“Without a doubt, it was the best decision I made.” These words, describing Jeanette Rizzo’s choice of RVNAhealth for health and home care following her mother’s discharge from the hospital, are not taken with a grain of salt. Jeanette’s words summarize the experience RVNAhealth strives to create for every patient and family member in our care.
Jeanette, along with her mother, Arlene Kuderna, of Sandy Hook, CT recently sat down with us to share their experiences with RVNAhealth. Both described how overwhelming and uncertain it can feel when a family member returns home from the hospital with continued care needs. And in Mrs. Kuderna’s case, her needs were substantial, with round the clock care required. Upon a recommendation, Jeanette contacted RVNAhealth. When her mom finally returned home by ambulance on a late weeknight, she was met there by the RVNAhealth team and supervisor. “It gave me peace of mind that [my Mom] was in good hands and I made the right decision.” Mrs. Kuderna has since utilized a vast array of RVNAhealth services, including home health nursing, physical and occupational rehabilitation, and personal caregiver assistance. “I feel like we used all the services [that were available to my mom]. Everyone that came really listened to my mom, all her conditions, all her worries. They gave her their complete professional advice and care.”
Now, four months following her return home, Mrs. Kuderna is feeling well and continues to make excellent progress. Sitting along with Mrs. Kuderna and her daughter, we were also joined by one of Mrs. Kuderna’s caregivers, Leonard, from our StayingWELL personal caregiving team. Leonard started with Mrs. Kuderna the moment she came home from the hospital and was with her 5 days a week, morning to evening. From physical transfers, to dressing, to helping and encouraging her through her rehabilitation exercises, “I can’t say enough about Leonard – there are no words for the care he gave me personally.” Jeanette also offered her praises for Leonard’s help, “He lifted [her] spirits when [she] needed it. He provided skilled care, professional care, but he also was compassionate and gave encouragement when she needed encouragement and motivation when she needed motivation.”
Encouragement and motivation have been at the forefront of Mrs. Kuderna’s mind throughout her recovery. In fact, her first grandchild (Jeanette’s daughter) is getting married this fall! Describing how she has missed so many other family moments over the course of her illness, she is determined to be there and walk down the aisle for the wedding. And, as an honor and thank you like no other, Mrs. Kuderna has asked Leonard to accompany her on her walk down the aisle! “I’ve missed so much. This is like everything to me and knowing he’s going to be there…the pressure of the wedding is hugely lifted off my shoulders.”
RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL services team recently won the 2022 Home Care Pulse – Best of Provider and Best of Employer Awards, based upon unfiltered monthly feedback from clients and caregivers. While the certificates and plaques are proudly displayed in the offices, we are grateful to Mrs. Kuderna, Jeanette, and Leonard for confirming the recognition and sharing their voices, their home, and even a wedding with us! It is in those words and experiences that we derive fuel to continue our mission of exceptional care.
To watch a brief video and hear directly from Mrs. Kuderna and her daughter, Jeanette, click here
For more information on available RVNAhealth services, visit our website or call 203-438-5555.
