A Journey of Dignity and Compassion: Caring for Miss Eleanor in Fairfield County, Ohio

Eleanor is now 78 years old. She has lived her entire life in Lancaster, Ohio, in the same home her parents purchased when she was just 5 years old. Her diagnosis includes mild intellectual disability and progressive arthritis, and she also lives with early-stage dementia. After her last family member passed away, Eleanor faced the terrifying prospect of leaving her beloved home and community.

That’s when we stepped in.

The Beginning of Our Journey Together

Eleanor’s case was referred to Njie And Sons Care LLC through the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Her guardian, appointed by APSI, was seeking an Ohio-based home care agency with experience in elderly care for individuals with special needs, especially one that offered long-term in-home support and a truly compassionate, person-centered approach.

We met with Eleanor, her guardian, and a representative from her local SSA. From the very first interaction, it was clear Eleanor didn’t just need care, she needed connection. She needed someone who would value her stories, respect her boundaries, and offer support in a way that preserved her independence and dignity.

Creating a Customized In-Home Care Plan

Our interdisciplinary team conducted a thorough assessment that included:

• A physical and cognitive evaluation
• A safety audit of her home
• An interview with her guardian and care manager
• A review of her past care documentation and behavioral history

Using this information, we developed an individualized care plan tailored specifically to her daily needs, preferences, cultural values, and long-term goals. Eleanor’s plan included:

• Assistance with personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
• Meal preparation tailored to her dietary restrictions (low sodium and diabetic-friendly)
• Medication reminders and coordination with her PCP at Fairfield Medical Center
• Cognitive support to help her manage dementia symptoms
• Light housekeeping and laundry services
• Community outings for social stimulation and errands
• Companionship care focused on mental health and emotional stability

We enrolled her in a Medicaid waiver program (Level One Waiver), and our administrative team took care of coordinating billing and case updates with the county board.

Our Role as Long-Term Caregivers

Eleanor’s care has evolved over the years. We’ve been with her through many transitions, adding memory care interventions when her dementia progressed, helping her safely recover from a minor stroke, and even organizing adaptive support when her mobility declined. Our 24/7 awake staff now rotates across three caregivers who have formed deep bonds with Eleanor.

Her team includes:

• Certified home health aides trained in dementia care
• A registered nurse supervisor who monitors her health monthly
• A companion caregiver who takes her to bingo nights at the senior center and morning walks at Rising Park

Each caregiver received person-specific training, ensuring they understood Eleanor’s communication style, trauma history, and physical limitations. Our consistent, loving presence has prevented multiple hospital readmissions and significantly improved her quality of life.

Building a Life of Purpose

More than physical assistance, what Eleanor needed was purpose. She loves old gospel music and has a modest collection of vinyl records. So, we found a local church willing to loan us a record player and began hosting “Gospel Hour” every Sunday. One of her caregivers also plays the piano, creating a musical bond that Eleanor now says is “her favorite part of the week.”

She also started growing vegetables in a raised garden bed on her porch. With guidance from our team, she waters her plants every morning and even donates small harvests to a nearby food pantry.

These moments of joy define her care experience.

The Family’s Perspective

Although Eleanor has no immediate family, her guardian visits monthly and regularly comments on how at peace Eleanor appears. In a recent quarterly review, her guardian stated:

“You all don’t just provide care. You provide humanity. Eleanor is thriving because she feels loved and safe. That’s not something you can fake.”

Her SSA echoed similar sentiments, calling our service delivery a “model for long-term, high-need community care in Ohio.”

What Families Should Know When Seeking Similar Care

If you’re considering in-home elderly care in Ohio particularly for individuals with disabilities or complex health needs, here are steps to follow:

1. Get a County-Based Referral

Contact your local Board of Developmental Disabilities or Area Agency on Aging. A Service and Support Administrator (SSA) can guide the process of getting waiver eligibility or adult day program access.

2. Verify Medicaid Waiver Eligibility

Ask about Level One, IO, or SELF Waivers. These can cover most or all costs of home and community-based services (HCBS).

3. Choose a Qualified Provider

Select a home care agency like Njie And Sons Care LLC with:

• Experienced caregivers trained in aging and disability
• A strong track record with Medicaid billing and documentation
• Transparent communication and care plan flexibility

4. Request a Care Plan Evaluation

We offer free, no-obligation assessments. During this visit, we assess risk factors, medical needs, home safety, and care preferences.

5. Begin Services With Compassionate Continuity

Once services start, we match your loved one with caregivers best suited to their personality and support needs. Our care managers remain accessible 24/7 and schedule regular updates with family and guardians.

Why Families Across Ohio Trust Njie And Sons Care LLC

We don’t see our work as just a job, it’s a calling to serve. Our commitment to special needs senior care, dignity-focused service, and family collaboration sets us apart. With a physical location at 467 Barclay Sq E, Columbus, OH 43209, we proudly extend services to surrounding counties, including Fairfield County, Franklin, Delaware, and beyond.

When you choose Njie And Sons Care LLC, you’re not just getting a caregiver you’re gaining a team of advocates, companions, and professionals committed to your loved one’s well-being.

Looking for Compassionate, Long-Term In-Home Support?

Let Eleanor’s story be a testament to what’s possible. If you’re in Fairfield County or elsewhere in Central Ohio and need trusted elderly care services for someone with special needs, contact us today for a personalized care consultation.