Overcoming Obstacles
A case study in Healthcare

In September 1987, the Fish family made the most difficult decision to place their youngest child in a group home operated by Aspire of Western New York.

Bill’s medical issues, including very erratic behaviors and a complex seizure disorder, became more than one family could handle safely. The final straw came when Bill nearly drowned. His older siblings, Larry, then age 16, and Laura, age 15, saved his life. They gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and called 911 in a matter of a few minutes. After that traumatic day, the Fish family knew Bill needed 24-hour care by competent individuals trained to manage Bill’s behaviors and medical needs.

"With all the strength we could gather, we placed our 13-year-old son in the care of Aspire, then called United Cerebral Palsy of Western New York," said Trudy Fish, Bill’s mom. "Through the years, we have experienced many challenges with Bill. We’ve tried a variety of medications to control seizures as well as behavior. The staff at his Aspire group home has done their best to help Bill live his life to the fullest."

Bill is now 33. This past year, he experienced another neurological event that caused him to fall and break his hip. Bill was immediately taken to the emergency room. It was discovered that Bill required surgery to repair a broken hip. It took a long stay in the hospital to nurse him back to stability. At the time of discharge planning, not one rehabilitation facility within a 50-mile radius of Buffalo would or could take Bill.

"With the typical compassion and vigor the nonprofit agency is known for, Aspire took charge," said Trudy. "The house management and medical staff announced, We will rehabilitate Bill at his group home."

Aspire’s health services not only operates on a fee for service basis, but it also has resources that extend to other programs, such as residential. Rehabilitation began immediately. Aspire’s therapy team evaluated and arranged for the special equipment that was needed. Group home staff was trained by Aspire’s medical and therapy team on how to best care for Bill. They learned how to help him get in and out of chairs, his hospital bed, and the shower facility. They also were trained on how to help Bill gradually take his first steps.

"Every time I visited Bill, staff members were eager to tell me about his progress," said Trudy. "I watched how tenderly they encouraged him, took care of him, loved him and even mothered him. I received regular updates through personal phone calls from the house manager. Aspire management also called to make certain that I was completely satisfied with Bill’s care."

Little by little, Bill regained confidence. This past Thanksgiving, the Fish family was overjoyed to have Bill sitting at their family’s dinner table and thrilled to see him slowly walking!

"Bill is walking today because of a very dedicated group of staff who made it their mission to get Bill back up on his feet," said Trudy.