At Boerne Lifestyle, we love sharing stories of local resilience, especially from those who have served our country. For senior citizens in our community, maintaining independence while managing changing health needs can feel like an uphill battle. When 87-year-old veteran Ramiro Rodriguez found his mobility and autonomy threatened by sudden medical challenges, his dedicated family knew they needed premier, compassionate support to keep him safe at home. They turned to Nancy and Troy Wilch with Assisting Hands Home Care.
Navigating the transition to home care can be daunting for any family, but the right team can provide physical assistance and restore peace of mind. For Rodriguez, the dedicated caregivers became trusted partners in his rehabilitation journey, working hand in hand with his medical team to rebuild his stamina. One year after making that crucial call, Ramiro is sharing his inspiring journey of recovery, newfound confidence, and an unwavering determination to walk completely on his own terms.
assistinghands.com/135/texas/nesanantonio | 210-405-4059
(Responses edited for length and clarity.)
What was your life like before you started working with Assisting Hands?
About a year ago, I started losing my strength in my legs, and I was falling quite frequently. My daughter and my son-in-law noticed I was having these falls and wondered what the heck was going on. They put me in the hospital because my blood pressure was going up and down.
At that time, my speech was getting bad, too. I was really mumbling. So I had that, and my blood pressure was off, and I couldn’t walk. I knew I needed help, but we didn’t know what was going on.
How did you find Assisting Hands?
My daughter and son-in-law called Assisting Hands, and Nancy came to the house for an interview. I liked that they took the time to get to know us and get to know me, so I thought, “Okay, I'll give it a try.”
What do you think of the care you receive?
Since I've been working with them for almost a year, I have enjoyed them. I mean, they're great. They know what they're doing. They know their job, period. Nancy and her team are very helpful. They help make sure I’m taking my medication. They help me get dressed sometimes, but not lately. I've been dressing myself now.
When they arrive, and I'm drinking my coffee, they ask me how I feel, how I slept, and if I have any pains or anything. I feel like they really care. They are understanding, and they take their time. I get along with them great. They're here for this purpose, and they give me a lot of confidence. I'm grateful for that.
How is your life better now?
It's been a little over a year, and they're making sure that I'm using my walker or my wheelchair. When we started, I had to use a wheelchair. Then I finally started walking with a walker. My rehabilitation therapist often asks me what my goal is, and I tell them I intend to get rid of this dadgum walker and wheelchair. I haven’t fallen in quite a while, and my therapist says my legs are getting stronger. My doctor has noticed that too. I want to be walking on my own, and I feel like I’m close to it now.
Recently, my Assisting Hands caregiver suggested we go outside for a walk down one of the streets in my neighborhood. This was about three or four weeks ago. We had to make frequent stops where we’d rest for about five minutes and then start walking again.
Well, yesterday was a major accomplishment for me. We used to have to stop three or four times before we made it to the end of the block. But this time, we only stopped twice on the whole trip—once going up there, and once coming back. I was proud of myself.
That’s how I feel with Assisting Hands. Why should I worry about things that I know I can accomplish? I know I’m going to walk… that’s my goal. I have confidence in myself; I believe in myself. I just want to get my feet out there, walking around, and do this on my own.
“I have confidence in myself; I believe in myself. I just want to get my feet out there, walking around, and do this on my own.”