Submitted by a Patient's Daughter:

My father was in the hospital for about 5 days in late August for treatment of unstable blood pressure and CHF, specifically dehydration. He is 91 and also has advancing vascular dementia. Sam was instrumental in coordinating with other disciplines on his behalf and in communicating with me as the family representative.

Sam spent time with my father. She talked with him, helped keep him as oriented as possible, and listened to his numerous repetitive stories so that she knew my family history. She explained everything to my dad in terms he could understand. Sam called me promptly to share and gather information. She was so pleasant and helpful to our family and presented us with treatment information, options, etc., in useful and caring ways.

She has a very loving and compassionate spirit. I think the greatest thing she did was make sure my dad felt heard. She did not, at any point in his stay, treat or address him as an old man with dementia. She treated him with respect, compassion, and care, as the man he was before dementia stole him, and as the man he would like to be remembered as.

Thank you, Sam, from the bottom of our hearts. You made a long stay so much easier for all of us.