Jackie Warren was introduced to Regional One Health’s ONE Health complex care initiative when she was taking care of her sister.
The ONE Health team helped her find compassionate hospice care for her sister, and then turned to addressing Jackie’s health and social needs.
Today, with their help, Jackie is looking forward to the future, which includes staying healthy and spending time with her grandchildren.
In the course of a couple years, Jackie Warren reunited with her half-sister after 40 years apart, saw her health decline and then ultimately nursed her through her final days.
It wasn’t easy. At times, it felt heartbreaking and nearly impossible.
But in the end, Jackie says she found a lot more than she lost – not only memories she’ll cherish forever, but a new lease on life and a team that supports her every step of the way.
Jackie was introduced to Regional One Health’s ONE Health complex care program as she was struggling to care for her sister. It later blossomed into a blessing for her own health and wellbeing: “I was very lost, very confused. I didn’t know what direction to go in,” she said. “It was like they threw out a lifeline and I caught it. And I’m not going to let go.”
Jackie had lost touch with her half-sister as a child, and her memories of growing up are mostly of her four brothers. She was eager to reconnect.
Jackie Warren says her social worker, Renesa Clemmons, is her rock. “I’ve got a support system,” she said. “Without them, I don’t know where I would be physically and spiritually and emotionally.”
There were plenty of good times as the two women shared quiet moments of bonding as well as big milestone events. But the reunion, sadly, would be brief. “I had her for about a year, and she started to get very sick. While I was taking care of her, I was trying to read and learn about what was going on, and I knew it was time for hospice,” Jackie said.
Her half-sister was being treated at Regional One Health for chronic pancreatitis, and her doctor had pointed her to ONE Health, which uses donations to the Regional One Health Foundation to offer medical and social support for patients who do not have health insurance and whose needs are complex. Her condition was grim, and Jackie was overwhelmed by caregiving.
But at their darkest hour, both women felt the embrace of the ONE Health team.
Social worker Renesa Clemmons realized Jackie could also benefit from the program. Jackie lives with a number of chronic health conditions, including fibromyalgia, reflux, esophageal spasms and anxiety. Renesa helped her obtain her medications, physician appointments, mental health counseling, disability benefits and more, reminding her how important it is for caregivers to protect their own emotional and physical health.
“Renesa is my rock,” Jackie said. “She’s my go-to person. When I don’t know who to see, who to ask, she’ll direct me.”
That was the case when it was time to find hospice care. Renesa helped the women navigate the process with dignity and grace: “She said, ‘This will help you stay at home. This will help with your fear of falling. They come to you, and they take care of you,’” Jackie recalls.
The ONE Health team develops authentic relationships with patients to help them address both health care and social needs.
Then, when Jackie’s half-sister passed away on February 17, 2019, Jackie knew she wasn’t alone. “With ONE Health, I’ve got a support system,” she said. “Without them, I don’t know where I would be physically and spiritually and emotionally.”
And as a result, she’s found a new perspective on life.
Jackie’s half-sister was 56 when she passed away. Jackie is in her late 40s. She realizes she needs to take care of herself if she wants to live a long life – and she very, very much does.
“After she died, I wanted to do the next right thing, which is take care of me,” she said. “I’ve got grandbabies. I want to see them grow up. I want to live.”
So, with the help of ONE Health, she’s taking her medications. She’s getting regular ultrasounds and mammograms. She’s attending counseling religiously. She’s doing everything she needs to do to give herself the best chance at health and wellbeing.
“It’s my responsibility to show up,” Jackie said. “I’ve got to sit up and show up if I want to survive. I don’t want to die in a couple years, and this is the place I need to come to in order to prevent that. I’m truly grateful and blessed.”