donors

VNA Care Helps Home Health Patient Defy the Odds After Cardiac Arrest

Ronald Walsh’s comeback from a severe heart attack and cardiac arrest was nothing short of a miracle.

Only 10% of people survive a cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating) outside a hospital setting. Ron had been at home asleep when the unthinkable happened.

His wife Doris quickly began CPR until emergency services arrived. Ron learned later that he’d been without a pulse for 10 minutes. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to implant two stents that opened his arteries. He spent weeks in intensive care, unconscious and dependent on a ventilator.

There were finally signs of hope, and Ron transitioned from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility where he continued to improve. Nearly two months after the heart attack, Ron and Doris received amazing news. Ron would resume his recovery at home under the skilled care of VNA Care’s home health team.

Cardiovascular diagnoses are among the leading medical conditions treated by VNA Care’s clinicians in consultation with patients’ physicians, surgeons, and other medical providers. VNA Care uses an interdisciplinary approach focused on helping patients reach their health goals as well as supporting loved ones in their role as caregivers.

Ron and Doris’s home health care team included Amy Calhoun, occupational therapist; Philip Marchese, physical therapist; Amber Pombo, speech-language pathologist; and Abigail Roundy, nurse and case manager. While each brings their own area of expertise, the team collaborates to ensure a cohesive, holistic approach to care in the home setting.

Amy evaluated Ron’s ability to perform activities of daily living, and Abigail spent time teaching Ron about his condition, reviewing medications, monitoring his breathing and vital signs, and ensuring all went smoothly with his recovery. Ron was quite weak when he returned home, so Philip created an exercise plan to build his strength and endurance. Ron followed the plan, and became strong enough to walk around the block with Philip without feeling out of breath or becoming dizzy.

Doctors were particularly concerned that those crucial minutes when Ron’s heart had stopped may have permanently affected his cognitive abilities. Ron said that when he first returned home he “had a hard time remembering and sorting things out — connecting the dots so to speak.”

As a speech-language pathologist, Amber helps people with cognitive function issues improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive function through targeted exercises and strategies. “Little by little, I progressed,” said Ron. “I think Amber did a really great job.”

Doris appreciated the team’s reassuring presence and updates on Ron’s condition. She added, “Everyone was fabulous, and they took their time with Ron. He’s made a lot of progress.”

Ron is grateful for all that the team did for him, and is looking forward to returning to his volunteer work alongside Doris at the Odd Fellows Fraternity Lodge 118. Ron has served as secretary of the civic and philanthropic organization for 34 years.

“With the team’s advice and direction, I’m feeling better,” shared Ron. “The clinicians know what to do to help people meet their goals and get back on track. I’ll miss everyone.”