Mrs. Priscilla Barr of Marblehead is sitting in her comfortable living room surrounded by paintings and items from her many travels around the world. What makes Mrs. Barr’s seemingly ordinary situation so extraordinary is that just a few years ago, she was a patient in a rehabilitation facility with little thought of being independent. With the help of her physician, visiting nurse services, and Coastal Care private home health care services, Mrs. Barr has been able to make the journey back to her home and to independence. In November 2001 Mrs. Barr had spinal surgery. Up until that time, she and her husband Shep enjoyed a very active lifestyle. “I thought we’d be back in Florida in two weeks,” explained Mrs. Barr. Instead, serious complications arose that kept her hospitalized and requiring extensive rehabilitation. A retired nurse, Mrs. Barr discussed options with her caregivers. Coastal Care guided her to the care of her current physician (who makes home visits), and together with Shep they developed a plan for Mrs. Barr to return home. “Mrs. Barr had the determination to make coming home successful,” said Catherine Brown, President of Coastal Care. At the onset, Coastal Care provided 24 hour care to Mrs. Barr, including personal care, health monitoring, housecleaning and meal preparation. Over the course of three years, Mrs. Barr’s health and strength has steadily improved so that care has been decreased. “Even though she has met with many obstacles, and most recently, the death of her beloved husband, Shep, Mrs. Barr has been able to take control of her life, something many of her caregivers did not think possible before, “ said Brown. “I applaud Mrs. Barr for continually challenging herself and Coastal Care, and for reaching her goals whether they be going to church, out to lunch or to the YMCA pool,

Mrs. Priscilla Barr (seated center) with Martina Taveras HHA (at left) and Catherine Brown, Coastal Care President

one by one, day by day,” she added. Mrs. Barr’s story is one that teaches a lesson to all caregivers to listen to the client, even if they want to take a risk. The more informed that clients are about their care, and the more involved, the more satisfied they can be with the outcome. This of course requires the assistance of physicians and other caregivers like Coastal Care who have the same philosophy.