Independence Plus Blog
Sara’s Home Makeover
Special Spaces Chicagoland approached Sara, age 10, and her parents earlier this year to transform Sara’s bedroom into a dream world. But Sara’s friends, nurses, and community had something even better in mind that would infuse joy and meaning into Sara’s entire home.
Born at 27 Weeks, Daniel is Already Famous!
Daniel, 21 months, is a dynamic, intelligent, and handsome little man. Born at 27 weeks weighing only 1 lb., 7 oz., Daniel’s complex medical history required him to undergo open-heart surgery at 4 months, receive a tracheostomy, and be placed on mechanical ventilation. With help from his parents and nurses, Daniel has already made significant progress.
Lauren’s Homecoming
Lauren, who turns nineteen next month, was given a very special gift last December. Two days after Christmas, Lauren received news that she was finally going home. It was Lauren’s first day home in six years. Lauren suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease that causes severe muscle weakness and requires her dependence on mechanical ventilation.
It’s Never Too Late to Become a (Home Care) Nurse
Carl, RN, proves that it’s never too late to start a career in nursing. Professional, smart, and calm, Carl is a self-described “teddy bear” and respected by his patients and families with whom he’s developed an indelible bond.
Q&A with Blake: Scheduling and Recruiting
Blake Weber, Scheduling and Recruiting Manager, is leaving Independence Plus to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant in California. In honor of Healthcare Recruiter Day and the departure of our friend and colleague, we sat down with Blake to discuss what he learned in his role and how Scheduling and Recruiting benefits our patients, families, and nurses.
A Joyous Graduation from Home Nursing (Part III)
Andrew, 2, is one happy, healthy, and handsome young man. Today, we are overjoyed to announce Andrew’s graduation from our Home Nursing program. He has completed one tough journey and now he is ready for life without skilled home nursing care. This day is filled with many emotions as his full-time nursing staff and clinical team say their goodbyes and celebrate Andrew’s incredible progress.
A Time for Remembering
As we look forward to celebrating Memorial Day, we remember all who died over the past year. Many of them have been our finest teachers. They enriched our lives, touched our souls, and strengthened our spirits. The privilege of knowing these people is something we hold dear to our hearts.
A Mother’s Courage to Fight ALS
Carol Farrior is one strong woman. A mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Carol is fighting the hardest battle of her life yet—ALS. Three years ago, Carol was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite new obstacles in her life, like dependence on mechanical ventilation, Carol refuses to let ALS define her.
Celebrating National Nurses Week 2014
This week, we’re celebrating our caring and compassionate nurses. We are often inspired by the complex skills and the many kindnesses our nurses show our patients and their families every day – and we want to publicly say, “thank you!”
Raise Your Glass to Muscular Dystrophy
John McHugh, 31, is a sports enthusiast, avid movie-goer, and college graduate. When John was only four years old, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Fourteen years ago, his Irish Catholic family began fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association—and they are still going strong.
The Story of a Budding Rock Star
Aiden, 5, loves music. When he was two years old, Aiden began drumming on the kitchen table. Today, Aiden plays three different djembe drums for up to an hour every day—and is even learning to play the piano. Despite being born with Nager syndrome, Aiden is thriving.
Xavier’s Wish Comes True
Xavier, 5, has the most contagious smile. When he flashes his wide, open-mouthed grin, you can’t help but beam right back at him. Born premature at 27 weeks, Xavier has a complicated medical history that has left him without a diagnosis and ventilator-dependent. He recently traveled to Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Grow With Us
We’re expanding our services and offerings. We want you to be a part of the team that is delivering personalized, individual, people-focused skilled home healthcare to those in need. Come join us.