. Forbes credits the success of Mr. Forbes’ care to the collaborative relationship between her family and the HouseCalls team. “They’re well-trained. They’ve helped me learn how to care for Barry better, and together, we’ve created a system that works.”
“The thing that I like is they engage him in conversation. They make him feel like his thoughts and ideas and what he says matter! Barry was a truck driver with Sherwin-Williams for over 10 years, then he had a stroke; someone in my husband’s condition, someone who was a man’s man, who you used to do everything for himself; it can be depressing that you just sit there, and no one talks to you. But they will engage him in conversation, they will ask him to go outside, you know, to go sit outside in the park, take him to the store to get his glasses fixed. Oh, and when they are done with the day’s chores; they like to watch this cooking program on TV that they both like!”
This partnership has not only improved Mr. Forbes’ quality of life but also provided Mrs. Forbes with peace of mind. “I’m a hard taskmaster;” she admits with a laugh. “But I know that when I’m not round, Barry is well cared for. That means everything to me.”
A Testament to resilience
Mr. Forbes’ journey from being given a 30-day prognosis to thriving for over 15 years is a testament to resilience, love and the power of quality care.
“They told me he wouldn’t live past a month, and now he already celebrated his 77th Birthday, on 4th Feb,” Mrs. Forbes says proudly. “HouseCalls has been there every step of the way, ensuring Barry gets the care he needs and deserves.”
Reflecting on their journey, Mrs. Forbes emphasizes the importance of finding the right support system. “If you’re in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to seek help. HouseCalls gave us the tools and support to bring Barry home and keep him here. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
As Mrs. Forbes looks towards the future, her gratitude towards House Calls is evident. “I’ll always be thankful for the compassion and dedication they’ve shown us. They’re more than a service; they’re a part of our family.”
Mr. Barry Forbes’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that comprehensive and compassionate care can have on a family’s life. It’s a story of hope, determination, and the unwavering bond between loved ones and their caregivers.
Here’s wishing Mr. Barry Forbes a Happy Birthday!
