Continuity of Care

It was a snowy, bitterly cold day in January when I first met James Sadler. I could see him through his porch window, and when I knocked he quickly bounded up, rushed to the door and invited me in out of the weather. The purpose of the visit was to hear his story and compose a pictorial for the Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service (FLVNS) website. He was the ideal candidate for the photos; he looked the picture of health – brisk walk, rosy cheeks and beautiful smile.

Mr. Sadler was planning to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise this past March. He was determined to walk the decks of the ship and enjoy all the cruise had to offer with his wife and family. During our conversation he told me he is battling cancer, and last fall his doctor discovered the cancer had metastasized to his foot, and amputation was recommended. The surgery was performed at Clifton Springs Hospital and he was later transitioned to Geneva’s Living Center South for rehabilitation. Upon discharge from the rehabilitation center he chose to receive home care and rehabilitation services from Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service. FLVNS worked collaboratively with the hospital, rehabilitation center, his physicians and Hanger Prosthetics. With Mr. Sadler’s spirit and determination, along with the collective efforts of his health care team, his recuperation with his new prosthesis is well under way.

By the time I met him he was walking around his house without the aid of a cane and with no visible limp. He was grateful in his appreciation for the physicians, clinicians, hospitals, and facilities that helped him recover so quickly from surgery.

Excitingly, Mr. Sadler accomplished his objective of celebrating his anniversary on a cruise with his family and our agency is proud to have been part of his health care team helping him meet his goal.