by Karl Sisson, Director of Development
The Heritage Group 

February 2007 - In life, we experience some of our greatest blessings when we least expect them.  Such was the case for Janice Abbey who believes God has blessed in her some incredible ways over the past few months. 

At around 2:00 p.m. on December 4, Jan and her son, Rick, stopped by her parents' home where Rick planned to make some small home repairs.  As they entered the house and crossed the dining room floor, it gave way under Jan's feet.  She temporarily stopped the fall with her arms, but despite their combined efforts, Jan plunged into the basement.  Jan landed feet first on the cement floor, and narrowly missed landing on a cement block.  The devastating fall shattered both of her ankles.  Already on a blood thinner, the fall also left Jan bleeding profusely with a bone protruding through her skin.

When the Collins Center Volunteer Fire Department arrived, they knew they had a challenge on their hands, but accepted it in stride.  As an adult, Jan has struggled with controlling her weight making the trek up a staircase very difficult.  Unfazed, the rescue squad was able to keep Jan comfortable and level as they carried the stretcher up the basement stairs and into the ambulance.  "The rescue squad was so good to me," Jan remembers.  "One man - I don’t know his name - was truly an angel as he bent over and supported the stretcher on his back all the way up the stairs."

The ambulance rushed Jan to the Lake Shore Hospital.  Recognizing that her condition was very serious and required specialized surgical care, it was necessary for Jan to be taken to the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).  When told she would make that trip on a helicopter, Jan exclaimed, "If that's the case, by the time you get me there, you'll also have a cardiac patient!"  So, the ambulance navigated a nasty snowstorm on its way to Buffalo.  The ambulance encountered a two-car accident caused by the treacherous driving conditions.  The crew assisted a woman who was in her final month of pregnancy before resuming their trip.

As midnight approached, Jan began a 7 1/2 hour surgery to repair her severely injured ankles.  The surgery required many pins to repair the damage.  "My ankles were like mush," she explains.

When Jan was ready to be discharged after nine days of recovery at ECMC, she found that her choices for in-patient rehabilitation near her home in Perrysburg, NY were very limited.  Because of her size, most facilities in the area simply weren't prepared to provide the necessary accommodations, care, and rehabilitation she required.  However, Heritage Village (Gerry) was prepared and welcomed Jan with open arms.

Obesity in the United States

Obesity is a serious health problem in the United States, affecting 60 million Americans, with six million of those considered severely or morbidly obese.  Obesity has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, arthritis, diabetes and depression.  The number of overweight and obese Americans has continued to increase since 1960, a trend that is not slowing down.  Today, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese. Each year, obesity causes at least 300,000 excess deaths in the U.S., and healthcare costs of American adults with obesity amount to approximately $100 billion.

Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial chronic disease involving environmental (social and cultural), genetic, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and psychological components. It is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States.  Despite its toll taken in death and disability, obesity does not receive the attention it deserves from government, the health care profession, or the insurance industry.  Discrimination and mistreatment of persons with obesity is widespread and often considered socially acceptable.

The age group with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among men is 65 to 74 years, and among women, 55 to 64 years.  Obesity plays a significant role in causing poor health in women, negatively affecting quality of life and shortening quantity of life.  More than half of adult U.S. women are overweight, and more than one third are obese.  The life expectancy of women in the U.S. is approaching 80 years of age, and more women than ever are expected to turn 65 in the second decade of the new millennium.  Prevention and early treatment of obesity are crucial to ensuring a healthy population of women of all ages.

What is Bariatric Care?

You may not know the term, but you probably recognize the need.  Bariatric Care is providing comprehensive care to those individuals who are severely or morbidly obese.  Many rehab and skilled nursing facilities are unprepared for the unique needs of larger residents, and the challenges their staff faces in performing routine moves such as transfers, repositioning, or turning.  Facilities are finding the old ways of handling residents, and the equipment they use, are no longer sufficient.

Fortunately, a wide variety of clinically effective bariatric equipment (beds, chairs, lifts, wheelchairs, etc) is now available to address the diverse needs of larger residents and their caregivers.  Bariatric products are specifically designed for the health and comfort of obese patients and their caregivers.

Along with proper equipment, staff education and patient handling solutions are necessary to improve the quality of care, as well as reduce the risk of injury not only to residents, but also staff.  Protocols and formularies are necessary to ensure the safe handling of residents.  Work-related back injuries are very common and can become very costly to facilities.

The Heritage Group: Committed to Bariatric Care

When Jan Abbey arrived at Heritage Village, she wasn't sure what to expect.  "It's tough to depend on someone else," she comments.  "From the beginning, everyone was so good to me.  They have shown me gentleness and kindness, while caring for me and challenging me to get back on my feet."

Jan endured weeks of intensive physical and occupational therapy to rehab her surgically repaired ankles.  Although not walking without assistance yet, she hopes to be completely weight bearing soon.  Jan explains, "The surgeon from ECMC told me he is so pleased with how well I am healing and recovering."

"I'll never forget the life lessons, the people, and the relationships I established," Jan explains.  "I have been blessed in so many ways by the care, calls, cards and prayers from family, friends, and caregivers."

Heritage Village staff reciprocated Jan's feelings and emotions.  Maureen Winne, RN Unit Manager on South Wing where Jan lived, explains, "Jan truly touched the lives of everyone here.  She is so likable, upbeat, and positive.  Her attitude and commitment to get better also motivated others.  We will miss her!"

Through this life-changing experience, Jan has been able to reflect a lot on her life and on those who have cared for her.  "I could have died, or been paralyzed from this accident," she exclaims.  "Instead, I am going home.  I hope God blesses all those people who helped me ten times over for the ways they have blessed me," Jan exclaims.

At age 56, Jan is looking forward to a fresh start in life.  While at Heritage Village, her tailored diet enabled her to begin losing weight.  With increased confidence, she hopes to continue that trend at home.  Jan also looks forward to returning to Heritage Village in the near future to show the staff, particularly those in Therapy, that she is walking on her own.  "I am both happy and sad to leave, but will always cherish the friendships and smiles."