From left: Timothy O’Connor, Margaret Rafferty, Vanassa Wills, LCSW, and Joyce Fogel, MD.
Margaret Rafferty has advanced degrees in nursing and years of experience caring for patients with dementia, but when it comes to caring for her own mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, she appreciates the support and guidance she has received from Mount Sinai Doctors Senior Health.
Margaret, who is Chair of the Nursing Department at the City College of Technology, says her team at Senior Health was instrumental in helping her and her husband, Timothy O’Connor, navigate the challenges of her mother’s care. She is “eternally grateful” to Vanassa Wills, LCSW, for her “deep understanding of how devastating dementia is to both the patient and family.”
Margaret says Vanassa’s assistance helped ensure that her mother could remain at home and avoid institutional placement. She also credits Joyce Fogel, MD, Chief of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, for recommending valuable therapies, additional testing, and just as important, support groups for Margaret and her husband that eased the stress of caregiving. “Vanassa’s and Dr. Fogel’s care has had a profound impact on our lives, and my mother’s life,” Margaret says.
Vanassa is thankful for the opportunity to be a valued resource for families who need such help. “It is gratifying when they realize that they are no longer managing their loved one’s care alone—that we are committed partners in their caregiving journey.” Adds Dr. Fogel, “Our goal is to make sure caregivers are heard, and all of their needs are met.”