House Call at the Smoothie Maker

Increasingly health and housing have become much more connected. This is especially true for older adults and their ability to age-in-place in their communities. So, beginning this fall, LifeSTEPS and USA Properties Fund have undertaken a pioneering pilot program for older adults in which a registered nurse will provide on-site medical case management support for older adults. The program will begin in three affordable housing communities and will be facilitated by Kim Paulsen, a registered nurse hired by LifeSTEPS. Kim’s presence was immediately felt — and appreciated.

To break the ice and as a way of introduction upon her first visit to Vintage Woods in Fair Oaks, Kim decided to make smoothies in the community room kitchen. She had researched recipes for a diabetic-friendly version of the drink and was standing at the blender getting them prepared when a resident approached her.

The resident, Marie, a woman in her 70’s, came close to her and gently tugged the collar of her shirt down and asked Kim a simple question: “Does this look like shingles?”

Kim stopped what she was doing and gave the afflicted area a quick appraisal.

“Yep. That looks like shingles. Have you had shingles before? And, have you had your vaccination yet?”

Marie sheepishly replied that she had, indeed, contracted shingles in the past. Kim told her that unfortunately you can get shingles more than once and she should contact her doctor to confirm the diagnosis, for treatment, and to get the shingles vaccination.

“Are you willing to make an appointment?” Kim prodded. Marie agreed, promising to call her doctor and get on the schedule.

This encounter in the community room at Vintage Woods may have saved Marie weeks of painful discomfort. Shingles can spread quickly and can be very painful. Had Marie not received this quick bit of house call advice from Kim, her treatment would have been delayed.

Because Kim is a Registered Nurse, Marie quickly trusted her and shared her condition. Had there not been a program in which a licensed medical professional were on-site, this support would not have been easily accessible for her, and Marie’s condition (and discomfort) would have worsened.

When Kim returned to Vintage Woods a week later, Marie was waiting for her. With a big smile on her face she approached Kim practically before she had a chance to set her things down. “Kim, look!” Marie tugged at her collar and showed her that the shingles had begun to recede. Marie also confirmed that she would be receiving her vaccination later that week.

“I’m so happy that you are here!” Marie exclaimed. “I don’t know what I would have done!” Kim’s “house call” made a big difference right away for Marie. And the smoothies were pretty good, too!