- Feb 4, 2021

The Gift of Care: How Perseverance, Expertise, and Compassion Saved a Family

May 2021 Update: Seabury Care Management is expanding its services to meet the needs of older adults and families in Howard County and Anne Arundel County.

About two years ago, Phoebe* and her brother and sister noticed that their mother, who lived alone, was struggling with short-term memory. Worried that it might be dementia, Phoebe took her mother to the doctor and confirmed the diagnosis.

Phoebe called Seabury’s Care Management team and set up a home visit with Christine Bitzer, Assistant Director of Care Management, and Martha Gaston, Care Manager. “Both were incredibly caring and kind and talked about putting services in place to help my mother stay in her home.”

Seabury Care Managers, each with at least 10 years of experience, are all licensed social workers and members of the Aging Life Care Association.

Unfortunately, Phoebe’s mother was losing her capacity to manage her own affairs: meals, housekeeping, laundry, etc. “My mother is very strong-willed. Martha was able to connect with her around similar experiences living abroad. She was able to gain my mother’s trust.”

Martha observed the situation deteriorating. She organized a family mediation regarding a new living situation. Martha identified an assisted living community, guided Phoebe’s mother through the decision-making process, and orchestrated a successful transition into her home.

Phoebe recently remarked, “I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that, without Seabury, I don’t think my mother would be alive today.”

She notes, “Her health is much better, her short-term memory loss has stabilized, and her quality of life has greatly improved.” Phoebe is relieved to have found the support that both she and her mother need, saying, “Throughout this journey, Seabury Care Management has been there for me and my family, and my mother first and foremost 100%.”