DEARBORN, Michigan—Retirees Marcia and Ray Waugh are enjoying their retirement years together, traveling cross country in the couple’s 38 ft. recreational vehicle. Among their frequent destinations is Marcia’s childhood home in Dearborn where her brother Richard Ciarkowski and mother Blanche Ciarkowski still live.
On August 5, Blanche Ciarkowski celebrated her 100th birthday — another reason for family members to gather in Dearborn.
Marcia Filek, geriatric care manager for Senior Care Solutions, visits with Blanche Ciarkowski and daughter Marcia Waugh.
“When you live out of state or travel as much as we do, you can plan for special events for mom, but not the medical emergencies,” said daughter Marcia, who had worried that she couldn’t get to Dearborn quickly enough if her mom needed her. “There’s no guarantee you can get on the next flight.”
Four years ago, Ciarkowski experienced a medical crisis, and it was her son Richard who found Senior Care Solutions (SCS) by Oakwood. SCS’s Geriatric Care Manager Marcia Filek, came to the family’s aid by managing Ciarkowski’s care in the hospital and her subsequent return home.
Since then, Filek has maintained ongoing communication with the Waughs, Richard Ciarkowski and other family members while coordinating and attending doctor appointments with their mom. She also arranged private duty care for an aide to visit twice weekly to help with Ciarkowski’s personal care and housekeeping.
One of Ciarkowski’s biggest complaints was pain caused by severe arthritis. “I can predict the climate changes, because my bones scream,” said Ciarkowski, who spent many years working on the final assembly line for Dodge.
Filek referred Ciarkowski to a pain management doctor in Dearborn who has helped to reduce her discomfort. In August, she was accompanied by Filek to her doctor appointment, and both were surprised to learn the doctor and his staff had planned a 100th birthday celebration for their patient.
Before the Waughs began another cross country trip, they recently visited Dearborn and met with Filek to receive updates about Ciarkowski’s care.
“We’re never more than an email or phone call away. We frequently check in by cell phone with mom and Marcia when we’re on the road in our RV,” said Waugh.
Ciarkowski’s daughter Marcia and her husband Ray Waugh check in by cell phone on the road in their RV.
About Senior Care Solutions by Oakwood
Senior Care Solutions by Oakwood offers geriatric care assessments and case management services along with in home, non-medical and personal care services for seniors and post trauma patients. Located in Allen Park, Mich., Senior Care Solutions by Oakwood provides services throughout the five county areas of Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne. Personal care services are also available within a 30 mile radius of Detroit. For more information, call 866-776-1869.
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