Patients Talk About Condell
Home Health Care and Services

Don

Condell Home Medical Equipment (HME) has literally been a lifesaver for Don Saylor of Cary, IL. After repeated futile attempts to speak with his supplier about repairing his Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, he sought help from Condell, who put him back on track. The CPAP machine is used to relieve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that causes the patient's airway to close several times during one night's sleep. CPAP therapy provides a steady stream of pressurized air through a tube connected to a plastic facemask. The airflow prevents the collapse of airway tissues during sleep by automatically applying the pressure needed for inhaling and exhaling.

Before contacting Condell, Saylor was fearful that his CPAP machine would malfunction during the night. He slept sitting upright in a chair every night for a year, afraid to sleep in his bed for fear that he would stop breathing because of his obstructive sleep apnea.

Upon first hearing from Saylor in June 2003, Condell HME set right to work as his advocate. Grateful for their help, Saylor switched his service to Condell HME, and began working with respiratory care practitioner Susan Kenyon, who began her new assignment with a phone call to Saylor's physician to request a new sleep study. She also handled all the correspondence to notify Medicare that Saylor's machine was not working and that his previous provider was unreachable.

"Without this new CPAP machine and the care from Susan, I'd be dead! I truly believe that," Saylor said. Saylor said his new ResMed S7 with heated humidity, as well as timely follow up and care through Condell HME, have made a huge difference. He now can sleep in his bed, allowing him a restful night's sleep, improved quality of breathing, and increased energy during the day.

Kenyon, like all Condell respiratory care practitioners, begins each patient visit with a full respiratory assessment. She also regularly checks patients' equipment, changes masks and head gear as appropriate, and instructs patients on cleaning methods and proper use of heated humidity.

"Condell has the 'best of the best' taking care of patients," Saylor said. The friendly attitude of Condell HME's staff, from skilled respiratory care practitioners to knowledgeable office staff, in addition to properly working and well-maintained equipment, have made all the difference in giving Don Saylor a restful night's sleep - and giving him his life back.

Margaret

Margaret of Vernon Hills describes her favorite nurse. "She takes very good care of me. She sneaks in questions without my knowing so she can check my progress. It's reassuring to me and my family that I'm being looked after so vigilantly."

Marlene & Doug

When patients are discharged from the hospital, some aren't totally comfortable with taking care of themselves. The Condell Home Health Care team gives patients confidence by teaching them and their caregivers to become self-sufficient. Take Marlene and Doug of Libertyville, who are caring for Myrtle, Marlene's 84-year-old mother. Myrtle has diabetes and a chronic heart condition. Marlene and Doug keep Myrtle at home because their nurse taught them to be proactive about her condition's warning signs. Also, Myrtle can stay at home since her medication is delivered to her home. Marlene and Doug also get peace of mind from the experience of the staff. "All of the nurses are very competent and work very well together," said Marlene. It helps Marlene and Doug to know that the nurses will follow up regularly with Marlene.

Alice

Another client, Alice, had never been sick a day in her life. But recently, her entire lifestyle changed drastically after a hospital stay. She was on bed rest after major surgery. After a few weeks of her nurse's TLC and her own strong determination to become self-sufficient, Alice is healing nicely and taking daily laps around the house. "Being sick has been an overwhelming experience for me at times, but my nurse's optimistic attitude and calming personality gave me great peace of mind. She checked my medication and lab results and kept in close communication with my doctor."