​Mary Ellen has been a blessing to my family as we’ve navigated a progressive degenerative condition suffered by my brother.  We first met when my brother was in an assisted living facility with a “social” model and, as his needs were increasing, it became more difficult for the staff and program they followed to provide the necessary level of care.  Mary Ellen took on the search for a more suitable situation which would also keep my brother close by so I could continue to be involved in his care, his medical appointments and, of course, be near enough for regular visits.  Along the way, she researched, met with doctors, accompanied him to doctors’ visits, advocated for him with physical therapists and other related care providers. 

 

Once we had decided on the best place for him, she helped coordinate the move, and, more importantly, set the foundation with the nursing and other staff for our expectations and realistic plans for his care and everyday life.  He has been in his place for more than 2 years and, during that time, she has continued to communicate with the nursing director to ensure that their routines change as his needs do, and she has even worked with the business office for the most economical approach to what is always an expensive housing and care solution. 

 

She also researches Medicare coverage and suggests approaches to care and coverage along the way.  Based on her research, I was introduced to a terrific elder care attorney and she came with me to a meeting with  the attorney where we got additional information which will be helpful for some next stages. 

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Mary Ellen’s technical expertise as a Rehab RN and dementia specialist is what pointed me in her direction,

but, while others may have similar qualifications, there is no substitute for her compassion, practical approach and

problem-solving acumen.  She truly cares and goes out of her way to help ease the concerns we feel as time and disease make life more challenging.  I don’t know what we’d do without her!