When WesleyLife Home Health aide Kimmy Gladstone arrived at the home of her client Chuck U. in Pleasant Hill a few weeks ago, she knew something wasn't quite right.
"We were having coffee as we usually do, and his hand and wrist looked funny to me," Kimmy, who visits Chuck three times a week, said. "I looked closer, and I saw a red streak running from his wrist all the way to his shoulder. I thought, 'We're in trouble.'"
Kimmy made a quick call to Chuck's next-door neighbor, a registered nurse. The neighbor took a look and confirmed Kimmy's diagnosis, and within minutes, Chuck was on his way to a Des Moines hospital.
Doctors there treated Chuck for a serious bacterial infection and told him Kimmy's quick action likely saved his life.
"I'm just grateful I happened to arrive in time to do some good," Kimmy said. "It's a blessing to know Chuck, and to be able to help keep him healthy is a privilege for me."
Kimmy, who assists multiple clients through WesleyLife at Home, has been helping with Chuck's care for about a year. "He's so appreciative of everything I do that it makes me want to put even more into my work," she said. "It's humbling to realize that the small things I do could mean so much."
Chuck, a retired Korean War veteran, said Kimmy's presence has filled a void in his life.
"When you live by yourself, you can get pretty lonesome," he said. "My son passed away, and she also lost a child, so she knows how I feel and is helping me try to move past that. Plus, my health issues worry me, but I don't worry as much when I know Kimmy's coming to check on me."
In addition to making sure Chuck is feeling all right and taking appropriate action when he isn't, Kimmy also helps with household tasks, including cleaning, laundry, and grocery-shopping. Chuck said Kimmy "is the hardest worker I've ever seen, and she never stops!"
"My favorite things about having her here, other than making me feel more safe, is having coffee with her and talking about books and the Bible," Chuck says. "She goes the extra mile for me all the time. She's become like a daughter."
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If you or someone you know could benefit from WesleyLife at Home's services -- or if you're ready for a job you'll love!-- contact us via wesleylife.org or at (515) 978-2777. We're here to help!