October 1, 2011
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing this letter on behalf of Bev Fetzner and HERO, Inc. in testimony of the exceptional guidance and information our family received from Bev.
In late 2008, our 90-year-old mother, was beginning to show signs of early dementia. Up until that time our mom was able to take care of herself. Staying at home, preparing her breakfast and lunches and performing small routine household tasks were not a problem for her even though she had difficultly walking. She had been a dialysis patient for over five years with a history of congestive heart failure. Despite those health issues, she was and active and independent woman. When we began noticing a decline in her memory and showing signs of confusion (speaking often about conversations and phone calls she was having with various public figures), we became concerned for her safety at home while we were both at work.
Our mom had always expressed her desire to stay at home, not willing to be cared for in a nursing home. We were not aware of the different types of help and services she could receive at home.
We were totally unprepared for the challenges we were about to face. What we did know; however, was that our mom also recognized our worry and became fearful of being placed in a home.
Knowing that Bev had knowledge about these types of situations and a willingness to share her insights and information on services available, we asked her to meet with us. Without any hesitation, she agreed to meet with the two of us. She was a fountain of information. She told us about the Waiver program and the type of help our mom could receive at home – where she wanted to stay. Bev’s compassion was so evident. She really understands the challenges the elderly face; she understand the challenges of navigating through the system and she understands that families faced with making difficult decisions concerning their loved ones need the gentle guidance that she is so willing to provide. We were so thankful for her help and compassion at a time when we had no idea where to turn.
We were so glad we had someone like Bev guiding us through the process. Our hope is that HERO, Inc. will be able to continue fulfilling its mission by helping families facing these same types of challenges.
Hopefully, HERO, Inc. will remain the valuable community resource that it has become and be able to continually grow and expand its services to older adults in the region.
Sincerely,
Kathy and Rebecca
To Whom It May Concern:
The wonders we’ve been blessed with in life are directly correlated with our magnificent family and friends! When the time has come to take the lead in caring for an elderly family member, it’s with ease that we accept this responsibility!
Guiding an elderly family member to the realization of the need to move from the comfort of their home to a place with more assistance is monumental! It’s not like we have the opportunity to practice these skills because they come our way but a few times in our life! Seeing a person you love thru this process can be overwhelming and exhaust your efforts and understanding.
Recently, I was helping someone through this very thing and was sent to Beverly Fetzner from HERO, Inc. Twenty-twenty hindsight, I believe the Beverly was heaven sent! It was my first time in my 59 years of life that I needed to encourage someone to move away from the home that he loved and cherished.
Bev came to the house with very little notice and was by our side throughout. She spelled out the variety of options available and led us to a point of comfort! What more can you ask for in life?
Bev’s knowledge is only surpassed by her compassion for the senior members of our community. May her guidance and support for our older adults in the region stay alive and continue to grow as the valuable community resource we’ve come to know as HERO, Inc.
Sincerely,
Mary