Care & Emotional Support for Laura Seitz in Nursing Home
Donation protected
Our loving, brilliant, funny, beautiful, cheeky, laughing Laura found herself experiencing headaches and some dizziness in late 2024, and received a diagnosis of brain cancer.
After diligently working with her family and doctors, Laura was presented with a choice:
1) undergo brain surgery and then use both chemo and radiation treatments to lengthen her life, or
2) live a shorter life with no treatment.
It’s no surprise that Laura chose to fight and opt for the surgery. Her courage and positive determination got her through the difficult operation, yet the outcome was devastating. Laura will not be undergoing chemo or radiation treatments. Laura is currently unable to walk, speak or eat on her own.
Laura is currently located in a skilled nursing facility receiving care and undergoing physical and occupational therapy. When visiting Laura she lights up, and is engaging with her eyes and loves to hold hands. She’s begun to respond to therapy and show improvement with her speech and hand movements, and we believe she does recognize her visitors. You can even get a smile and laugh out of her when sharing stories.
With family out of state, and limited visitors, her care plan while in the facility has limited supervision and advocacy. With Laura unable to speak, the caregiver is a critical component of her continued care.
Laura is an HSP (highly sensitive person). She actually taught many of us about the need to balance and use our emotional intelligence when making business and life decisions!
Funds from this campaign will be used for paid care, that will focus her CARE PLAN on her highly acute mental, spiritual and emotional needs.
The caregiver will:
- "Observe" daily medical and non-medical tasks. Note any concerns or questions about care, or any positive actions observed.
- Advocate for Laura’s needs with the facility staff. Be her voice.
- Provide companionship and stimulation for Laura.
- Provide physical contact as needed for comfort and emotional support. Laura is a great hand-holder!
- Engage Laura in activities eg her fidget blanket, drawing or writing, looking at photos and cards, reading to her.
- Add to the level/frequency of some personal care given by facility staff as needed, eg trim/clean fingernails, apply lip balm or lotion, brush hair, etc.
While we don’t know how long we have left with Laura, this fundraiser provides an opportunity for her family and friends to financially participate in a dignified care plan that will advocate for her while she remains with us.
If you would like to visit Laura, she is located at:
Brentwood Health Care Center
Address: 1321 Franklin St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Hours: Open 24 hours - you can visit anytime! Masks are encouraged.
Thank you, for the love of Laura.
Organizer
Gloria Cannon
Organizer
Santa Monica, CA