Roger and his wife Dolores had planned to renew their 40-year wedding anniversary vows when Roger had a stroke. After his stroke Roger lived in a nursing home for eight years. During this time, the nursing home shared information with Delores and Roger’s family about programs and resources that could help. That information led Delores to The Coordinating Center. The services available through The Coordinating Center were a great fit, and Delores and Roger started working with a Supports Planner in 2020.
Delores said, “We felt [The Coordinating Center] could help with a lot of necessary things. They could help with bringing him home, program details, and timelines. They were able to provide all the answers needed.”
In July 2025, Roger left the nursing home and transitioned back to his family home! His Supports Planner was by his side working to get him home. He receives services through the Home and Community-Based Options (CO) Waiver.
Roger is unable to speak since his stroke, but remains very active with his family and even traveled to South Carolina for a family party! Next year, Dolores and Roger will celebrate their Golden Anniversary, celebrating 50 years of marriage. He also loves music and lives by the message of “Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone: a fitting reflection of the joy he finds in connection, community, and being with others.
The biggest impact that working with The Center has on Delores is the ease that having a supports planner on Roger’s care team has brought her.
“Half the stress is taken off of me and my family’s minds,” she said. “I can focus on my husband while our Support Planner from The Coordinating Center takes care of behind-the-scenes stuff which alleviates a lot of stress.”
Roger has enjoyed everything about transitioning back to his family home. Since having a platform lift installed, Roger has been able to get out of the home so he can see people, neighbors, and experience things. Roger and Delores have taken multiple road trips to various family members and enjoy reconnecting.
Delores offers this advice for anyone considering joining The Coordinating Center: “Join, join, join! The stress reduction that they can provide is unbelievable. They can help.”
