Meet Our Client: Julie Rohrich
Robert “Butch” Rohrich was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago after his wife, Julie — a social worker — noticed some concerning changes in his behavior. She made an appointment with his primary care physician, who conducted a screening and referred them to a neurologist. The diagnosis was confirmed, but they were told there was nothing more that could be done.
“I was so surprised to hear that,” Julie said. “As a social worker, I’d spent my career helping others. I’d worked at a senior center where the leader of our caregiver support group often recommended Benjamin Rose, so I was familiar with their services.”
As Butch’s condition worsened, Julie retired to care for him and contacted Benjamin Rose to ask about caregiver support. Earlier this year, she was connected with Karen Peereboom, a Community Care Navigator with the WeCare…Because You Do℠ program, which provides individualized support and guidance for caregivers.
Julie and Karen speak regularly by phone.
“After a call, Karen always follows up with an email full of helpful resources,” Julie said. “At first, I felt like I was drowning in information. Karen provides little life preservers that help me move forward.”
When Karen recommended looking into home health care, she helped Julie create a list of questions for agencies and suggested compiling a care packet with Butch’s daily schedule and contacts for use by aides or family members. “Talking with Karen helps me figure out what’s working and what’s not,” Julie said. “It’s important to be proactive and ask for help. I need to be my husband’s advocate. With this disease, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow — or in five minutes — so planning ahead matters. Karen and the WeCare program have helped me do that.”
Learn More About WeCare
WeCare… Because You Do℠ is an individualized care coordination program that helps to answer your toughest questions, connect you to the services you need . . . and bring you peace of mind.
Discover how we can help you work towards a better future today!
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