LETTER: Thank you for good care

My son Adam is my world and, like for most parents, his well-being and safety is my number one priority. That’s why when he tested positive for COVID-19 my heart sank. Even though the virus hadn’t impacted adults around his age, 40, as severely as other groups, Adam is at higher risk because of underlying medical conditions. He has Down Syndrome, Type 1 diabetes and other medical needs.

After he tested positive we admitted Adam to CommuniCare’s Wildwood Healthcare Center. I was concerned about my son going to Wildwood. How would he be treated? Would the staff be kind to him? Most of all I was more worried for Adam because he was probably even more terrified about the situation.

I explained to the staff at Wildwood about Adam’s condition, his limited verbal skills and how he had never been on his own.

One of the staff members, Kim, immediately calmed my fears. She told me Adam would have a single room with a window so we could see and visit him. The Wildwood staff coordinated a care plan that included a medical report and scheduled times for me to call the nurses.

Other members of the staff, like Rachel and Anita, also comforted me with their knowledge and patience with all my calls and questions.

With COVID visiting restrictions our family could only see him through “window visits.” This turned into another source of solace for me. I could see Adam was clean, the room in order and he was well taken care of.

Finally, after those five weeks the chest tube was taken out. After being back at his group home for a few days, I am happy to report Adam is doing very well. He walks around, is independent and most importantly feels well.

Being a parent comes with a host of challenges. Some you can manage, others you need support. I will forever be grateful to the staff at Wildwood for giving us that support during this difficult time in our lives.

Thank you for your medical expertise, loving care and for making Adam better.

__________

Denise Gilbert