August 26, 2011

Member makes strides five years after stroke

Since he had a stroke in 2006, brushing his teeth has become much more difficult for Robert Rector—but taking him to the dentist is easier than ever before, says his wife and caregiver Teresa.

Robert, age 54, joined Care Wisconsin’s Partnership program in Dane County in January 2011. An initial cleaning at the organization’s dental clinic on International Lane in Madison revealed that Robert had two cavities that would need to be filled.

After they returned home from the dental cleaning, Teresa called Care Wisconsin’s switchboard to rave about his positive experiences—from the staff’s gentle care and sense of humor, to their focused attention on talking to Robert rather than to his caregiver. Teresa and the couple’s son, Derek, are Robert’s caregivers through Partnership's self-directed supports (SDS) option.

Robert’s six-month check-in with his care team followed his appointment to get his cavities filled. Especially trained to work with frail elders and people with disabilities—the two populations served by Care Wisconsin—the dental clinic employees were again a big hit with Robert.

After his appointment, Robert and Teresa met with team members RN Vicky Turk and social worker Adrienne Allen to assess his progress. In addition to helping with goal-setting—Robert’s goal is to walk again—the care team had already ordered a home safety evaluation to explore adaptive equipment that would increase his independence.

While he still exhibits many effects of the stroke, physical therapy and treatment to relax a contracted hand and to develop strength and balance needed for walking are definitely helping. Service coordinator Jessica Dyer helps Robert keep track of his medical and physical therapy appointments. His weight has stabilized, he’s remembering to take his medications, his mood is good and he is feeling better than in a long time, says Teresa.

The care team again discussed with Robert the idea of quitting smoking and how they can help support that. Since Teresa also smokes, they encouraged her to talk with her doctor about setting a quit date. 

When asked what he is good at, Robert said “I’m good at fixing things, and I’m a good grandparent.” He is an animal lover and likes to share cooking ideas with Teresa. He enjoys—yes, enjoys!—physical therapy and working in his garden. He has 53 tomato plants that keep him busy.

Robert is so motivated that his physical therapist has recommended a class at UW in adaptive programming. Teresa and Vicky are working to get him registered in the class, and they agree that his good sense of humor will take him a long way toward reaching his goal of walking.

For him to be making such great strides in his recovery so long after his stroke occurred speaks volumes—and so does Robert’s smile.

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