There When it Matters: Sandi Karlson's Story

When Sandi Karlson moved to Cary about five years ago, she was ready for a new chapter.

Originally from suburban Philadelphia, Sandi spent 32 years teaching art. When she left the classroom, retirement didn’t quite stick. She became a travel agent and, as she puts it, “I traveled for 18 years visiting the places I used to teach about.”

She continued working until 2020, helping clients navigate canceled trips and insurance claims as the COVID-19 pandemic brought travel to a halt. Eventually, she decided it was time to retire for real and enjoy her new community at Carolina Preserve, where she could take advantage of programs, speakers, musical performances and other activities.

Shortly after she moved to North Carolina, Sandi also became of member of ThriveMore at Home.

At first, Sandi viewed membership as preparation for a future that still felt far away.

“I moved here to be someplace when I was old and I bought into ThriveMore at Home for my old age,” she said. “I didn’t think my old age would come so soon!”

But when Sandi experienced an unexpected health challenge earlier this year, ThriveMore at Home quickly became much more than a plan for the future.

A trusted guide when plans change

During a challenging period that included hospital stays, rehabilitation and eventually a return home, Sandi and her two sons, Dale and Phil, suddenly found themselves navigating unfamiliar decisions about care, recovery and next steps.

That’s when ThriveMore at Home Executive Director Lynne Moore and Membership Counselor Jeanne Kline became especially important to their family.

Lynne helped Sandi's sons understand their mother’s options and identify questions they could ask as decisions were being made. Jeanne helped arrange services and coordinate the support Sandi would need when she returned home.

“Literally, Lynne was a life saver,” Sandi said of one particularly difficult transition.

Her son Dale Karlson remembers that support just as vividly.

“Words cannot describe how thankful our family is for the above-and-beyond care and support we received through Thrive More at Home, and from Lynne and Jeanne in particular,” he wrote.

For Dale, one of the greatest values was knowing that the family didn't have to figure everything out alone.

“There were countless texts, phone calls, check-ins, and conversations between Lynne, Jeanne, and our family,” he said. “We genuinely felt as though they were by our side through the entire experience.”

That support extended beyond phone calls. Lynne and Jeanne helped the family navigate conversations with care providers, understand options and advocate for what Sandi needed before she returned home.

“My sons are forever grateful for her help guiding them with options that they would not have known were out there for them,” Sandi said.

Helping Sandi return to the place she loves

For Sandi, the goal wasn't simply getting through a difficult stretch. It was getting back home safely and confidently.

Once she did, ThriveMore at Home continued helping coordinate the support she needed there.

“Jeanne has been very good with working with me with getting the people to come in, and the agency that they use has sent high-quality workers,” Sandi said. “They really care for the patient.”

For Dale and the rest of the family, that coordination offered something equally valuable: peace of mind.

“Once she was finally able to return home, that same level of coordination and care continued, giving our family tremendous peace of mind knowing that she was safe, well cared for, and able to recover in her own home,” Dale said.

Today, Sandi is doing well enough that she jokes she has become accustomed to having a little extra help around the house. But she also knows ThriveMore at Home will be there if her needs change again.

The ongoing relationship matters to her. She appreciates the regular check-ins from Lynne and Jeanne and, even more, knowing she can reach out when she has a question.

“They are very much available,” Sandi said. “And Lynne’s background as a nurse has been helpful to me and my sons to ask for guidance.”

Someone in your corner

Sandi said she once thought of ThriveMore at Home membership almost like long-term care insurance, something she could put in place now and rely on if she ever needed it.

Her experience has given that idea a much more personal meaning.

For members like Sandi, ThriveMore at Home is not only about services. It's about having people who know you, understand your goals and can help you and your family navigate the moments when you aren't quite sure what comes next.

Dale summed up what that meant to his family:

“I could go on and on, but our family was absolutely blown away by the level of compassion, advocacy, and personal care provided by Thrive More at Home. We will be forever grateful.”

Sandi has her own way of describing it.

“It’s sort of like having a life guard, having Lynne and Jeanne — they’re a much appreciated support.”

For someone who joined ThriveMore at Home years before she expected to really need it, that reassurance has made all the difference.

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