“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

We’ve been at Highlands Health and Rehab for a week now. THANK GOD!!

I’ve hit a little on our 15 week UAB stay here and there, but I feel like it’s time to put it all out there.

Our stay at UAB began in the super early hours of May 3. After Mom found Ricky lying in his shop, he was transported to Highlands, where it was determined that he had suffered a stroke and a heart attack. It was also discovered that he had a large blood clot (thrombus) in his heart. UAB attempted a thrombectomy to remove the clot in his brain that had come from his heart and caused the stroke. The attempt was unsuccessful. My brother was placed on a ventilator during the surgery. He remained unconscious for approximately 2 days and then was awoken and making great recovery. Within 48 hours of the stroke, life-saving measures, or the lack thereof, were discussed. I consistently explained that our family was praying and having faith that he would recover, even though the doctors could not give him blood thinners to remove the clot. On the following Thursday, Ricky suffered an additional stroke, leaving him again paralyzed even more. The thrombectomy was successful. Days went by where we were asked multiple times the goal of care, and our answer never wavered. Being Ricky's power of attorney, the answer had to come from me. However, many times doctors would wait until I left the room and attempt to scare my mother with what may happen or what might not happen in Ricky's recovery. The final time was when Dr. Ekaterina Bakradze got in my face and told me how heartbreaking it was to see my brother unresponsive and that there was no hope, that my brother had coded the night before, although my sister and I were in his room all night (it wasn't true), and that UAB could not continue to waste their resources on keeping him alive. I stood firm on what I was praying for and told her to continue care and that God would handle the rest. That evening, a scan was done, and the blood clot had disappeared from his heart. The clot didn't disburse to his brain and didn't go to his liver as they told us would be the case if it left his heart.

During this time, my family and I had done a survey in the waiting area. Out of 8 families, seven of us were told to remove all care and do a "compassionate" death with palliative care. UAB is known for its outstanding care; however, if this continues, one day they'll be known for their death rate. We were then contacted by a case manager. She explained that due to my brother's lack of insurance, they would be looking for charity care. I explained to her that the lady, Barbara, had been by, and I had filled out the emergency Medicaid papers. Barbara visited me this same week and told me she had forgotten to send in the application. She finally filed the papers on June 5 . My only option at that time was to take Ricky to my home in Scottsboro, according to the caseworker. Initially, I agreed. However, I soon realized I would not be able to handle the level of care he needed, and I wanted Ricky to get some therapy, something that finally began on the eve of the six-week anniversary of hell beginning for our family. On Tuesday, May 27 or May 28, a meeting was held with the Nurse Manager, my brother's neurologists, the case workers, my mom, my sister, and myself. It was my understanding that Ricky would remain hospitalized until Medicaid was started, as I had reached out to Senator Steve Livingston's office and Congressman Dale Strong's office for assistance. Ricky's Trach would also need to be mature prior to him being placed in a facility. In fact, medically, Ricky wasn't ready to be released, so the option of taking Ricky home wasn’t even really ever on the table. I messaged Mia, my case worker, on May 29 and requested that records be sent to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago for the possibility of a Locked In Syndrome study. She refused, stating that they don't take charity care and that it sounded like I wanted a second opinion. None of which was true. I was honestly in shock at how upset she was that I asked for records to be sent elsewhere. Even though I wasn’t asking for a second opinion… I always thought it was a right we had.

On May 30 at approximately 4 p.m. a Jackson County DHR worker appeared at UAB. She stated that she had received a report of abuse and had to lay eyes on my brother. The report stated that my brother was in a vegetative state, brain dead, and that I refused to "take him home to die". The Jackson County worker was in shock because my brother was watching me walk through the room as she stood there. A clear sign of brain activity. The following morning, I spoke to my brother's neurologist, who stated that she had no idea where the UAB case manager had received the information that my brother was brain dead or in a vegetative state. She also confirmed that I was never asked to "take my brother home to die." I immediately contacted UAB's patient advocates to file a complaint and requested to speak to Mia's supervisor. On Tuesday, June 3, after not receiving a call from the supervisor, although patient advocacy had contacted me, I contacted the supervisor. I asked why it was okay for a worker to file a false report with a state agency. She responded, “Well, we had a plan, and you asked her to contact a Chicago hospital, did you not?” I agreed and tried explaining that I will always do what I can to help my brother recover. She raised her voice and stated, "We are going to follow through." I then called the Nurse Manager, apologized if there was a miscommunication, and explained that I would not attempt to find help for my brother until he's out of UAB's care, since it caused a DHR complaint to be filed. I didn't hear from anyone regarding facilities or going forward for days.

On June 8 we were moved to the 8th floor step down unit.

On Wednesday, June 11, my mother, my sister, two Nurse Managers, and two Case Manager Supervisors met with a Patient Advocate. The meeting was just to reiterate to the case managers that we would remain at UAB until my brother's trach was matured, his insurance had begun, and a facility was available. Not once was my family apologized to for the false report being filed, although the case manager supervisor did state she called DHR in an attempt to redact the false report. The case manager is still roaming the halls daily. The Case Manager Supervisor informed me that over 40 referrals had been sent out. We agreed that we would attempt placement in Scottsboro/ Jackson County/ Marshall County/ Madison County, and Dekalb County. I was also informed that our first choice, Highland's Health and Rehab, had been contacted with a referral. However, they were not. I informed them, and one was sent on June 13. However, the information sent to Highlands stated my brother was on a ventilator. Something that was removed two weeks prior.

By June 13 Ricky only required oxygen at 25 percent, and would soon go to room air. That morning when I arrived I met my new case manager, who informed me that there were only two facilities who will take Ricky.... How, two days ago we were on our way with a plan. I reached out to the Case Manager Supervisor who was going to call me back... I say all of this to explain, this is an absolutely ridiculous way for families in these situations to be treated. On June 13, I reached out to the UAB Board of Directors, the UAB CEO and the Governor and requested that I feel that an investigation be done on case workers filing false reports to State agencies. I felt it was that I was having to consistently backtrack and investigate anything I was told just to be sure that the correct information was being sent, if it was being sent at all, to facilities. At this point I realized I would have to consistently fight for my brother's right to live, the chance to heal and to ensure he would recieve proper long term care. On June 21, after filing multiple complaints about Ricky not being turned, we were again moved, this time to the 7th floor of UAB Women’s and Infants hospital.

Following the move we were back to no physical, speech or occupational therapy because Ricky “won't respond to them”. Another thing that's bothersome because the first 3 months after a stroke are the most crucial and many other providers will do therapy even without responses. While communication and comprehension are important aspects of rehabilitation, physical therapy remains vital for stroke recovery, even for patients who cannot follow commands effectively. Therapists are equipped to adapt their methods and provide beneficial support in these situations My family and I purchased robotic hands and did leg movement with him daily since UAB would not. While on the 8th floor we went 6 hours without a nurse coming in so we are also fighting a large area of skin breakdown. I had to explain to a nurse that wound care didn't want the area covered and she argued that the diaper she had on him wasn't a covering. Ricky raised himself up in the bed and took control of his head , it was reported to the doctor who stated, “ that’s for the next facility to deal with.” The followoing rotated in physician insisted I drive to Birmingham with the video and after watching stated "There's nothing we can do about that maybe the next facility can do something." I then sent the video of him having control of his head to the neuro team who previously cared for him and explained that I didn't know who else to report it to. The response given by Dr. Ekaterina Bakradze was "Hi, I am no longer taking care of Mr. Young. From what I can see, his doctor currently is listed as Dr. Richard Barrett. Take care. Dr. B"

I don't expect a solution from UAB but I feel it's important that what's going on within the walls of that hospital are recognized.

Senator Livingston and Strong promptly responded and attempted to help us out by putting me in contact with Medicaid and Disability. While attempting to get released we had several issues with secretions. I spent weeks explaining to every doctor that Ricky has and has always had terrible sinus issues and allergy issues. I began styding and found that a swallowing valve called the passy muir may help but that was dismissed.

On July 8 a meeting was held regarding Ricky’s care. The outcome has still not been communicated to me.

On July 9 I was supposed to have a meeting with physical therapy, occupations theray and speech therapy. I confirmed they would be in that day, drove to Birmingham to meet with them, but they never showed. On Monday, I was told they would be doing the occlusion trial on Tuesday, so my sister and brother in law drove down… guess what … they forgot to come in yet again. On July 20, I met with the speech therapist who did the occlussion/capping trial. The moment Ricky’s trach was capped, he felt the breath in his mouth and it was amazing to watch. His oxygen shot up to 100 percent immediately and it remained. His heart rate and blood pressure didn’t move. All remaining steady and stable. I was told that these trials would continue and as soon as he could tolerate 24 continuous hours, his trache would be removed. The manager explained that he would come to Ricky’s room daily to do the trials until he could tollerate. I found out that occlusion trials/ swallowing valve/ speaking valve trials had not been done or even attempted for an entire week, they forgot… just as they had done on July 9th and July 13.

My breaking point with the 7th floor came when I arrived back to UAB on the following Thursday to find my brother hadn't been bathed in days. He smelled like he had been living on the streets for months. I immediately contacted the nurse and bathed him myself. After realizing that the blue sleeves to prevent blood clots were on upside down compressing his shin instead of his calf I requested to speak to someone with patient advocacy since this had happened multiple times. I was told no one was there or available for me to speak to and the charge nurse would contact me. A boot was placed on his right foot due to lack of mobility excercising causing Rikcky to develope drop foot. He was also not being wedged up properly. His humidity bottle was empty and remained that way for two days.

The following week, we had the same issues so I went to Guest Services, who sent me to the Emergency Room to speak to someone. The ER workers had no clue what I was talking about. Eventually I recieved a 2 a.m. call from a gentleman on call with patient advocacy. He left and went to the hospital himself.

A note was entered on Wednesday, July 25 by the trach team stating Ricky had failed the occlusion test on the previous Friday. He passed that with flying colors as I was in the room during the testing. When I brought it up to the case manager , suddenly the note was changed making me wonder if he was even actually seen. I was also then contacted by speech who performed yet another test for over an hour that he passed. She told me speech had attempted several times throughout the week to do the testing. However when I told her I had called each day multiple times and no attempts had been made, she changed her story as well and stated they have "forgotten" . More wasted weeks and more incompetence in regards to care and rehabilitation. The entire weekend continued downhill. On Saturday I arrived around 11:40 a.m. I stepped out around 3 and returned around 4. Ricky was not turned as ordered every two hours by wound care, until I brought it to his nurses attention. Myself the nurse and a family member turned him around 5:15 pm. As I was coming out that evening I stopped and spoke to the nurse manager. Who quite honestly stared at me like I was stupid. I explained my concerns. I explained that a nurse on Thursday told me that since Ricky can't speak I should remain in his room 24/7. That would be amazing but after 15 weeks, while having a career and raising children it's impossible. This supervisor stated , "I'll speak to the turn team" this is the same thing I was told the previous weekend when I complained. Along with the basic lack of medical care the nurses began removing Ricky’s secretion patch at the beginning of their shift so that he would have secretions and they wouldn't have to place the speaking swallowing valve during their shift.. another delay in healing. The Monday prior to our release the doctor found out and was irate.

On weeks 14/15 a new fight began. We were moved to the West wing of UAB..

I was told that Ricky needed Medicaid prior to being released. I literally did their job and made phone calls, turned in hundreds of documents, begged and pleaded. Ricky got Medicaid. The case worker then told me it was the incorrect kind and that he needed full medicaid. I found out that he had hospital medicaid because Barbara from the beginning of the stay had turned in the wrong application. More calls, more begging. Within 4 hours Ricky had full Medicaid. The next day, I was called and told that Ricky now needed Nursing Home medicaid.. Medicaid responded, “ I have no clue what they’re doing at UAB, no one gets Nursing Home medicaid until they’re in a nursing home. “ FINALLY on August 12 we escaped.

At what point does UAB take this seriously ? At what point does it become scary that this many mistakes have occurred in 12 weeks with just one patient ? At what point do they send someone in to check on those who have no one to advocate. Although UAB has put me through hell , filed false reports and fails to provide basic care, I will continue until something is done.

Throughout our 15 week stay, I had to fight for the little bit of PT we did get; I had to fight for medicaid; I was told his bedsore was healing, when in fact it was not; For two months, actually ten week, we paid for rooms totalling a minimum of $1200 per week, only to find out and be offered, on July 7th the day prior to the meeting regarding Ricky’s care, that there were options available for families, options that would have cost only $140 per week. There are so many things, so much more, but I’ll end with this for tonight.

Let’s move on to where we are now. We are at Highlands Health and Rehab. They are miraculous. Angels, every single one of them. I walked into the facility the week prior to move in unannounced because I had a question. There was no look of surprise, no worry, no “ Oh, you’re Heather.” They were welcoming, happy to see me and excited for my brother to arrive, and the smell, it was clean. They immediately began a plan for him to regain the 40 pounds he lost at UAB.

On Tuesday, Cody Rhodes and Clint Wright from Echo Fire and Rescue arrived, loaded Ricky up… cared for him like he was their brother and we got out of there. These guys were the real deal. Professional, caring, completely different than the care we’d just experienced. We arrived a little before 4 p.m. in the middle of a thunder storm to Highlands. Pulling into the parkign lot during a downpour, the ambulance driver carefully maneuvered the ambulance under an awning to keep Ricky dry. HHR staff met us outside, excited, ready to begin caring for Ricky. They began with the typical cheking him out. They then bathed him, with soap and water. Ricky had not been bathed, only wiped with wipes in 15 weeks. They cleaned him up and removed weeks of triad off of his bedsore for what seemed like hours. He was wiped out afterward, relaxed, content. The staff at HH made him feel like a person, a person who matters. That evening I sat in his room and watched as he slept like a baby, deeply.

Our community often takes local healthcare for granted, myself included. Until May 2, I truly believed that to receive the necessary care, you had to travel far from Jackson County. I had heard and seen countless stories about how the emergency room was slow, how the staff didn’t seem knowledgeable. However, the reality is quite different. The doctor at HH saved my brother’s life. Within just two hours, my brother secured a bed at UAB—not because he chose it, but because I made that decision on his behalf. HH provided hope, expertise, and genuine care when it mattered most. While it may be true that we don’t have a vast number of specialty doctors nearby, HH delivers exactly what our community needs: love, knowledge, and compassionate care.

For 15 weeks, I spent half of each week in Birmingham, and during that time, I made a point to call a minimum of four times a day whenever I was home. Despite this commitment, after those 15 weeks, our family felt like nothing more than just a number. There was a complete lack of communication with us and within the different hospital departments, a lack of compassion, no meaningful relationships developed with any of the employees at the facility, and there wasn’t even the most basic level of human care extended to us. However, in just one week at HHR, we have received everything that was missing at UAB and so much more. We have regained peace of mind, knowing that the employees at HHR truly care for Ricky as if he were family. They push him to reach goals they believe he can achieve one day, and they cheer him on every step of the way—going far beyond the basic expectations of care. This isn’t something you’re going to find at a facility who can get you in and out in ten minutes. After being tortured for 15 weeks, I will never take our small-town healthcare for granted again. If it means a 2-hour wait, I’ll wait. Gods got it anyway !

Please continue to pray for Ricky and our family ! Gods not done.