Eight years ago, Gaye Rosado’s life changed permanently when
she suffered three brain aneurysms.
As Gaye received medical attention, her husband, Johnny, was
the one to tell her the doctor’s diagnosis.
“I never even heard of a brain aneurysm until Johnny told me
that I had one,” the former business owner said.
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| Gaye Rosado |
A brain aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the brain
bulges or balloons. If an aneurysm leaks or ruptures, it causes bleeding into
the brain, which can destroy or damage brain cells.
The experience took a heavy physical toll on her body.
“Gaye lost all mobility. She thought she was normal, but she
wasn’t,” Johnny said. “She was so lost.”
Johnny, who works a full-time job, knew his wife needed a
rehabilitation center and safe place to go during the day while he was at work.
With assistance from the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Aging and
Adult Services, Gaye began participating in the adult day health program at The
Ballington Center in June 2015.
A safe, caring space
Located in Shreveport, The Ballington Center serves adults
ages 18 and older who need supervision or interaction during the day. The
Office of Aging and Adult Services contracts with Volunteers of America North
Louisiana to run the center.
The center’s adult day health program helps clients and
their families have a safe, caring and loving environment to come to during the
day. It serves clients who are not yet ready for nursing home care, but may not
be able to be left alone at home during the day.
Services available at the center include an on-site nurse,
exercise and games, arts and crafts, daily devotionals, meals and snacks,
referral to other social services, and transportation to and from the center.
New lease on life
When Gaye first arrived at the center she spent many days
sitting and staring at the wall, but soon she began to settle in and enjoy her
time there. She loves to read, work on crossword puzzles, exercise and
socialize with the friends she has made.
Gaye is also “paying it forward,” as she said, by helping a
fellow client of the center, a man who experienced a brain aneurysm. She said
helping another person who has been through an experience similar to hers
helped her stay mentally and physically active. Johnny agreed, saying he
couldn’t be more proud of his wife.
Gaye spends three days a week at the center and the other
days at home with her husband. Johnny said the center is a blessing to him and
Gaye, providing them both with peace of mind.
“I don’t have to sit and worry about her safety every day,”
Johnny said.
Learn more about The Ballington Center here.
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