Butler County esp helps trenton widow regain independence
“When you wake up from a devastating event and don’t know where to turn, this is a place to turn, so please, say ‘yes.’”
On Oct. 31, 2022, Susan’s life changed forever. That was the day she had major spinal surgery and woke up not able to feel her lower body. She was told she was a parapalegic. Through her tireless work and determination, along with support from Butler County Elderly Services Program (ESP), Susan is more independent than she ever thought she could be again.
A widow after 48 years of marriage, Susan lived alone in her single story, four bedroom home in Trenton. “I was scared to go home (from the hospital),” Susan said. “I was absolutely, flat-out terrified.”
A hospital social worker mentioned that ESP may be able to help. “The minute I knew there were many things I would need help with,” Susan said, “I was making lists and phone calls - and one was to ESP.”
When she made that call, her care manager, Hannah, developed a personalized care plan and Susan’s road to recovery truly began. ESP provided an emergency response system which she wears every day and has helped her through two falls. The 30-ft wooden ramp ESP built for her replaced a costly, rented ramp and allows wheelchair-entry into her home.
ESP also provided medical transportation. “I had a lot of transportation in the beginning - wound care appointments, physical therapy sessions and countless doctor visits,” Susan remembers. It is because of all those visits that Susan gained strength and is now able to drive on her own.
Even with an extensive support network that includes three adult children, four grandchildren and many friends, Susan felt like a burden. “I didn’t want them (my children) to be off work all the time to help me,” she said. “With ESP, they can go to work every day and they’re happy to know that I have resources other than the family.”
A nurse by trade as well as an enthusiastic community theater seamstress, Susan has never hesitated to provide help to others, but accepting help was another thing altogether. “To let someone into my circle, especially a stranger, is hard for me,” Susan admits. “I don’t like to be dependent on anyone else. I am independent to an absurd degree. But she (Hannah) made me feel so comfortable about the whole thing. She has been a godsend.”
Hannah feels the same way: “Yes. She has come so far. Susan is one of the most inspirational clients I have had the privilege of working with.”
This fall, the Senior Services Levy is on the ballot in Butler County. The levy provides the majority of funds that allow Butler County ESP to help thousands of older adults stay at home. Historically, Susan has voted in favor of the Senior Services Levy, never knowing she was going to need services. When asked about the levy now, she says this: “When you wake up from a devastating event and don’t know where to turn, this is a place to turn, so please, say ‘yes.’”
A widow after 48 years of marriage, Susan lived alone in her single story, four bedroom home in Trenton. “I was scared to go home (from the hospital),” Susan said. “I was absolutely, flat-out terrified.”
A hospital social worker mentioned that ESP may be able to help. “The minute I knew there were many things I would need help with,” Susan said, “I was making lists and phone calls - and one was to ESP.”
When she made that call, her care manager, Hannah, developed a personalized care plan and Susan’s road to recovery truly began. ESP provided an emergency response system which she wears every day and has helped her through two falls. The 30-ft wooden ramp ESP built for her replaced a costly, rented ramp and allows wheelchair-entry into her home.
ESP also provided medical transportation. “I had a lot of transportation in the beginning - wound care appointments, physical therapy sessions and countless doctor visits,” Susan remembers. It is because of all those visits that Susan gained strength and is now able to drive on her own.
Even with an extensive support network that includes three adult children, four grandchildren and many friends, Susan felt like a burden. “I didn’t want them (my children) to be off work all the time to help me,” she said. “With ESP, they can go to work every day and they’re happy to know that I have resources other than the family.”
A nurse by trade as well as an enthusiastic community theater seamstress, Susan has never hesitated to provide help to others, but accepting help was another thing altogether. “To let someone into my circle, especially a stranger, is hard for me,” Susan admits. “I don’t like to be dependent on anyone else. I am independent to an absurd degree. But she (Hannah) made me feel so comfortable about the whole thing. She has been a godsend.”
Hannah feels the same way: “Yes. She has come so far. Susan is one of the most inspirational clients I have had the privilege of working with.”
This fall, the Senior Services Levy is on the ballot in Butler County. The levy provides the majority of funds that allow Butler County ESP to help thousands of older adults stay at home. Historically, Susan has voted in favor of the Senior Services Levy, never knowing she was going to need services. When asked about the levy now, she says this: “When you wake up from a devastating event and don’t know where to turn, this is a place to turn, so please, say ‘yes.’”
