In Sickness and in Health
An amazing couple from Brick has what it takes to see them through life’s difficulties. But when they needed specialized care for a series of medical issues, they welcomed Meridian At Home in their home.

Nothing is going to tear asunder the incredible union of Anne and Martin Hayes, not when Meridian At Home is on call to meet their health needs, in their own home and in their own time.

No one can accuse Anne and Martin Hayes of not taking their wedding vows seriously. After 65 years of marriage (65!), the couple has certainly seen their share of better and worse, of richer and poorer, of sickness and health. But this happy couple’s secret to success lies not so much in weathering the ups and downs as in turning the downs into ups.

The First Setback
Five years ago, Anne suffered a stroke. She was immediately taken to Ocean Medical Center, where she received what she calls "first-rate care." When it was time to be discharged, Anne and her family decided she’d be happier recuperating at home, with her beloved husband, than in a rehabilitation facility, yet they knew she’d need the proper care and therapy to do so. Without hesitation, daughter Linda says, the family turned to Meridian At Home: "After such a positive experience at Ocean Medical Center, we trusted Meridian Health. We knew their home health aide program was respected among health care professionals and the community."

The choice proved to be a sound one, for Anne fully recovered from the speech and physical impairment that resulted from her stroke. Anne’s Meridian At Home therapists, aides, and nurses worked diligently with her throughout the rehabilitation process, and now, in Martin’s words, "She’s just perfect!" With a bit of time, a healthy dose of positive thinking, and a whole lot of determination, Anne emerged from the experience with her characteristic dedication and commitment intact.

The Second Hurdle
But the pair’s resiliency would be tested yet again just three years later, when Martin also suffered a stroke. In an all-too-familiar scenario to the family, he too was rushed to Ocean Medical Center, where he received a "clot buster" drug, a type of heart medication given intravenously to break up blood clots. Still, Martin’s stroke left him without the ability to move on his right side and without the ability to speak. "I couldn’t even move my fingers," Martin shares.

Martin received his rehabilitative therapy at Shore Rehabilitation Institute (SRI). "I worked my fanny off at Shore Rehab," Martin says. "When the therapist told me to walk five steps, I’d walk ten. I was determined to go home." Martin attributes his resolve to his lifelong competitive streak, most evident in his younger days as an above-average bowler and all-around successful athlete.

Just like his wife’s determination, Martin’s worked in his favor. After only three weeks at SRI, he was able to go home. "The doctors and nurses could not believe how far I had come," he proudly adds.

Back at Home with Meridian Upon Martin’s return home, he too benefited from the expert assistance of Meridian At Home. As Linda explains, "My mother was so successful with the home health aides that our family didn’t have to think twice about using the same service for our dad." Martin’s Meridian At Home therapists guided him through his speech, physical, and occupational therapy, and his nurses oversaw his new medication regime.

Together, the whole team ensured that all of Martin’s activities of daily living were carried out successfully. And although he still has a little way to go with this speech therapy, he’s clearly glad to be back home and back to his old self.

And so, when the long-married couple hit another snag just last year, they faced it with their usual optimism and determination…and their now-established trust in both Meridian Health and Meridian At Home. Anne’s TIA (transient ischemic attack, or "mini-stroke") in September 2006 was once again treated at Ocean Medical Center, and after a few days, she was discharged home to once again rely on the high-quality care of Meridian At Home. Happily, once again, Anne has enjoyed a speedy recovery with her home health aides by her side.

Always by her side, as well, of course, is Martin. After celebrating such a noteworthy wedding anniversary, the two are simply celebrating their life together — enjoying each other’s company, traveling to Atlantic City, and loving every minute spent with their 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

– Laura Buffum