Susan and Angie truly lived the mission of St. Luke's by providing exceptional care to a recent hospice patient. Our patient, who was recently discharged from another local hospice because "they were mean to her," lived alone in a dirty, cluttered home that had a bug infestation. Because of the bug issue, private duty agencies were unwilling to provide immediate services. Our social worker was working on placement but running into difficulty meeting the financial obligations. The patient's family was out of town and disengaged. Within days of signing on with St. Luke’s Hospice, her physical status deteriorated quickly, and she required assistance to help care for her basic needs. Her one friend, who provided some assistance, was overwhelmed and unable to meet the demands. One Sunday morning, the situation became dire as the patient was on the floor, unable to get up, covered in feces and her bed soaked with urine. Angie, who was not scheduled to work that date, coordinated with Susan, the weekend RN, to see the patient together since there were so many patient and home environment concerns. 

Angie and Susan spent 4 hours at this patient's home, doing laundry, changing the bedding, bathing the patient and assisting her with medications and a meal. Susan and Angie ensured the patient was safe and the friend would be assisting that evening. They coordinated with the hospice social worker, who was able to place the patient in respite the next day.