Remember when you were entering your 20s?
You were unstoppable, defining your world and looking forward to a bright future filled with good health and the rewards of an unbridled thirst for a successful career, right?
Those were Victoria’s dreams, too. Career minded and engaged to be married, Victoria’s dreams were shattered within seconds when a car smashed into hers at a high rate of speed. She spent the next year in the hospital fighting for her life.
Victoria’s stepbrothers and father visited her in the hospital as she lay lifeless in a coma with a maze of tubes, pumps and wires keeping her alive. With no end in sight, the only thing they could do for her was pray for a miracle.
Doctors couldn’t determine if or when Victoria might open her eyes again or breathe on her own, but eventually, she did. Her father and stepbrothers were elated at her progress.
After an arduous year for Victoria and her family, she finally returned home, this time in a wheelchair. Everyone was excited to have Victoria back home where she belonged. Her stepbrothers built a wheelchair ramp for her to get to her front door. Victoria was adapting to her new life, but with the loss of use of one arm and forever mobile by wheelchair, this was an extremely difficult adjustment for this lively young woman. She remembered her life before the accident—she could drive, walk, run, go shopping. Victoria knew she had to create a new life for herself to find happiness again.
“Victoria knew she had to create a new life for herself to find happiness again.”
Victoria moved into a small house behind her dad’s home. She knew she would need around-the-clock care by professional caregivers in order to remain as independent as possible. Being under the care of SYNERGY HomeCare of Beaumont, TX, has been the constant in her days that has improved her quality of life.
As SYNERGY HomeCare of Beaumont’s owner, Stephanie Allen, says, “We’re a part of Victoria’s journey. Early on, we realized she needed caregivers who could roll with her temperance as she adjusted to her new life. After all, Victoria is a 35-year-old woman in the prime of her life, and being confined to a wheelchair can be frustrating and depressing. Our mission is for her to feel the joy of what she can do and expose her to new ideas
and activities.”
Over the years, Victoria’s caregivers and Stephanie have developed a close bond of friendship. Stephanie shared, “Sometimes we’ll get all dressed up and go to the mall and punctuate our day with lunch or dinner at her favorite restaurant, Pappadeaux—she absolutely loves the crab!”
Victoria finds great joy in an adorable little dog, Pookie, who loves to jump onto her lap. Pookie is her shadow wherever she goes. Her caregivers take care of Pookie for her so all she has to do is love her.
Victoria loves her caregivers. Together they play games, watch their favorite TV shows and talk for hours. Sometimes Victoria will call her caregiver who is on the way to her house and ask her to bring her a hamburger. Victoria never hesitates to call Stephanie or Stephanie’s mom just to chat. Stephanie’s mom visits her and they color together and have good conversations.
“At times, Victoria still struggles with her confinement, but because she has had the same caregivers for years, they understand Victoria’s need to express her feelings and can help her get through the rough times.”
Behind Victoria’s house is a large pond. When Stephanie comes over, the two go out on the pier and watch the pond, dreaming of fishing there one day. When Stephanie asked Victoria if she’d like to go fishing, she replied, “How in the heck am I going to do that?” Stephanie was delighted to tell Victoria that she found a special rod for people who only had use of one arm. Additionally, she surprised Victoria by telling her that she asked her stepbrothers if it was all right to build a ramp and a railing to the pier that would allow her motorized wheelchair to drive onto the pier. The brothers were agreeable, and Stephanie’s friends will be building the ramp in the spring. They are excited to spend time fishing together on the pier this summer.
At times, Victoria still struggles with her confinement, but because she has had the same caregivers for years, they understand Victoria’s need to express her feelings and can help her get through the rough times.
With Victoria’s help, SYNERGY HomeCare has learned that it is not a “cookie-cutter” agency. “One size fits all” does not define what SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers do; rather they adapt their caregiving to respect the wishes and needs of each client. SYNERGY HomeCare is delighted and proud to be an extension to Victoria’s “family” and to make a positive impact in her life. This is why Victoria’s caregivers are in the compassionate business of home care, as they remain committed to her, her needs and her happiness.
