Personal Stories from the Milford VNA
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Virginia Johnson and her late husband retired to Florida thirty years ago. When she had to leave her Florida home due to illness, she left behind friends, memories and a lifetime of possessions. When she arrived in Massachusetts, she needed professional, compassionate help to put her life back in order. And that’s where the Visiting Nurse Association of the Greater Milford- Northbridge Area excels...
After medical problems necessitated
six hospital stays, Virginia Johnson’s
brother and sister flew to Florida to
bring her back to Northbridge,
where family members could help
care for her. The three siblings had
to work quickly to sell Mrs.
Johnson’s car and arrange for the
Salvation Army to collect her furniture
and possessions. “I lost everything,”
Mrs. Johnson said. “My life
was turned upside down.”
Mrs. Johnson returned to Massachusetts feeling worn out, sad and uncertain about the future. She didn’t know where she would live or how she would live or even what she needed to do next. Fortunately, she was able to temporarily move into an assisted living facility, and that's where she met Rebecca Nourse, a medical social worker from the Visiting Nurse Association of the Greater Milford-Northbridge Area (Milford VNA).
“Rebecca took right over,” said Mrs. Johnson. “She didn't give me a chance to find out what I was missing! She knew exactly what to do. Rebecca didn't even have to look up phone numbers—she knew them all by heart!”
The first major issue to resolve was medical insurance. Mrs. Johnson’s insurance from Florida didn’t transfer to Massachusetts, leaving her uncovered. Ms. Nourse immediately reinstated Mrs. Johnson’s Medicare eligibility and enrolled her in supplemental insurance and the Medicare Part D plan for prescription coverage. Ms. Nourse also helped Mrs. Johnson obtain other prescription assistance programs for which she was eligible. In addition to the very important insurance details, Ms. Nourse assisted in finding an appropriate permanent living arrangement that included adult daycare, assistance with meals, a homemaker and an emergency medical unit. “Mrs. Johnson faced a lot of hurtles when she returned to Massachusetts,” explained Ms. Nourse. “It was overwhelming, but we were quickly able to resolve her problems so she could begin living her new life.”
In spite of the upheavals in her life during the last year since leaving Florida, Mrs. Johnson is glad she returned to Massachusetts. She spends a lot of time now with her nieces and nephews, and her new living situation in congregate housing gives her independence in a secure environment. According to Mrs. Johnson, though, one of the best consequences of moving back was that the Milford VNA sent Rebecca Nourse. “What a wonderful person. I have never met anyone so compassionate. I really made a friend with her,” said Mrs. Johnson. “Rebecca and the Milford VNA made my life bearable.”
The VNA of the Greater Milford-Northbridge Area provides unparalleled health care services in the home, assisting patients on their road to regained health and independence. Our staff is licensed or certified and thoroughly screened before they conduct home visits. To find out how the Milford VNA can provide care for you or a loved one, call 508-473-0862.