Patient Stories

Choosing HomeMD, Hospice Helps Yvonne and Family

Yvonne Martin has always been a strong-willed woman who lives on her own terms. 

A Salem native, Yvonne worked throughout her adult life. When her three children were growing up, she worked at the school cafeteria and at Sylvania Corporation. Later, she became one of the first meter maids in Salem and then worked for many years with the Salem Housing Authority until her retirement in 1991. 

Yvonne’s husband, Raymond Martin, died in January 2002. For many years after that, Yvonne lived on her own in Salem and was still driving into her early 90s. When she decided that she shouldn’t drive anymore, she continued to live alone at home with support from her children who would deliver groceries and run errands for her. 

When a cardiac test determined that Yvonne had experienced two minor strokes, she and her family began to explore assisted living facility options for her. 

Assisted living and primary care at home 

In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With Yvonne experiencing cardiac issues and her children working, the family knew they needed help. Friends had recommended Sunrise at Gardner Park assisted living in Peabody, which the family had visited earlier. Yvonne and her children all agreed that Sunrise was the best place for her. Yvonne moved there in August 2020.? 

The following month, Yvonne chose Care Dimensions’ HomeMD for her primary health care so she could have her primary care doctor and nurse practitioner come right to her with the services and expertise she needed to help her age in place.   

“HomeMD allowed me and my brothers to spend more time with our mom doing things she liked, such as going out for lunch, to the hairdresser, or to familiar places in Salem and Marblehead instead of driving to her primary care doctor,” said Yvonne’s daughter, Jane Harrington. 

“I knew I had to have someone care for me because I was slowing down,” recalled Yvonne. “It’s wonderful to have this team come to me and provide the care I need.”   

HomeMD Nurse Practitioner Kristin Chouinard has been caring for Yvonne for more than four years. Every Tuesday, she visits Gardner Park, where about half of the residents use HomeMD for their primary care.  

“I can’t say enough about Kristin,” said Harrington. “She tells the truth and gives straight facts, which is very comforting and reassuring. I ask a lot of questions and Kristin is very knowledgeable. She always has Mom’s best interest at heart, and I trust her judgment. She’ll call or text me with updates and always reminds me to contact her if I ever feel the need to do so. Knowing that my mom is well taken care of makes me feel at ease.”  

Deborrah Dadou, resident care director at Gardner Park, has referred many residents to HomeMD. 

“Kristin is very responsive, even on weekends,” said Dadou. “We work with her, the patients, and the families in making care decisions, and we communicate openly. Families love that. If a resident on HomeMD needs a medication change or an antibiotic, it happens quickly. The communication and access make a big difference.” 

Yvonne and Chouinard have a close relationship and enjoy their visits and conversations. For four years, the nurse practitioner helped Yvonne manage cardiac issues and maintain a good quality of life. 

Transition to hospice 

In September 2024, Yvonne’s heart condition worsened, and she had trouble breathing.? Small tasks like putting on her socks became exhausting. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Chouinard told Harrington, “It may be time to consider hospice.” 

“When I heard that, I thought my mom was going to die right away,” recalled Harrington. “I was surprised to hear that hospice was not just for the final days of life, but for providing comfort, support, and improving quality of life during the time she has left. Some friends’ parents had hospice with Care Dimensions and they were thankful because the care was so wonderful. I always wanted the best possible care for my mom, so when Kristin explained the added services she would receive with hospice I knew the time was right as her care needs were increasing.”  

A Care Dimensions admission nurse met with Yvonne and her family to explain how Yvonne would receive the expert care and support needed to ensure comfort and dignity throughout this stage of her life. The hospice care team includes an RN case manager, home health aide, social worker, spiritual counselor, and music therapist. The hospice nurse coordinates Yvonne’s care and communicates regularly with Chouinard.  

“I also thought hospice meant the very end of life, but I see that’s not the case with my mother,” said Yvonne’s son, Tom Urbanski. “With hospice, Aide Millie gets Mom going, dressed, and to breakfast. We feel more at ease knowing she’s being well taken care of.  

“Mom is still doing a lot of things she did before – eating, interacting with other residents, participating in activities,” continued Urbanski. “It’s great to have hospice and know we do not need to run to the emergency room if Mom is having a health concern. They provide the support and care needed to ensure she can continue enjoying these moments. Mom receives additional care services through the assisted living facility, including personal care on the weekend and when Millie has a day off. All of this helps bring peace of mind.”  

“Millie is precious. She is kind, understanding, and makes me feel better,” said Yvonne. “She’s an angel and a wonderful person. Kristin is so kind and understanding and she listens to what I say, which is very important. Age is catching up with me and I know it, but Kristin makes me feel good.”  

Yvonne’s sons, daughter, and family members make sure at least one of them visits her every day and they call her regularly.  

“Mom knows the services are helping her,” noted Harrington. “I’m very thankful. It takes the pressure off me, and I’m more at ease. I know Millie’s there in the morning and that the Sunrise staff are there to support my mom as well. It’s a big relief and makes all the difference in the world.”