Life can change in a moment: A caregiver’s story of strength and hope

On a foggy September day nearly 10 years ago, Lorne and Barb Redmond’s lives changed in an instant. 

During a visit to Lorne’s family farm in Colchester County, he suffered an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. This left him permanently paralyzed on his right side. 

Lorne was first admitted to Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, then transferred to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, closer to their home in Liverpool. He spent five months recovering in hospital, including time in rehab. 

Nearly 300 people visited Lorne in the hospital to support the couple—something Barb still speaks about with deep gratitude. “We could not have gotten through this without the love and support of family and friends,” she says. “I could feel the beautiful energy coming from these people.” 

The couple retired about 10 years before Lorne’s stroke and were well known in their community. Lorne taught industrial arts and technology at Liverpool Regional High School, and Barb taught Grades 4-6 and later worked as a resource teacher at Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy in Liverpool. 

Lorne and Barb had expected to continue enjoying a quiet retirement. Instead, they suddenly stepped into the world of hospitals, rehabilitation and caregiving. Lorne requires care 24 hours a day. He cannot speak and does very little on his own. His vision has also been affected by macular degeneration, and he lives with atrial fibrillation.  

“I realized that the life we knew had changed in a heartbeat, but I chose to focus on what we have, not what we lost,” she explains. Barb’s advice to others facing similar situations is, “You will grieve, and you need to be prepared for that.” 

Barb believes the best place for Lorne is at home. “My husband and I have been together for 51 years, and it would break my heart if he had to go into long-term care,” she says. “I know every detail of his daily life—what clothes he likes, which TV shows he enjoys and what helps him feel calm and connected.” 

Their journey to keep Lorne at home has not been easy. They had to sell their heritage home in the heart of Liverpool for a more modern, accessible home about five minutes outside of town. They were also unsure what services were available through the health system to support Lorne at home. 

Barb and Lorne were connected to Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care, which helped them navigate the home care services they could access. Barb, with help from four caregivers funded through Continuing Care, support Lorne at home with everything from getting dressed, to meals and light housekeeping. 

Barb worries about what will happen if her own health declines. Although the couple receives some respite support at home through Continuing Care, longer-term facility-based respite care is limited in their community. She is hopeful this will change. “We have to look after ourselves so we can give to someone else,” she says. 

Barb says she holds onto what matters most…being together and part of their community. The couple continues to welcome visitors to their home and enjoy meals with family and friends.  

Barb receives calls regularly from others asking the same questions she once had: Who can help? What services are available? How do you get support? Barb’s advice to other caregivers is to “push on and don’t give up.” She also recommends visiting the Caregivers Nova Scotia website for more information. “I found the Caregiver’s Handbook so helpful and such a marvellous resource”. 

If you or someone you know needs help to stay at the place they call home, Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care can help. Call 1-800-225-7225 or visit www.nshealth.ca/continuing-care for more information about programs and services. 

Photo of Lorne and Barb Redmond.