Caring for Elderly Parents: Angel MedFlight reunites a family to assist in father’s care
Parents are the loving hands that guide us through childhood and steer us into the adult world. When they can no longer care for themselves or cannot be adequately cared for at home, it becomes imperative for their adult children to select a long-term care facility close by to monitor their treatment and ensure their comfort. Recently a Texas man, Bob Nichols*, was confronted with this situation.
Bob’s parents, John and Catherine, have been married for 62 years and have lived most of that time in Pennsylvania, more than 1500 miles from their son’s home outside San Antonio. Following a stroke in the spring of 2009, John has required in-patient rehabilitation. After several months of treatment, it became apparent that Catherine needed assistance in supporting John’s recovery. Bob convinced his parents to join his family in Texas. However, at 83 years old, John’s weakened physical condition made commercial air travel extremely risky if not impossible.
Bob contacted Angel MedFlight to request an air ambulance medical flight for his parents. Cheryl Stroman, an Angel MedFlight flight coordinator, assured Bob that she would handle every detail of the medical transport, with Bedside-to-Bedside™
service for his father. On October 22, the Angel MedFlight medical crew secured John’s stretcher and assisted Catherine into a medically configured Learjet 35 bound for San Antonio.
“I wanted to move down [to Texas] in ‘96,” Catherine explained to the medical crew during the flight, “but he [John] wouldn’t do it.” Now, being close to their family for additional help and support will be highly beneficial for John’s recovery.
Four short hours later, the couple arrived in San Antonio. Catherine thanked the Angel MedFlight medical crew for their care and dedication, exchanging hugs with them. Bob was relieved to have his parents safely escorted to their new home in Texas and he immediately contacted Cheryl to express his appreciation.
Dear Cheryl,
My mother and I just wanted to thank you for all of your help and consideration on moving my father and mother to Texas. It could not have went any smoother just as you told me. They got here safely and dads in the nursing home and I'm sure his progression will improve with the good lord willing. Again thanks for all of your hard effort and the crew. Again they were great for my parents.
-Bob Nichols*
Watch the video of the transport to hear Catherine’s* story.
*Names have been changed to protect the patient's privacy.
**Angel MedFlight is in the business of arranging air medical transportation services, commercial medical escorts, ground ambulance services and discretionary insurance benefit assistance. Angel MedFlight's focus is performing these obligations in a manner that far surpasses our customers' expectations.
Angel MedFlight utilizes the services of sole and exclusive FAA F.A.R. Part 135 vendors, such as AeroJet Services (License Number: J7EA116I). Our vendors retain WYVERN and ARG/US Platinum ratings in order to ensure the safest aviation operations possible.
