We received the following letter from Alyson Delaney, Social Work Executive with White River Junction VA Medical Center detailing the direct impact of the SASH program along with community partners have on individuals.
Two of our facility’s social workers in Primary Care, brought to my attention the exemplary teamwork and care coordination provided by Molly Bennett, SASH Coordinator; Carla Kamel, Senior Solutions Case Manager; and Deborah Gelsi with Stewart Property Management. This group is to be commended for commitment and dedication to caring for a 77-year-old Veteran who lives alone and was decompensating into failure to thrive.
This team of emotionally intelligent, skilled, and attentive providers was instrumental in building a trusting and supportive relationship with the Veteran, which allowed them to speak openly and honestly about their concerns, including that his medical needs exceeded their ability to respond to and warranted a higher level of care. The team worked collaboratively with the Veteran to preserve his self-determination while also educating him about the impact of his choices. The team’s sensitivity to this Veteran’s complex medical and mental health needs was fueled by a deep sense of worry, which compelled them to reach out to the Veteran’s VA Team to join efforts in finding a path affirming Veteran’s choices while informing his direction towards getting the care he needed.
As a result of this collaboration, the Veteran agreed to be brought to the ED for care, which culminated in the effective delivery of urgent care he needed and restored Veteran’s humanity.
The team’s dedication to this Veteran’s health and well-being is commendable, and there is no question that this Veteran’s life was significantly, positively impacted by the actions of this wonderful team of caring providers whose contributions mattered so much.
Signed,
Alyson Delaney
