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| My story is similar to that of many people in their fifties. My parents, who are in their eighties, have lived in their home for half a century. Over the last five years their needs have changed greatly. I live in another state 750 miles away. I am part of the "sandwiched" generation, as my youngest child is a senior in high school. Joanne Foss has been an enormous help and resource. She has assessed both my parent's needs and written multi-paged reports detailing her findings. We have given these reports to their various physicians, which has proven to be invaluable in receiving good care. She has accompanied them to various appointments and has been their advocate when I was not able to be there. In addition she has secured services such as housekeeping and laundry, and has recommended an excellent estate planning attorney as well.
My mother has recently begun to require assistance with personal grooming. I worried tremendously about maintaining her dignity. Joanne was able to access this need and gently and kindly make this happen. Joanne has a unique gift of knowing how to reach people.….In other words she is professional, yet also able to make my parents feel comfortable.
She answers all my concerns and questions promptly, always with a willing and welcoming attitude. She has sensed my anxiety, in my new role with my parents, and has been kind and supportive and caring of me as well.
I trust Joanne Foss completely with the care of my beloved parents and would recommend her services unequivocally to anyone in a similar situation. I will be glad to speak individually to anyone who might need her services. She is a very special lady.
J.S. (Family Member)
Joanne brings to her work a rare combination of compassionate care, attention to detail, solid clinical/nursing expertise and savvy knowledge of today’s complex health care systems. She represents all the best qualities I would seek in a care manager.
(Licensed Social Worker)
I was an active 70 year old woman with a husband, children, and grandchildren. At a doctor's appointment, I was told those three words, "you have cancer." My life stood still. I knew nothing about cancer or the treatment that goes along with it. I felt so alone. Then I contacted Joanne Foss. Joanne is a registered nurse who has worked at Hartford Hospital and area nursing homes for many years. After meeting with her, I no longer felt alone. Joanne is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the medical field. She would accompany me to my doctor's appointments and ask the important medical questions. She would then explain complicated medical explanations to me in terms I would understand. Joanne is compassionate, caring and always positive…..Her compassionate caring and guidance have been invaluable to me. She truly is an extraordinary person.
D. H. (Client)
My brother needed help, and I had no idea whom to turn to for help. Contributing to my dilemma is that I live out-of-state and communication is vital to me. Fortunately, an elder care lawyer suggested I give Joanne a call. A simple phone call was all it took. Joanne Foss responded immediately conveying her role(s) as a facilitator, listener and stating her willingness to assess the needs of the patient, my brother. After a detailed interview on the phone with me, Joanne contacted the Primary Physician and the specialists for my brother….Due to her caring, I felt a sense of trust and a bond building between Joanne and myself.
Joanne provides timely, gentle, yet aggressive facilitation between the Health Care Facility and me and our family. Most importantly, she is an advocate for promoting the best quality care for my brother….. Joanne provided us with a well-developed analysis of my brother, explaining his current status and making recommendations for him in long term convalescence. Joanne's motivation and her understanding the patient's needs, as well as her ability to convey this information via phone calls or e-mail promptly, helped me clarify and digest the information. She also translated hospital and medical terminology in understandable words, which has been a life-saver in terms of my comprehension of my brother's care.
Joanne has been able to return a sense of normalcy and “peace” back to him and to us. She has gradually restored “dignity” back to my brother. He will not get lost in the system, for which I owe Joanne much gratitude.
J.S. (family member)
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