Those We Serve – Sandra

For more than 15 years, Sandra built a life surrounded by friends in her hometown group home. Together, they celebrated birthdays, enjoyed shopping trips and spent holidays making memories. Known for her bubbly personality, Sandra was loved and brought joy to the people around her.

What Is an Intermediate Care Facility?

When a stroke changed her medical needs, the group home recognized Sandra needed a place that could safely support her evolving needs while preserving her desire for community integration.

Quest’s Intermediate Care Facilities became the place where Sandra would work toward greater independence. Although the stroke had left her with limited communication and mobility, Sandra was determined not to let the medical setback define her future. Over time, her G-tube was removed. What started as walking from one side of the living room to the other evolved into walking laps daily with a walker.

“Getting some of her mobility back and getting the G-tube out was a big deal,” says Kristina Chermak, a qualified intellectual disability professional with Quest. “Sandra is invested in getting better and making progress.”

Building Independence Through Person-Centered Care

Word puzzles have become one of Sandra’s favorite activities, an interest that also supports her ongoing speech recovery. As her communication has improved, so has her ability to express what matters most to her. Whether she’s choosing flower decorations from Amazon for her room, requesting headphones to listen to the band Alabama or sharing her favorite colors, Sandra is increasingly able to communicate what matters to her and pursue the things that bring her joy.

Those preferences help staff create opportunities centered on the things she enjoys most, like shopping trips, and attending concerts and basketball games. Sandra attends Quest’s adult day training center and is actively involved in her community. She has been able to embrace each new experience while also maintaining the relationships that meant so much to her before her stroke.

“Sandra calls her friends and her friends call her too. It’s very sweet because a lot of times when people move, they must start all over. They don’t have their old ties at all. So, it’s been great for me to see, and it’s been very valuable to her,” says Kristina.

Knowing how much those relationships mean to her, the Quest team have been able to coordinate visits between Sandra and her friends, despite living 90 minutes apart. The trips serve as a reminder that although her address has changed, her ability to stay connected, pursue her interests and participate in the community remains as strong as ever.

Learn more about Quest’s intermediate care facilities located in Orlando and Tampa at Residential Services – Quest, Inc.