Home Care Success Story Orange Beach, AL

Client #2

Client Name: Jim T. Age: 72 Location: Orange Beach, AL Condition: Post-stroke recovery with limited mobility Living Situation: Lives at home with his wife, Linda Family Support: Wife is primary companion but unable to provide physical assistance

Background

Jim is a 72-year-old retired contractor known for his strong work ethic and love of woodworking. Several months ago, Jim suffered an ischemic stroke that left him with partial paralysis on his left side and significant weakness overall. He now uses a wheelchair for mobility and requires assistance with most daily tasks.  Jim lives with his wife, Linda, who has been his emotional anchor through recovery. However, at 70 years old and dealing with her own arthritis and back issues, Linda is unable to provide the physical support Jim now needs for safe transfers, hygiene, and mobility.  Jim expressed a preference for a male caregiver due to his size (6’2", 240 lbs) and a desire to preserve his dignity during more personal aspects of care. His family agreed that a professional in-home care provider was the most respectful, safe, and sustainable solution.

Challenges

• Mobility and Transfers: Jim requires assistance moving between his wheelchair, bed, and bathroom. Without proper lifting support, there is a high risk of injury—for both Jim and his wife.

• Personal Care Needs: Jim needs help with bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming. Due to his size, these tasks require strength and proper technique.

• Medication and Therapy: Jim has a complex medication schedule and needs help adhering to prescribed physical therapy routines to regain strength and coordination.

• Caregiver Preference: Jim was adamant about having a male caregiver for comfort and privacy during personal care tasks.

• Caregiver Burnout Risk: Without support, Linda was showing signs of fatigue and emotional stress from trying to manage on her own.

Solution: Customized In-Home Care from Alethia Senior Care

Alethia Senior Care developed a personalized care plan tailored specifically to Jim’s post-stroke needs, including assigning a trained male caregiver who could manage the physical demands of his care with professionalism and compassion.

Care Plan Details:

• 6 hours/day, 5 days/week (weekday schedule):

  • Morning assistance with bathing, dressing, and transferring

  • Medication reminders and coordination with therapy exercises

  • Light housekeeping and meal prep

  • Companionship and supervised walks (wheelchair or assisted walking)

• Respite care on weekends (as needed): Relief care for Linda to rest or attend appointments

• Mobility training support: Reinforcing prescribed physical therapy routines at home

Additional Support:

• Safety adjustments: Alethia helped coordinate installation of grab bars and a transfer bench in the bathroom.

• Ongoing communication: Weekly updates provided to Jim and Linda’s adult children for peace of mind.

Cost Breakdown

Hourly care rates in Fairhope typically range from $25 to $30/hour. For Jim’s 6-hour, 5-day weekly schedule:

• 30 hours/week × $27/hour (average) = $810/week

• Estimated Monthly Cost = $3,240

This personalized care approach is less expensive than skilled nursing facilities, which often cost $7,000–$9,000/month, and it allows Jim to remain in the comfort of his home with his wife and maintain a higher quality of life.

Outcome

With Alethia Senior Care’s support, Jim has made notable progress in his recovery. He feels more confident and secure with a trained caregiver by his side, and he appreciates having someone who understands both his physical needs and his personality. Linda has been able to rest and return to being a loving spouse rather than a stressed caregiver.

Their home feels like home again—not a hospital—with safety, routine, and dignity restored.

Conclusion

Jim’s story is a powerful example of how thoughtful, tailored in-home care can restore independence, support family caregivers, and promote recovery after a life-changing event like a stroke. At Alethia Senior Care, we understand that no two clients are the same—and our flexible, compassionate approach ensures care plans are built around real people and real needs.

This is the heart of Home Care, Your Way.